Keawaula Beach, known locally as Yokohama Bay, marks the end of Farrington Highway on Oahu's remote Waianae Coast where pavement gives way to the rugged Kaena Point Trail. The beach takes its nickname from the Oahu Railway and Land Company that operated trains along this coast in the early 1900s, with Yokohama being the final station before the tracks turned toward Kaena Point, named either for the large Japanese fishing community that frequented the area or for the railway's resemblance to Japan's Yokohama Line. This undeveloped white sand beach stretches nearly a mile along the leeward coastline, backed by the arid Waianae Mountains and fronted by open ocean unprotected by offshore reefs. The beach's isolation at the literal end of the road preserves its wild character where Hawaiian monk seals occasionally haul out to rest, spinner dolphins cruise nearshore waters, and green sea turtles forage in rocky areas at the bay's southern end. The area holds cultural significance as the approach to Kaena Point, considered one of the most sacred sites in Hawaiian tradition where souls are believed to leap into the afterlife. Today Keawaula attracts experienced beachgoers, fishermen, and hikers starting the five-mile round trip trek to Kaena Point State Park along Oahu's northwest tip.
Swimming conditions at Keawaula Beach vary dramatically by season and require ocean experience and caution year-round. Summer months from May through September offer the calmest conditions when the ocean occasionally flattens enough for experienced swimmers to enjoy the clear turquoise water, though swimmers should stay near shore as the bottom drops off steeply creating powerful currents in deeper water. Winter brings massive northwest swells from November through March that generate dangerous shore break, powerful rip currents, and surf reaching 15 to 20 feet that makes ocean entry extremely hazardous even for strong swimmers. The beach lacks protective offshore reefs, leaving it fully exposed to ocean swells and creating unpredictable conditions that can change rapidly. Snorkeling is possible during calm summer days near the rock jetty at the bay's southern end where calmer water allows viewing of tropical fish, octopus, and occasional sea turtles, though visibility varies and currents require constant awareness. Lifeguards patrol the beach during daylight hours, but the remote location means emergency response times are significantly longer than urban beaches. The steep drop-off and shore-breaking waves create hazardous conditions even on seemingly calm days. Only experienced ocean swimmers familiar with reading surf and current conditions should enter the water at Keawaula.
Access Keawaula Beach by driving Farrington Highway to its terminus, approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Waikiki or 30 minutes north of Ko Olina. From Honolulu, take H-1 West toward Pearl City, exit onto Farrington Highway, and continue through Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, and Makaha until the road ends at Yokohama Bay. The beach has a gravel parking lot near the sand with ample spaces where vehicles remain visible from the beach, though the isolated location experiences higher rates of vehicle break-ins requiring valuables to be secured or removed. City buses do not service this remote location, making personal vehicles the only practical access method. Amenities include restrooms and outdoor showers at the parking area, though water is non-potable. No food, water, or supplies are available at the beach, requiring visitors to pack everything needed for the day including drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, and beach gear. The nearest stores and restaurants are 15 minutes south in Makaha and Waianae. Bring beach umbrellas or pop-up shelters as natural shade is minimal. The Kaena Point hiking trail begins at the northern end of the parking area for those seeking the coastal trek to the point's albatross nesting colonies and cultural sites.
Dining options concentrate in Waianae and Makaha, 15 to 20 minutes south. Aloha Poke in Waianae serves some of Oahu's freshest poke bowls with diverse flavor combinations, plus Hawaiian plate lunches featuring pipikaula dried beef and laulau steamed pork that draw customers from across the island. Countryside Cafe offers local-style comfort food for breakfast and lunch with outstanding loco moco, fried rice, and generous portions. Hannara Restaurant serves Hawaiian-Korean fusion cuisine with affordable prices and family-sized portions. Coquitos Restaurant brings Puerto Rican and Latin flavors with a Hawaiian twist, featuring mofongo, pernil, and island-inspired dishes. For upscale dining, drive south to Ko Olina where Roy's Restaurant presents Chef Roy Yamaguchi's signature Hawaiian fusion cuisine featuring fresh island seafood, innovative preparations, and waterfront views. 80 Percent What You Eat in Makaha earns local praise for authentic island cooking. Keawaula Beach represents Oahu's undeveloped coastline where the island's wild character persists at the end of the road, offering experienced beachgoers spectacular white sand, clear water on calm days, and connection to the sacred landscape approaching Kaena Point where ancient Hawaiian traditions meet the raw power of the open Pacific Ocean.
