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Swanzy Beach Park

If you’re looking for a laid-back, peaceful spot to relax, Swanzy Beach Park on Oahu’s windward coast is a great find. Located in Kaʻaʻawa, this small beachfront park offers beautiful ocean views, picnic areas, and a local, off-the-beaten-path vibe. It’s not the best for swimming due to the rocky and shallow shoreline, but it’s a great place to chill, have a picnic, and soak in the scenery. Why Visit Swanzy Beach Park? Peaceful & Uncrowded: This isn’t a tourist hotspot, so it’s a great place for a quiet break from driving along the scenic coast. Oceanfront Views: You get gorgeous views of the Pacific, with Koʻolau Mountains behind you and the ocean in front, perfect for relaxing.  Great Picnic Spot: The park has shady picnic tables, so it's a great place to stop for lunch or a snack while exploring the east side. Chance to See Turtles: The waters around this area sometimes have Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) cruising by. Easy Roadside Stop: If you’re driving from Kaneohe to the North Shore, this is an easy place to pull over and take in the views.

Tips for Visiting


  • Best Time to Go: Midday for a picnic, or early morning for a peaceful ocean view. 

  • Swimming: Not ideal, as the shoreline is rocky and shallow.

  • Parking: Small free parking lot, usually not crowded.

  • Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, basketball court and a grassy park area.

  • Bring Food & Drinks: No food vendors here, so pack snacks or grab something from a food truck nearby.

  • Good for a Quick Stop: Unless you're having a picnic, this is more of a scenic rest stop than a full beach day destination.

Thoughts from my Visit


Swanzy Beach Park is a good spot to camp, picnic and fish. A seawall is at the water's edge and the ocean bottom is a shallow reef, so no swimming here. There is a playground for children and picnic tables. Camping is allowed Friday through Sunday with a permit. The park name is not Hawaiian but was named for island resident Julie Judd Swanzy, who in the 1920s donated five acres of beachfront County of Honolulu for a park.

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