Kaneohe sandbar love | Oahu lifestyle photography

The Magic of Kaneohe Sandbar

The Kaneohe Sandbar is located in the middle of Kaneohe Bay, in windward Oahu, about a 45-minute drive from Waikiki. As a submerged sandbank, it becomes partially exposed during low tide, taking the form of a shallow, sandy area that stretches out into the bay. At low tide, you can lounge on the sun-warmed sand, watching every shade of blue stretch out to meet a mountain panorama. Although it’s even lovely at high tide.

One of the most striking features of the Kaneohe Sandbar is the crystal-clear, turquoise water that surrounds it. This pristine water provides an excellent opportunity for snorkeling, swimming, and observing marine life.

Best. Easter. Ever.

Our friends arranged an Easter egg hunt in the middle of Kaneohe Bay using painted rocks in exchange for colored eggs. In the past, we have been fortunate to hitch a ride to the Kaneohe sandbar via friends with boats. This time, however, we were on our own and unsure if we would make it. However, as the day approached, the weather forecast was amazing – calm seas and no wind. So we ventured out Easter morning with three on the kayak and me on the SUP. We sailed over the glassy surface easily and made it to the sandbar in 20 minutes. The only tricky part was watching for boat traffic.

We arrived at low tide to a fleet of revelers playing bocce ball, chasing dogs and kids, flying drones, and mostly just hanging out. My favorite was paddling and snorkeling just beyond the sandbar around the abundant coral heads. Snorkeling was one of my favorite pre-child activities – one I abandoned when the kids were babies. Therefore, it was a joy to finally share that experience with the kids.  We saw a spotted eagle ray, several sea turtles, moray eels, and more fish and coral species than I can remember. We stayed until the sun began to dip behind the mountains and the current helped guide us back to shore. A perfect grande finale to a long spring break.

Planning your trip to the Kaneohe Sandbar

Sitting in the middle of a bay makes the Kaneohe Sandbar tricky to access and requires a bit of careful planning and preparation for a successful visit.

Transportation

Heeia pier serves as the most convenient jumping off point to access the bay. From here you can charter a boat or launch a kayak or paddleboard. Alternatively, military families can rent pontoon boats for a nominal fee (after taking a boating safety class) at the Kaneohe Marine Corp Base.

The distance for paddling from Heeia Pier to the Kaneohe Sandbar can vary depending on the specific route you take and the conditions on the day of your paddle. Generally, it’s approximately 1.5 to 2 miles one way. In terms of paddling effort, that can take 20 minutes on a calm day. However, on a windy day when the currents are strong, that distance can feel impossible. If you’re unsure at all, be safe and take a guided tour.

Tides matter

It’s important to plan your visit around low tide if you want to access the sandbar itself (you can always snorkel around the area). The sandbar is usually only exposed at low tides under 0 feet. On some days, the tide doesn’t get low enough to expose the sandbar at all.

Packing list

This will vary depending on your mode of transportation to the Kaneohe sandbar. If you’re taking a boat, the first 3 are most important along with a warm sweater. If you paddle out, you should bring the following –

1. Reef-safe Sunscreen – Did you know that some sunscreen ingredients are highly damaging to coral reef ecosystems and exposure has been linked to coral bleaching and coral DNA damage? That’s why Hawaii banned the use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone and octocrylene in 2021. What to do? Keep yourself covered with UV protective clothing and use reef safe sunscreen.
2. Water and snacks. Bring more than you think you will need. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the bay without food or water.
3. Sunglasses and a hat. The bright sun can really burn your retinas. Protect those eyeballs with sunglasses, and if it’s not too windy, a big hat.
4. A trusty Dry Bag – Keep your essentials snug and dry. You can usually rent one along with a kaya and stow it on your boat. If you’re paddling, you can stick one inside a backpack.
5. Water-resistant Smartphone Case – Capture your family’s aquatic adventures without worrying about the water gods claiming your phone.
6. Snorkel gear. If you like to snorkel, this is the place to do it! Mask + Snorkel + Defogger (fins optional).
7. Ropes and leashes and anchors. Lastly, if you’re self powered and want to swim or snorkel you will need a way to secure your ride. I like to put a leash on my paddleboard and snorkel with it. If you’re kayaking, you can find a sandy area to anchor or have someone stay with the kayaks. Ropes are helpful to tow a tired child.

Alternatives to the Kaneohe Sandbar

If the Kaneohe sandbar is too much adventure or if conditions aren’t right, you can opt for one of these nearby beaches to spend the day –

• Kahana Bay. A quiet, natural bay to escape the crowds (at least on weekdays).
• Secret Island. A sandy stretch of beach on the edge of Kaneohe Bay where you can swim, snorkel, and paddle. Kualoa offers tours to this beach but if you go before or after, you might have it to yourselves.

Looking for More Family Fun after your visit to the Kaneohe Sandbar?

Local eateries for hungry bellies

True, there aren’t a lot of food options along this coast, but these should satisfy any post adventure cravings.

• Heeia Pier General Store and Deli. Surprisingly tasty food. Simple spot for Hawaiian-style comfort food & drinks, with a take-out window & picnic seating.
• Waiahole Poi Factory. A must try for authentic Hawaiian food. Don’t forget dessert! The sweet lady of Waiahole is a perfect end to any beach day.
• Leonard’s Malasadas. Unquestionably delicious treats that make every day a little bit better (or just tastier). This food truck is in the parking lot of windward mall. If you could somehow pack them in a drybag to enjoy at the Kaneohe sandbar, I bet they would be even better.

Add a quick hike

If you still have energy following a morning at the Kaneohe sandbar, you can try one of these nearby hikes to further explore this part of the island.

• Crouching Lion. A super short, intensely steep uphill scramble with big views.
• Nakoa Trail. A 4-mile loop deep in the valley. Prepare for mud and stream crossings and enjoy the solitude.
• More windward hikes. Check out my list of 7 best windward hikes for all adventure levels.

More ideas for family fun

Undeniably, there are many ways to continue exploring this lush, quiet part of Oahu after a visit to the Kaneohe sandbar –

• Kualoa Ranch. Take a tour to experience this majestic valley. Although E-bikes are my favorite, all tours are good.
• Byodo-in Temple. A bit of solitude tucked against the Koolau Mountains. However, go early or late to avoid tour buses.
• Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. More solitude and big views at this massive garden. Ultimately a great spot for a picnic.
• Family Photos! Finally, let me plan a fun morning to add to your family’s adventure. We’ll play, explore, make great memories and you can take home beautiful images. See some favorite family photo sessions near the Kaneohe Sandbar here, here, and here.

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