West Loch Community Shoreline Park in Ewa Beach

West Loch Community Shoreline Park

This park is an unusual spot for family fun on Oahu. If you’re visiting the island with family and only here for a short time, there are more scenic parks to visit like Kapiolani Park or Ala Moana Beach Park. But … if you have a bike wielding child under five itching to test their wheels, this is a quiet and scenic alternative. The West Loch Community Shoreline Park is located in Ewa Beach. The park fills a small peninsula that juts into the West Loch of Pearl Harbor. That means no cars, just a small bike path meandering around the peninsula. The path encircles grassy fields and is lined with bougainvillea and flower-laden trees aching to be climbed.

On one rainy windward evening, we loaded up the bikes and headed out in search of sunshine. We were met with friendly people strolling around the park or simply enjoy the view of the many gazebos and piers.

If you’re a bird watcher, Pearl Harbor Wildlife Refuge is a 15-20 minute walk following the bike path Ewa Beach bound. You might spot some endangered Hawaiian stilts, coots, or moorhen foraging in the waters.

Fishing at West Loch

We followed the bike path to a series of short piers and gazebos that jut off the park. Loose and missing boards made some piers impassable, but others were occupied by families happily fishing and crabbing under the warm sun. Signs posted around the park specifically warn not to fish from the polluted waters of Pearl Harbor.  On some days, the winds deliver a putrid smell to park visitors reminding you why those signs are in place. Still, a little catch and release fishing is fun.

Looking for a Cooler Fishing Pier with Stunning Windward Views?

Head to Kaneohe for a completely different fishing vibe. Feel the cool breeze glide over the water as you gawk at the Koolau Mountains and Kaneohe Bay at Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor.

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