The Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible jaw-dropping landscapes, natural wonders, and surreal spots just waiting to be explored, including the magnificent Hawaii China Walls. With approximately 750 miles of coastline, one might be surprised to learn that Hawaii is fourth in terms of states with the longest coastlines – behind Alaska, Florida, and California. But what we lack in terms of coastal miles, we more than make up for with a plethora of stunning, secret spots along the coast. This spot, nestled along Oahu’s southeastern shore, just might be one of the coolest places you can possibly go in Hawaii.
Oahu’s southeastern shore is a treasure trove of incredible spots you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and while every inch of this coastline is spectacular, it is the destination known as Hawaii China Walls that stands out in a crowd.
Jason Jacobs/Flickr
If it weren’t for landmarks like this, it might be easy to forget that Oahu, one of the unique places in Hawaii, is a volcanic island.
Phil B/TripAdvisor Unlike Hawaii Island, where you’ll find active volcanoes and plenty of recent lava flows, Oahu has been overgrown with plant life and people in the years since its volcanoes were active.
Contrasted with the brilliant blue of the Pacific Ocean and pure white splashes of waves crashing onto the shore, the greenish hue of the lava rock found here is absolutely breathtaking.
simplethrill/Flickr (Fun fact: the greenish hue is caused by the presence of a semi-precious mineral called Olivine, which you will find in abundance at Hawaii Island’s Papakolea Green Sand Beach.)
At first glance, Oahu China Walls looks as though it is just a simple sea cliff nestled behind a neighborhood in Hawaii Kai, but it is oh, so much more than that.
Simplethrill/Flickr Whether you’re interested in geology, taking gorgeous photographs, or watersports, you’re sure to love China Walls.
This is a popular cliff jumping spot, and many people enjoy bodyboarding, surfing, and snorkeling in the ocean off the coast, as some of the fun things to do in Hawaii.
simplethrill/Flickr Just note that if you choose to jump in the water here, you should be a skilled and observant swimmer. Do not hop in the water unless you’re 100 percent comfortable in this potentially dangerous environment.
You’ve never seen anything quite like this coastal wonder before, and you’ll definitely want to bring your camera.
soCALIchick86/TripAdvisor
Did we mention that the sunsets witnessed from this peaceful location are truly second to none? Some say it’s the best sunset viewing spot on the island, and with photographs like this, it’s hard to disagree.
Gohawaii Tours/Flickr For a closer look at this incredible destination if you can’t make the trip anytime soon, check out this footage from The Hiking HI.
This incredible natural landscape is officially found within Koko Kai Mini Beach Park, which is located at Hanapepe Place in Honolulu, Hawaii. To get to China Walls Oahu, take the approximately 25-minute drive from Waikiki, and it is just before the turnoff to the renowned Koko Head Crater, along the southeastern side of the island. While you’re visiting China Walls, you might as well embark on our southeast Oahu road trip.
Jason Jacobs/Flickr
Phil B/TripAdvisor
Unlike Hawaii Island, where you’ll find active volcanoes and plenty of recent lava flows, Oahu has been overgrown with plant life and people in the years since its volcanoes were active.
simplethrill/Flickr
(Fun fact: the greenish hue is caused by the presence of a semi-precious mineral called Olivine, which you will find in abundance at Hawaii Island’s Papakolea Green Sand Beach.)
Simplethrill/Flickr
Whether you’re interested in geology, taking gorgeous photographs, or watersports, you’re sure to love China Walls.
Just note that if you choose to jump in the water here, you should be a skilled and observant swimmer. Do not hop in the water unless you’re 100 percent comfortable in this potentially dangerous environment.
soCALIchick86/TripAdvisor
Gohawaii Tours/Flickr
For a closer look at this incredible destination if you can’t make the trip anytime soon, check out this footage from The Hiking HI.
If you’re looking to explore more of Hawaii’s stunning coast, check out these 15 coastal secrets.
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Address: China Walls, Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaii China Walls August 08, 2022 Carolyn Harmon Where is another one of the coolest places to visit in Hawaii? The challenging jungle mountain hike, Kalalau Trail (Na Pali Coast Trail), is a 22-mile out-and-back trail unlike most you have experienced. For starters, the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains along this trail are unforgettable. Beginning at the Ke’e beach parking lot in Ha’ena State Park, the trail starts at the end of the road on Kauai’s North shore on old paving stones. Steering you to the edge of the mountains along the ocean, you will pass through the Hono O Nā Pali Natural Area Reserve and into the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Before ending at Kalalau Beach, this unusual hike takes you along five abundant valleys. Note: if you are not a licensed driver in Hawaii or are without a state ID, you must make a reservation advance online if you wish to visit the park.
