By Lexus Yamashiro | Staff Writer

Located on the North Shore just before Kawela Bay, locals and visitors can spend time at a secluded and relaxing beach that isn’t visited or known by many. Pahipahiʻālua Beach, which is lined with several rental beach homes similar to Kawela Bay, provides a calming environment for those who just want to surf and swim, read on the beach, or even do energetic activities.

Although there is no parking lot that automatically takes beach-goers onto the sand, interested visitors have the option of parking at Waialeʻe Beach Park and walking over to Pahipahiʻālua Beach from there. However, due to slippery and sharp rock surfaces along the way, it is advised that individuals wear reef shoes or beach safe to prevent getting cuts under their feet.

Catching ʻaʻama crab requires patience and focus for those who are determined in catching these fast scattering creatures. (Photo by Lexus Yamashiro)

If this doesn’t work, visitors also have the option of paddling in from either Waialeʻe Beach Park or Kawela Bay, which should only take about a good five minutes or so. Upon arrival, beach-goers can go fishing over the reef for manini (convict tang) or go ʻopihi picking. If this is the case, visitors will be more likely to find ʻopihi hiding under the rocks toward Kawela Bay, especially when the tide is low.

ʻOpihi picking is also suggested to be done at night since more will crawl up from under the rock; all that is required is a butter knife to pry them off the rock and a fishing net or container to hold all the ʻopihi that is caught. ʻAʻama crab is another sea creature that visitors can go hunting for at night. The best places to search would be between crevices in big rocks along the beach.

Those who often hunt for ʻaʻama crab know that a flashlight should be brought with them, along with a bamboo pole (split at the end to create a Y shape) tied with either suji fishing line or monofilament line from both ends of the pole. When catching these crabs at night, you’d typically shine the light at the crabs, and with the bamboo pole, catch them with the fishing line between the eyes while they are temporarily blinded. This will cause their eyelids to close on the line and attach until you pry them off.

During the winter season, visitors will be able to spot turtles in the ocean, and sometimes even as close to the shore. Whale spotting is another exciting activity to do along Pahipahiʻālua Beach, but just be sure to bring along binoculars since sometimes the whales can be extremely far out and tend to blend in with the waves.

After a day of fun in the sun, visitors can wrap up their day at Pahipahiʻālua Beach by watching the sunset, which will set directly to their left when facing the ocean. The hues of the sky will amaze anyone who watches it, and often on certain occasions, those who watch might catch a glimpse of the green flash when the sun sets for a split second.