G I N.
Yelp
2022-04-03. The west shore of Oahu is home to many residents and workers of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, but it's also home to Nanakuli Beach Park. The park is home to fine sand beaches to the north and the Mermaid's Caves to the south.
We spent the day there today with many of the local residents enjoying BBQ's in the park, wake boarding in the ocean and tanning on the beach.
Parking is very limited with about 40 or so spots. There is an unpaved overflow area that will house about another 20 vehicles. And street parking (not sure if it's legal street parking) that will house probably 100 vehicles or so.
Is you do venture off to the south to visit the Mermaid's Caves, be sure to wear something a little sturdier than flip flops as the terrain is jagged rock. The Caves are located underneath these rocks and is access at your own risk. As you head south, you will come across many holes that give you a view into the caves. I would not advise that you go down any of the larger holes as you will need to climb back out of them. and many do not have footholds. As you head further south, stick to the ocean side and you'll come across a mini inlet about what get wide. The is the entrance to the grotto.
If you're adventurous enough to go in, you can Jump into the water (about a 10 foot drop). CAUTION: Water levels vary based on time of day and time of year. This is the ocean, there is always risk of getting pulled out with the tide!
Not to scare you, but please use your better judgement and make good choices. Always go during low tide, and enter the water web green is calmer (after tide washes out).
Now, if you're not into Jumping off rocks, you can go around and slip into the water at the mouth of the grotto and swim in. Just keep an eye out behind you for waves coming in. There are spots in the grotto where you can stand until the wave washes out again. When you get to the end of the grotto, there will be a small pebble beach area where you can enjoy the view of the grotto and get some great shots! To get out, there is a hole that you can climb out of, or you can swim back to the mouth of the grotto, and climb out there.
If you're not into getting wet at all, or if you have younger ones with you, you can enter the grotto by the hole that is at the southeast of the the holes.
Check out my pics, as no review can do this venue justice!
Spacial thanks and shout out to Hannah for spending part of her day with us, and showing us all the ins and outs of the grotto! Mahalo! Aloha makou ia oe!
If you would like to experience more, come dine-with-me.yelp.com I'd love to have your company... Bon Appétit!