Can you walk to Goat Island?

At low tide, it may be possible to walk across to the bird sanctuary. The island can also be reached by swimming; check tide and water conditions before going.

Can you swim at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area?

Swimming is one of the activities at the park, but winter surf can be too rough. Check conditions before entering the water.

Can you camp at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area?

Yes. The park has tent-camping areas, and a permit is required. Check current availability with the state park before making plans.

Malaekahana State Recreation Area

Mālaekahana State Recreation Area is a beach park and campground on Oʻahu’s northeast coast, at 56-020 Kamehameha Highway in Laie. Its white-sand shoreline, teal water over coral reef and shady trees make it a good stop for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding or a picnic. At the bay’s south end, Goat Island, also called Mokuʻauia, is a bird sanctuary reachable by swimming or, at low tide, on foot. Campsites have picnic tables and access to restrooms and showers.

Beach activities and water conditions

The park lies on the northeast coast of Oʻahu, on the north end of Laie. Its shoreline stretches for about a mile, with white sand, coral reef and shaded tropical woodland. Swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and shoreline fishing are among the activities here. Kayaking and stand-up paddling are also possible.

Water conditions change with the season. Winter surf can be too rough for swimming, while conditions outside winter are described as suitable for swimming and paddling. Check the water before you enter, and choose an activity that fits the conditions that day.

Goat Island and the coast’s story

Goat Island, or Mokuʻauia, sits at the south end of the bay and is a bird sanctuary. It can be reached by swimming or, when the tide is low enough, by walking across. A trail runs across the small island. Check the tide and water conditions before setting out.

A traditional story connects the nearby point of Laniloa with a moʻo, a supernatural lizard said to have killed passersby. In the story, Kana destroyed the moʻo and threw its head into the sea, where its five pieces became the small islands off Mālaekahana.

Camping and facilities

The wooded park has tent-camping areas with spacious sites, some shaded by trees suitable for hammocks. Facilities include picnic tables, restrooms, showers, sinks and a dishwashing station. Showers are cold. The open grassy area gives groups room to gather and play, while sites are spaced to provide some separation from neighboring campers.

A permit is required to camp, and some sites are accessible to visitors with disabilities. Camping availability can be affected by work at the privately managed northern area, so check current arrangements with the state park before planning an overnight stay. Day-use picnic areas are located at Kalani Point and in the Kahuku section.