Near the towns of Laie and Kahuku in North Shore Oahu is a haven for locals and tourists alike.
Malaekahana Bay is one of those beautiful Oahu beaches, but because of its secluded location, it rarely gets crowded.
Thus, true to its name which means "place of refuge" in Hawaiian, the mile-long Malaekahana Bay is a wonderful escape from the crowds flocking beaches like Waikiki.
Named by Sunset Magazine as one of the best beaches in Oahu, this pocket of white sand beach is fringed with shady ironwood and other tall trees and lapped by green-hued water.
Malaekahana Bay is best known for boogie boarding, body surfing, surfing, swimming, and snorkeling.
You will also find a constant companion among green sea turtles frequenting the bay's coastline.
Bordering one side of the beach is a stream and coral shelf.
On another end is one of Oahu's safest and most beautiful campgrounds, the Malaekahana Bay State Recreation Area.
The park is native-run, and offers 40 primitive campsites, pavilions, and cabins for rent.
There are picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, and 24/7 security.
Approximately 600 feet offshore Malaekahana State Park is Mokuaia or Goat Island, a bird sanctuary for terns that provides a dramatic backdrop to Malaekahana Bay.
When the tide is low, one can take a walk to the island.
As it is a bird sanctuary, do not touch the flora and fauna there.
Also a short hike from the beach is the James Campbell National Refuge, a 160-acre wetland refuge for Hawaii's endemic water refuge.
Services and amenities: No services, no facilities (facilities are at the state park).