Malaekahana State Recreational Area
Rate this placeNearby: Adams Field Laie Beach Park
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Malaekahana State Recreational Area is a beautiful state park located on the northeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
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Summary
It is known for its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and variety of outdoor activities.
One of the main attractions of Malaekahana State Recreational Area is its beaches. The park has two beaches, Malaekahana Beach and Kahuku Beach, both of which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The area is also popular for surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
In addition to its beaches, the park has several hiking trails that offer scenic vistas of the ocean and forest. The Kahuku Trail is a popular hiking trail that takes visitors through the park's lush tropical forest, where they can see a variety of native plants and wildlife.
Other points of interest in the park include the Malaekahana Campground, which offers camping facilities for visitors, and the Malaekahana Fishponds, which are ancient Hawaiian fishponds that have been restored and are now used for aquaculture.
Interesting facts about Malaekahana State Recreational Area include that it was once the site of a large sugar plantation, and that it is home to several endangered species, including Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles.
The best time of year to visit Malaekahana State Recreational Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry and the ocean is calm. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak season, so it is recommended to arrive early in the day to secure a good spot on the beach.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Malaekahana State Rec Area - Oahu
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Malaekahana Beach Campground
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Kahana campground
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Kahana Valley State Park - Oahu
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Adams Field
Laie Beach Park
James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
Kokololio Beach Park
Hauula Community Park