Aliomanu Beach

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Because of the time change, most visitors to Hawaii awake before the sun rises. Enjoy those early hours by heading to the easily accessible and lesser-known Aliomanu Beach for a long morning walk and witness that great, orange orb emerging over the ocean's horizon. The waters off Aliomanu Beach are protected by the fringing reef 100 yards or so out to sea, making snorkeling as good as at many more popular areas; however, currents can be tricky, especially near the stream tucked in the beach's elbow toward the northern end, and at the river mouth on the southern end that demarcates Aliomanu Beach from its neighbor, Anahola Beach. A good walk is to start at the river mouth and head north, skirting a seawall midway; aqua shoes are recommended, especially for rounding the rocky point at the northern tip. With its shallow waters, this is a popular fishing and family beach, so stick to weekdays if you want quiet. Amenities: parking. Best For: walking; solitude; sunrise.