White Plains Beach at Kalaeloa, located on the grounds of the former Barber's Point Naval Air Station, has earned a reputation as one of Oahu's premier beginner-friendly surf spots, where gentle, consistent waves create ideal learning conditions for those taking their first steps into the world of surfing and bodyboarding. The military surrendered the beach property to the State of Hawaii, making it fully accessible to the public under state law, though the beach cottages and surf equipment rental facilities remain restricted to Department of Defense ID holders and veterans with valid VHIC cards. The exposed reef break provides reliable surfing conditions year-round, attracting a diverse mix of longboarders, shortboarders, bodyboarders, stand-up paddleboarders, outrigger canoes, and tandem surf riders throughout the day, creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where all skill levels coexist peacefully in the lineup.
Access to White Plains Beach requires entering through one of two gates—the Makakilo main gate off the H-1 freeway or the Ewa Beach gate at the end of Geiger Road—and while the beach itself is open to everyone, the Surf Shack's equipment rentals including longboards, stand-up paddleboards, bodyboards, and fins are only available to those with military ID or veteran credentials at very reasonable hourly and daily rates. Visitors without military connections must bring their own equipment to enjoy the excellent wave conditions that have made White Plains a favorite among Oahu's surf community. The beach also hosts the HIC All Military Surf Classic each June, bringing together military surfers from across the Pacific for a day of competition and camaraderie. For those seeking under-the-sea adventures, snorkeling equipment can be rented from nearby shops, though on-base rental options are limited to authorized patrons. Dining options on the former base are restricted, but the nearby communities of Ewa Beach and Kapolei offer numerous restaurants including L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Poke Stop, and Monkeypod Kitchen.
The best time to visit White Plains Beach for surfing is during the early morning hours before crowds arrive and when the wind is calmest, typically before 10 a.m., though the beach's south-facing exposure means it can receive swells year-round with summer months often seeing the most consistent conditions. Parking is available in designated lots near the beach, and the facilities include basic restrooms though amenities are more limited than at fully developed county beach parks. The beach's reputation as an ideal learning spot means it can get crowded on weekends, particularly when surf schools bring groups of students, so weekdays offer a more relaxed experience. While the waves are generally gentle and forgiving, all ocean users should still be aware of reef hazards, occasional strong currents, and basic surf etiquette to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. White Plains Beach represents an unusual treasure on Oahu—a high-quality surf spot on former military land that remains freely accessible to the public, offering some of the island's best beginner waves in a setting that has retained its unpretentious, local character despite the surrounding development of West Oahu.
