Hawaii Makua Beach

North of Waianae, along the Farrington Highway at the mouth of the Makua Valley, is a beautiful white-sand beach that remains largely unknown to tourists. Still, it was used as the main setting for the 1965 movie “Hawaii,” starring Julie Andrews.

Makua Beach is a pocket of mile-long white sand beach that curves between two peaks, earning it the nickname “Twin Pinnacles.” It has an interesting coastline, with a width that varies seasonally. Although the shoreline is 200 feet wide, its width reduces during the winter when high waves erode the beach. During the summer months, the sand accumulates and the coast widens again.

Like other beaches in the lee of Oahu, Makua Beach is characterized by dangerous waves, especially during the winter. Not protected by an artificial breakwater or a natural reef, its beach is steep. Its powerful breakers, rip currents, long inshore currents and rip currents are not for the faint of heart or the amateurs.

However, during the calm summer months, Makua Beach is a wonderful place to snorkel. With easy sandy beach entry, 15-50 foot visibility, and abundant marine life including Moorish Idols, Giant Parrotfish, Barracuda, Dolphins, and Humpback Whales, Makua Beach is a rare gem.

But while it’s pristine, it’s not completely intact. On the shore, there is a rock where surfers used to gather in the 1960s. During that period, young surfers had a phrase called “Pray for Surf”, where they pray to the kahuna of the sun and the surf for good conditions. of waves. One day, locals were shocked to see “Pray for Sex” graffiti painted on the rock. The marks were indelible and the phrase was engraved. The rock came to be known as the “Pray for Sex” rock and Makua Beach is known locally as the “Pray for Sex” beach.

Services and amenities: no lifeguards, no facilities

5 Unique Things About Makua Beach

• Kaneana Cave located south of the beach is named after the Hawaiian god Kane. The Cave is, According to a Legend, the Womb from which Humanity Emerged.
• Makua Beach is the main setting for the 1965 James Mitchener film “Hawaii” starring Julie Andrews.
• The beach has two nicknames: “Twin Pinnacles” and “Pray for sex” Beach.
• Makua, in Hawaiian, means “father”.
• According to Hawaiian songs, Makua is the home of gods and demi-gods.