Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Distinctive Coastal Location
Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park, also known as Diamond Head Beach Park, is an 11-acre coastal park located at the base of Diamond Head crater in Honolulu, Hawaii. The park features a narrow sandy beach backed by towering sea cliffs, offering visitors scenic ocean views and recreational opportunities.
Unique Beach Characteristics
The beach sand at Kuilei Cliffs has a distinctive greenish hue due to the presence of small calcite crystals, which glitter in the sunlight. This unique characteristic is what led early British sailors to name the nearby crater "Diamond Head" in 1825, mistaking the crystals for diamonds.
Water Activities
While swimming conditions at Kuilei Cliffs Beach Park are generally poor due to the shallow, reef-filled nearshore waters, the area is popular among experienced surfers and windsurfers. The reef generates consistent waves, making it a less crowded alternative to nearby Waikiki for wave riding enthusiasts.
Access and Viewpoints
Access to the beach is via a paved trail that descends from Diamond Head Road, where visitors can find parking and several lookout points offering panoramic views of the coastline. One of these lookouts features a memorial to Amelia Earhart, the famed aviator who in 1935 became the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to North America.
Visitor Experience
The park's natural beauty and proximity to Diamond Head make it a frequented spot for beachgoers, joggers, and those seeking a quieter alternative to the busier beaches of Waikiki. However, visitors should be aware that facilities at the park are limited.