What is another fun thing to do outside in Hawaii? Check out the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens spanning 400 lush acres in O’ahu, Hawaii. Most visitors agree the definition of the word Hoʻomaluhia — a peaceful place — is fitting for these breathtaking gardens. The plantings come from major tropical regions around the world including India and Sri Lanka, America, the Philippines, Malaysia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Hawaii, and Africa. Opened in 1982, the space was designed and built to provide flood protection for Kāneʻohe by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The gardens offer classes, volunteer opportunities, a variety of programs, and guided tours are available. Where is one of the most unique places in Hawaii?
Kauai’s Glass Beach is a beach in Eleele, an area in Kauai, Hawaii in Hanapepe Bay, near Port Allen Harbor. After years and years of folks throwing glass out into the sea, the beach is now covered with amazing and colorful sea glass. To appreciate these beautiful naturally-weathered stones, it helps to know the process takes anywhere from 20 to 200 years for the glass to earn its shape, texture, and design. So they bring with them quite a long history — if only they could talk and share what they were originally a part of or where they have been in the wide-wonderful ocean. The pebbles create a striking contrast against the unusual black sand the coast offers.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaii China Walls
August 08, 2022
Carolyn Harmon
Where is another one of the coolest places to visit in Hawaii? The challenging jungle mountain hike, Kalalau Trail (Na Pali Coast Trail), is a 22-mile out-and-back trail unlike most you have experienced. For starters, the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains along this trail are unforgettable. Beginning at the Ke’e beach parking lot in Ha’ena State Park, the trail starts at the end of the road on Kauai’s North shore on old paving stones. Steering you to the edge of the mountains along the ocean, you will pass through the Hono O Nā Pali Natural Area Reserve and into the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Before ending at Kalalau Beach, this unusual hike takes you along five abundant valleys. Note: if you are not a licensed driver in Hawaii or are without a state ID, you must make a reservation advance online if you wish to visit the park.
What is another fun thing to do outside in Hawaii? Check out the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens spanning 400 lush acres in O’ahu, Hawaii. Most visitors agree the definition of the word Hoʻomaluhia — a peaceful place — is fitting for these breathtaking gardens. The plantings come from major tropical regions around the world including India and Sri Lanka, America, the Philippines, Malaysia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Hawaii, and Africa. Opened in 1982, the space was designed and built to provide flood protection for Kāneʻohe by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The gardens offer classes, volunteer opportunities, a variety of programs, and guided tours are available. Where is one of the most unique places in Hawaii?
Kauai’s Glass Beach is a beach in Eleele, an area in Kauai, Hawaii in Hanapepe Bay, near Port Allen Harbor. After years and years of folks throwing glass out into the sea, the beach is now covered with amazing and colorful sea glass. To appreciate these beautiful naturally-weathered stones, it helps to know the process takes anywhere from 20 to 200 years for the glass to earn its shape, texture, and design. So they bring with them quite a long history — if only they could talk and share what they were originally a part of or where they have been in the wide-wonderful ocean. The pebbles create a striking contrast against the unusual black sand the coast offers.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The challenging jungle mountain hike, Kalalau Trail (Na Pali Coast Trail), is a 22-mile out-and-back trail unlike most you have experienced. For starters, the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains along this trail are unforgettable. Beginning at the Ke’e beach parking lot in Ha’ena State Park, the trail starts at the end of the road on Kauai’s North shore on old paving stones. Steering you to the edge of the mountains along the ocean, you will pass through the Hono O Nā Pali Natural Area Reserve and into the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Before ending at Kalalau Beach, this unusual hike takes you along five abundant valleys. Note: if you are not a licensed driver in Hawaii or are without a state ID, you must make a reservation advance online if you wish to visit the park.
What is another fun thing to do outside in Hawaii?
Check out the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens spanning 400 lush acres in O’ahu, Hawaii. Most visitors agree the definition of the word Hoʻomaluhia — a peaceful place — is fitting for these breathtaking gardens. The plantings come from major tropical regions around the world including India and Sri Lanka, America, the Philippines, Malaysia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Hawaii, and Africa. Opened in 1982, the space was designed and built to provide flood protection for Kāneʻohe by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The gardens offer classes, volunteer opportunities, a variety of programs, and guided tours are available.
Where is one of the most unique places in Hawaii?
Kauai’s Glass Beach is a beach in Eleele, an area in Kauai, Hawaii in Hanapepe Bay, near Port Allen Harbor. After years and years of folks throwing glass out into the sea, the beach is now covered with amazing and colorful sea glass. To appreciate these beautiful naturally-weathered stones, it helps to know the process takes anywhere from 20 to 200 years for the glass to earn its shape, texture, and design. So they bring with them quite a long history — if only they could talk and share what they were originally a part of or where they have been in the wide-wonderful ocean. The pebbles create a striking contrast against the unusual black sand the coast offers.
