Paradise Cove Beach
Paradise Cove Beach
4.5
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Best nearby
Restaurants
86 within 3 miles
Attractions
30 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
373 reviews
Excellent
216
Very good
94
Average
43
Poor
14
Terrible
6
Tofurry
Renton, WA1,069 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We came to this beach around 2pm and there were cars waiting for parking spaces to open. Since the parking lot for the beach (not the luau) is so small, you have to come here very early in order to get a spot.
When we came back at 4pm, people were already leaving so it was much easier to get a space. We mainly wanted to see turtles here as we read that this is the place to see them. Unfortunately, we did not see any turtles, nor seals. Maybe it was too late in the day for them. The beach seems like a nice and less busy one though.
When we came back at 4pm, people were already leaving so it was much easier to get a space. We mainly wanted to see turtles here as we read that this is the place to see them. Unfortunately, we did not see any turtles, nor seals. Maybe it was too late in the day for them. The beach seems like a nice and less busy one though.
Written March 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay L
1 contribution
Jan 2021
This is a natural reef-sheltered lagoon (unlike the Ko Olina artificial lagoons to the south) has good (not excellent) visibility, good fish, and frequent Honu (Green Sea Turtle) visits.
Based on area snorkeling guides, we arrived a little after early afternoon low tide for 3 days running and saw 2 different Honu within 45 minutes of arrival each time. 2 of the days non-swimming companions had close (less than 1m) enounters with Honu, just wading in the shallow sandy bottom on the south end of the lagoon, never even wetting their hair. :-) Honu photos in other reviews are very representative.
The inlet to the lagoon is shallow rocky shelf, novices should stay well clear of that.
Nice mix of locals/tourists, couples/families. Good friendly vibe. Limited parking (covered in the Q&A section) keeps it uncrowded.
Based on area snorkeling guides, we arrived a little after early afternoon low tide for 3 days running and saw 2 different Honu within 45 minutes of arrival each time. 2 of the days non-swimming companions had close (less than 1m) enounters with Honu, just wading in the shallow sandy bottom on the south end of the lagoon, never even wetting their hair. :-) Honu photos in other reviews are very representative.
The inlet to the lagoon is shallow rocky shelf, novices should stay well clear of that.
Nice mix of locals/tourists, couples/families. Good friendly vibe. Limited parking (covered in the Q&A section) keeps it uncrowded.
Written January 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ITRT
Virginia44,690 contributions
Mar 2022
This is the only place we saw the green turtles. The beach is small with shallow water. The cove is in the same area where the Paradise Cove luau is held. Parking for the public access beach is limited. It is not uncommon to see a line of vehicles waiting in a car line for someone to leave. This is THE place to swim with the turtles.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teri B
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Overall we were very pleased.. entertainment was fabulous food was delicious and I loved how they had activities there for the kids... Transportation was smooth but got caught up in traffic so we did a ride there after 5:00 p.m. and there was a lot of people already there enjoying the activities there were some long lines so we were not able to enjoy all the activities... The view was spectacular it was on a 12 acre land right next to the ocean so it is well worth going to Paradise Cove... If you're looking for a authentic luau this is the place
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ImOnThePath
1,410 contributions
Feb 2022
The cove itself it wonderful....great place to snorkel, so I've been told. Wouldn't know as we came and couldn't get parking. The lot they have fits VERY FEW vehicles. And there was no parking anywhere close by, so we left.
Side note: They have a luau in the evening and there's LOTS AND LOTS of parking for it; However they have an attendant and you can't park there during the day for the beach.
Side note: They have a luau in the evening and there's LOTS AND LOTS of parking for it; However they have an attendant and you can't park there during the day for the beach.
Written February 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry L
Mililani, HI31 contributions
May 2018
Best kept secret beach in KoOlina. swim with the turtles, on occasion you'll see a seal pop up in this lagoon. Fabulous family, wedding sunset shots. Heard a rumor, a major hotel might take this over....
Written May 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
korling12
Orlando, FL44 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
OK, going to put all of the information in here that I was looking for when I researched this beach before coming here...
Parking - 12 spots, if you get there before 8 on the weekend, maybe, after that - forget about it. If you are staying at Aulani or JW Marriott, easy walk. Also easy walk from any of the rental properties over at Coconut Plantation, takes about 12 minutes from over there.
Facilities - none, bring everything you might need, no toilets, no showers.
It gets crowded after 10 AM. Not sure what company it is, but they are running some kind of package from Waikiki, and at 10 AM the buses pull in and unload. Get there at 8 on a weekday, and just you and a few locals will have one of the most beautiful peaceful beaches on the island all to yourselves. Turtles, all kinds of fish, easy snorkeling for the kids. But like I said, 10 AM, pack it up and head out.
More snorkeling info - great snorkeling, saw moorish idols, 4 or 5 different kinds of butterfly fish, turtles, and other various reef fish. Snorkeled lagoons 1 and 2, they don't even compare to this beach. Visibility was incredible in the morning, not so great later it got in the day. No big parrot fish like Hanauma, But, having been to Hanauma many times, staying here at Ko Olina, would I drive all the way down to Hanauma, on H1, in the morning through traffic, when I can snorkel right here... nope. And oh, side note, if it has been 10 years since you have been here... traffic is twice as bad.
Long story short, it is a great little beach for some easy snorkeling. If you are lucky enough for this to be within a 10-15 minute walk from where you are staying, you like to snorkel, and you can survive a few ours without big resort facilities - this is the place.
Parking - 12 spots, if you get there before 8 on the weekend, maybe, after that - forget about it. If you are staying at Aulani or JW Marriott, easy walk. Also easy walk from any of the rental properties over at Coconut Plantation, takes about 12 minutes from over there.
