UPDATED FEB 2020. My time of living at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii is coming to an end this week. What a journey it has been! From flying all the way from Australia for visits to going through the rigors of an extremely tough (and expensive) immigration process, to eventually moving here and building a life together, it has been a wonderful adventure on this island that stole my heart. Today I am posting a guide to the best Marine Corps Base Hawaii beaches that I was lucky enough to have in my backyard. I hope this post can help others enjoy their time on MCBH and experience the beauty of this little slice of paradise.
A Guide To The Best Marine Corps Base Hawaii Beaches
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Ft Hase Beach on Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Best for: Relaxing, tanning, and watching the sunrise
Where to find Ft Hase Beach
Located by the back gate side of the base, this was my backyard beach and a personal favorite.
Maybe that’s because it was so close to my house so I spent a lot of time there.
Who knows, all I do know is that it’s a really cool spot.
What to do at Ft Hase Beach
The ocean is a little rough and the beach is lined with volcanic rock, so whilst you always see tanners on the beach, you do not often see as many people in the water.
There is one beachy inlet at the far end where people swim but other than that the water is usually pretty empty.
That’s what’s so great about it.
To enter the water, you can go in through the inlet and swim around to the reefy area or enter straight over the rocks.
If you aren’t interested in getting in the water, it is still a perfect spot to soak up some rays, do a beach workout, or walk your dog.
Also, it has a breathtaking sunrise view, so do yourself a favor and watch a sunrise on the beach. It is just beautiful.
What to expect at Ft Hase Beach
If you choose to get in the water, there is some OK snorkeling to be had, not the best on the island but you can still see some animals.
I’ve seen lots of turtles, fish, eels, octopus and a HUGE spotted eagle ray which swam right by me in the shallows.
The water can be a little strong at times so just be safe, go with a buddy and know your swimming limits.
If you’re not a strong swimmer in stronger ocean currents, just stay where you are comfortable and keep alert.
Hale Koa Beach on Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Best for: Snorkeling, families, and kayaking/SUPing
Where to find Hale Koa Beach
Hale Koa or Recon Beach is located across the flight line by the Cabanas.
When you look out from the beach it is just idyllic with the clear waters and sparkling sand.
What to expect at Hale Koa Beach
Grab a kayak and cruise the bay or just jump in and snorkel.
It’s a really beautiful spot and the water is quite calm so it’s easy to move around in if you are not as strong a swimmer.
If you are lucky enough you might even be able to see a Hammerhead Shark as the bay is a breeding ground for them.
Don’t let that make you nervous as they are skittish and probably won’t be too interested in you.
Once you get away from the beach, it gets very colorful and full of wildlife under the water so well worth a venture.
There are also tables and BBQ’s so you could easily make a day of it.
Pyramid Rock Beach on Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Best for: Surfing, boogie boarding, and tanning
Where to find Pyramid Rock Beach
Pyramid Rock beach is located on the other side of the flight line.
It’s where the waves are big and the lifeguards are strict, so this is more of a tanning beach.
What to expect at Pyramid Rock Beach
The water is usually rough here and every time I have been I have seen the lifeguards asking people to exit the water so much more suited to surfers and boogie boarders.
It is in a nice, quiet spot just over the flight line so it is great if you just want to lounge on the beach and spend time with friends and family.
The sand is really soft so it is also a great workout beach.
I used to go there a lot and do circuits barefoot on the soft sand and it is the most beautiful outdoor gym you can find.
(That’s why I don’t have pictures of this beach – I have mostly gone there at night to exercise and during the day trips been reading. Despite the lack of pictures, it really is a gorgeous spot.)
If you are reading this and stationed at MCBH or will be in the future, my biggest hope is that you can enjoy what is right here in your backyard as much as I did.
Other posts to help you plan adventures on Oahu
Waterfall Hikes On Oahu – 12 Incredible Hikes That Will Blow Your Mind
Best Beaches On Oahu – Here’s The 10 Beaches You Don’t Want To Miss
Taking my new dog Bella to Ft Hase
Then Coco Chanel came along & this was her first trip to our backyard beach
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Help…what is the name of the cottages/campground that you marines can rent in Oahu, they are right on the beach but I can’t remember the name of them. I’m thinking it had turtle in the name? Thanks!!!
I have no idea! Is it the Bellows campground in Waimanalo maybe?
Thanks great info. So during your time here did you spot any sea/beach glass on the beaches
Absolutely & I still have jars full of it! I collected it all over the island, but my favorite spot was Sand Island or Sandys Beach.
Thank you! I live on the other side and don’t know these beaches. Your post guided me to a great swimming spot. 🙂
No problem at all, thank you for reading my blog! Hope you have fun at your new swimming spot!
How do you get to hale KOA with it being on the other side of the flight line? Gps won’t give directions.