Halona Beach Cove (also called Eternity Beach, Cockroach Cove, and Oahu Halona Beach Cove) is a small, picturesque arc of sand surrounded on three sides by serrated lava rock cliffs and blanketed in soft, sandy beach.
Located on Oahu’s southeast side, it’s home to diving, snorkeling, surfing, and exploring nature. It’s even been a Hollywood movie filming site. Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size. When you visit Halona Beach Cove, you’ll be amazed by all the remarkable things it has to offer.
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1) Experience Oahu’s Magic With Us
Want to explore the wonders of Oahu? Then Aloha Circle Island Tours will showcase them in one whirlwind, full-day expedition.
On our expertly guided, premium tours, you’ll encounter 16 famous attractions and hidden gems, including Halona Blowhole, Halona Beach Cove, Dole Pineapple Plantation, Byodo-In Temple, and much more.
Ready for an exciting, unforgettable island tour? Then say aloha to adventure and book your tour with us today!
2) Lights, Camera Action! Love Scene At Halona Beach
Although it didn’t get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Halona became renowned as the filming site for the iconic From Here to Eternity beach scene. Featuring Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster, their passionate love scene on this romantic Oahu beach helped garner the film a staggering eight Academy Awards. As a nod to the From Here to Eternity beach scene, Halona Cove is also called Eternity Beach.
Other blockbusters that were filmed at Halona Beach Cove include:
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50 First Dates
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Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
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Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides movie
Eternity Beach is as stunning in person as it is on the silver screen. Basically a sheltered beach in a volcanic cove, this hidden gem features a slender rift at the base of the cliff. This formed when a large section of rocks separated from the land.
Although its main claim to fame is the From Here to Eternity romantic Oahu beach scene, it’s now a popular retreat for G-rated visitors. When traveling there, though, don’t blink or you’ll miss it. This Oahu beach cove is tucked into the rocks on the twisting Kalanianaole Highway.
This famous beach is great for relaxing and for escaping Oahu’s busier beaches. When the water is calm, Halona is the ideal place to snorkel and swim. However, it isn’t always safe to hit the water. When the waves are bigger, the current may be powerful, and it’s more prudent to stay on the beach.
3) Check Out The Halona Blowhole
Although the Halona Blowhole in Oahu doesn’t refer to a whale’s anatomy, what it does is very similar. It’s a jaw-dropping, natural wonder that spouts ocean water through underwater tubes created thousands of years ago by volcanic eruptions.
When wintertime water is fiercely surging, powerful currents and huge whitecaps propel water through each lava tube. This launches geysers up to 30 feet high through the blowhole. The higher the water, the higher the geyser, so time your visit around high tide. Before an eruption, you’ll experience the eerie feeling and sound of the waters rumbling in the rocks below.
People sometimes hike down to the blowhole to have a clearer look. Don’t be like them. The rocky shelf is dangerously sharp, slippery, and steep. Visitors have died or been seriously injured trying to see the blowhole up close or take a selfie by it.
4) Halona Blowhole Lookout
The Halona Blowhole Lookout is a spectacular vantage point to view the Halona Blowhole and beyond. From atop the sea cliffs, you can safely watch the waves slamming against the shore. And, as pressure intensifies in the narrow lava tube, you’ll witness a jet of water torpedoing up from the lava rocks.
In Hawaiian, Halona means “lookout.” During your visit, you’ll understand why. Perched high on the viewing deck, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Halona Cove. On a clear day, distant Molokai, Maui, and Lanai are visible. You may also catch a glimpse of sea turtles, and from late December to early April, majestic humpback whales may spout or powerfully breach the water’s surface. Be sure to linger for the kaleidoscopic sunset.
Remember to stay behind the lookout’s barriers at all times. Walking on the rocks is perilous, and ferocious rogue waves can endanger people who try to trespass the cliff.
The Blowhole Lookout has a free, designated parking lot off the main road. Keep in mind that the blowhole is a hugely popular tourist attraction, so be prepared for the possibility that the lookout parking lot may be busy. The phenomenon’s eruption can be viewed from a fenced deck on the parking lot’s left side.
5) Bamboo Ridge Shrine To Drowned Fishermen
Bamboo Ridge, home of the sacred Bodhisattva Jizo statue, is located near Halona Blowhole. Overlooking the blowhole’s dangerous waters, Jizo, protector of fishermen, stands guard.
Fishing along Hawaii’s treacherous southern coast is extremely risky. Powerful whitecaps and strong ocean currents have swept away countless fishermen.
In the 1930s, the Honolulu Japanese Fishing Club responded to these tragedies by installing a statue of Jizo. Jizo is an important saint of Mahayana Buddhism. Priests from the Shigon Shu Temple in Honolulu performed the first blessing ceremony for the statue. They continue to have yearly ceremonies at the idol.
Fishermen would visit and make offerings for Jizo’s protection. Even now, plates of food and fruit, flowers, candy, coins, incense, and other assorted gifts blanket the statue’s volcanic rock platform.
Ironically, this statue that protects people from death was created by an artisan who primarily carved gravestones.
6) Discover Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay is the third most popular destination for Oahu visitors. Formed within the remnants of an old volcanic cone, its ocean waters are a hotspot for some of the world’s most pristine diving conditions. This protected marine sanctuary brims with flourishing coral reefs and approximately 400 varieties of vibrant fish that can even be seen close to the shore.
The park’s diverse array of occupants includes:
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Eels
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Octopus
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Crabs
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Green sea turtles
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Parrotfish
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Triggerfish
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Dolphins
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Humpback whales
Hanauma Bay is also called Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve to highlight its focus on understanding and protecting the bay’s marine life. Hanauma draws about 1,400 guests a day, so you’ll need to make advance reservations.
Before entering the nature preserve, new visitors must watch a mandatory, nine-minute orientation video. The brief video educates visitors about the bay’s ecosystem and discusses important safety rules. Visitors must sign and date a form that permits them to skip the video if they return within the next 365 days.
After the presentation, head for the beach. You can get to it two ways:
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Footpath
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Tram
The walk is easy and very scenic. However, if you’re loaded with gear, or you just want to avoid the uphill trek afterward, hop on one of the park’s handy trams.
The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to give the fish a break from us pesky humans.
7) Catch Waves At Sandy Beach Park
This picturesque beach offers a plethora of activities for everyone. Catch some waves and show off your surfing skills, or simply relax on the golden sand and soak up the sun. Don’t forget to bring a picnic and enjoy a beachside feast with your loved ones.
Sandy Beach Park in Oahu is a magnet for bodyboarding, body surfing, and skimboarding surfers from around the world. If you want to see surfers at the top of their game, pull up a few beach chairs for yourself and your companions, and witness surfing superstars.
If you’re not into surfing, no worries! Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shore, feel the soft sand between your toes, and soak up the sun. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear! Dive into the crystal-clear waters and discover a whole new world beneath the surface.
Experience Epic Oahu Attractions With Us
From natural phenomena to Tinseltown movies to gnarly surf spectating, Aloha Circle Island Tours will make your Oahu adventure one to remember.
On premium tours helmed by fun, knowledgeable guides, you’ll spend an exciting day exploring 16 memory-making attractions including Halona Beach Cove, Halona Blowhole, Sandy Beach Park, Makapu’u Lighthouse, and much more.
There’s no better way to spend the day, so book your tour with us now!