Facilities - none, bring everything you might need, no toilets, no showers.
It gets crowded after 10 AM. Not sure what company it is, but they are running some kind of package from Waikiki, and at 10 AM the buses pull in and unload. Get there at 8 on a weekday, and just you and a few locals will have one of the most beautiful peaceful beaches on the island all to yourselves. Turtles, all kinds of fish, easy snorkeling for the kids. But like I said, 10 AM, pack it up and head out.
More snorkeling info - great snorkeling, saw moorish idols, 4 or 5 different kinds of butterfly fish, turtles, and other various reef fish. Snorkeled lagoons 1 and 2, they don't even compare to this beach. Visibility was incredible in the morning, not so great later it got in the day. No big parrot fish like Hanauma, But, having been to Hanauma many times, staying here at Ko Olina, would I drive all the way down to Hanauma, on H1, in the morning through traffic, when I can snorkel right here... nope. And oh, side note, if it has been 10 years since you have been here... traffic is twice as bad.
Long story short, it is a great little beach for some easy snorkeling. If you are lucky enough for this to be within a 10-15 minute walk from where you are staying, you like to snorkel, and you can survive a few ours without big resort facilities - this is the place.
Written August 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Radmacs
Waxahachie, TX4 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
There is a path down to a beach to the right of the main lagoon at the JW Marriott Ihilani. This path leads to a secret beach and paradise cove beach. The secret beach has sand much softer than Paradise Cove's and sea turtles in the water. We saw three different sea turtles while standing on the beach, with the closest being no more than 10 feet away.
Written March 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelingdrugdoc
Alachua, FL60 contributions
First time in Hawaii & on a budget. The beach is pretty & offers lots of shade in the morning. Arrived at 8am but didn't spot a turtle until 915. I suggest bringing snorkle gear or goggles for the best viewing. Truelly amazing to swim alongside a giant sea turtle for 20 minutes!
Written December 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
power_em
Coles Bay, Australia257 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
This is a great little beach to go see the Sea Turtles, there was even a turtle with 3 legs they call tripod. The were so cute and not scared at all to come right up to you. The water is beautiful, not deep and the current is zilch, this is just a great spot for kids for those reasons. If you did not bring snorkel stuff you can see them very well when they come to the shore or across the street at the ABC store you can buy a snorkel and mask for $13.00. This beach was a real highlight for our family. If you are staying at the Aulani, I suggest walking on the street, the rocks are very slippery and pretty difficult for kids, the street is just a nice leisurely walk:-) Enjoy!!!
Written July 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
occams-razor
Antioch, IL87 contributions
Where do you park and what is the fee?
Jay L
1 contribution
Public parking at Paradise Cove Public Beach itself is very limited, 13 parking spots + 2 ADA spots, if I recall correctly. You pull into the Paradise Cove Luau parking lot, drive past the Luau parking (don't try to park in Luau spots!!!), and it's marked public parking. If locals are stacked up outside the lot waiting patiently, DO NOT try to cut in. The beach is a 100m walk from the lot.
There are 4 other Ko Olina Lagoon public lots scattered along the way south to the Marina, all small, 0.5-1.5 mile walks from the beach. All are called out and mapped at the Ko Olina Lagoon website, Google for ko olina public parking
You can also park at the Disney Aulani self-park, 0.5 mi walk south from the beach. $37/day. Google for Disney Aulani public parking
What time is early? Thanks
Shell C
Winnipeg, Canada47 contributions
We we’re adv to be there at dawn for the best chance.
Debbie D
Houston, TX
How can we get to the Paradise Cove beach without doing the luau? We have only seen luau parking.
Larry L
Mililani, HI31 contributions
There are about 15 spaces at this beach. Go past entrance of Paradise Cove ( EARLY ) and make 1st right hand turn. Go about 100 yards and parking spaces are on your right. I wait for a car to leave sometimes if the spaces are full. Walk towards Paradise Cove and secret walkway is on left, it will take you to paradise in paradise...
MelissaH227
Belmar, NJ457 contributions
Are there restrooms at this beach?
Big red mom
Orlando, FL1,095 contributions
No . There is a shopping center with restaurants within walking distance .
karris21
Australia342 contributions
Can snorkelling gear be hired close by?
4_of_us_on_the_gogo
Kitchener, Canada46 contributions
Hi Sorry for the delay in answering.
The hotel gear most likely is not to be taken off site. We purchased great "first time" snorkelling gear at Costco - YES the Costco in Hawaii was AMAZING for all the beach equipment, inexpensive clothing/souvenirs and discounted attractions.
HInt: there is also a women who rents all sorts of equipment at the Market near Magic Sands Beach - which is 40 mins approx from Paradise Cove. This equipment you could keep with you on your whole trip around the island and return when you are finished with it. :) Paddle boards, boogie boards, everything....
Hope this helps, and not too late of a response.
Jen
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Claim your listingParadise Cove Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Paradise Cove Beach
- Paradise Cove Beach is open:
- Sun - Sat 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Hotels near Paradise Cove Beach:
- (0.24 mi) Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
- (0.59 mi) 5-STAR Partial ocean-view 3-Bedroom Villas in Ko Olina
- (0.23 mi) Luxury Ko'Olina Coconut Plantation Oahu, 2-Story Hawaii Vacation Home Rental
- (0.61 mi) Beach Villas at Ko Olina
- (0.38 mi) Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
- Restaurants near Paradise Cove Beach:
- (0.05 mi) Paradise Cove Luau
- (0.24 mi) Island Country Markets at Ko Olina #87
- (0.23 mi) Noe
- (0.28 mi) Monkeypod Kitchen
- (0.25 mi) Mina's Fish House at Four Seasons, Oahu