Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Ewa Beach, HI

  • Published 2023/04/02

Before it became a town, Ewa Beach was originally a massive plantation farm and had a significant association with Ewa Sugar Plantation.

This beautiful town is a census-designated place in Ewa District on the seaside of Mamala Bay, on the downwind side of Oahu, Hawaii.

In Hawaii, the word “Ewa” (pronounced as Eh-va) means “stray,” originating from the myth that the gods Kane and Kanaloa threw a stone to mark the boundaries but was lost and afterward found at Pili o Kahe.

Ewa Beach is located in Honolulu County, Hawaii.

Enjoy the town’s diverse activities, including golfing, surfing, eating delectable food, and more.

Whether new to the town or not, discover the best things to do in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

Check Out the Hawaiian Railway Society

Old engine at Hawaiian Railway Society

davidd from Hatch, Utah, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Step into the past and learn of the only historic railroad and operating railroad in Ewa Beach with the Hawaiian Railway Society.

It’s an educational and non-profit organization committed to saving, restoring, and preserving the nation’s railroading yesteryears.

At the same time, you and your kids will adore the toy trains at the Toy Train Museum.

An old train at Hawaiian Railway Society

davidd from Hatch, Utah, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ride the iconic train with a maximum capacity of 180 and journey west of vintage Ewa and hear exciting stories about Hawaii’s railroading history.

You can grab a bite in the picnic area before or after riding the train, but you also have the option to bring the food along with you.

The Hawaiian Railway Society also offers historical displays and station images, including Steam Locomotive (Ewa 1), Steam Locomotive (Kauila 6), and Steam Locomotive (W.A.Co. 6).

Railway track at Hawaiian Railway Society

davidd from Hatch, Utah, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Spend the Weekend at Ewa Beach Park

Ewa Beach Park is a five-acre park on Fort Weaver Road, preceded by a compact sandy beach.

This park is the primary beach in the suburban neighborhood of Ewa Beach.

It’s a popular venue for swimming, having a picnic with friends or loved ones, and a good spot for collecting limu (edible weeds) or fishing.

Ewa Beach Park features a baseball field, a basketball court, and a large spacious grassy area where you can play soccer, volleyball, frisbee, or run with your dog.

Kids can play on the newer playground and have fun on the slide or monkey bars.

There are also a lot of wooden benches, showers, and a clean bathroom for rinsing off dirt and salt water.

Surf or Fish at One’ula Beach Park

If you want to go to a less crowded placeless crowded place, head straight with your pets and family to One’ula Beach Park, located on Papipi Road.

This incredible beach park got its name from the Hawaiian word One’ula, referring to “great, vast, or without boundaries.”

Locally known as Hau Bush, it also refers to the park to the Hawaii Canoe Plant called “Hau.”

This enormous park has a soft sand beach, sweeping views, expansive grassy areas, and just like you wanted.

The less-crowded park offers a natural, wild, and rural ambiance.

While it’s unsuitable for swimming, the water is excellent for surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, and fishing.

One’ula Beach Park is one of the best beach parks to surf and fish, with a peaceful local vibe and fewer tourists.

Book Tee Time at Ewa Beach Golf Club

Challenge your friends or loved ones to a golf game at Ewa Beach Golf Club on Fort Weaver Road.

Robin Nelson designed this 18-hole championship golf course, which opened in 1992 and featured expansive seashore paspalum grass.

The design of the golf course itself features a symbolic traditional links-style layout with a unique and demanding structure for all playing abilities.

While you aim for that hole-in-one, you’ll have the majestic Waianae mountain range as your backdrop.

Get a unique inclination from the first shot as you tee off over the remnants of a kulanakauhale (an ancient Hawaiian fishing village).

Ewa Beach Golf Club has a pro shop with everything you need to experience a great round of golf, including gear from Oakley, Footjoy, and Nike.

Learn to Surf at Kalani Surf School

A beach getaway isn’t complete without surfing the waves.

Kalani Surf School in Ewa Beach will teach you to ride the waves and enjoy every lesson.

This professional and accommodating surf school is family owned and is West Oahu’s best and first choice in family-friendly surf education.

You’ll be brought to a secret beach, far from the packed crowds of Waikiki, to avoid darting to other beginners at breaks with several people in the water.

Kalani Surf School’s lifeguard-certified surf instructors are highly skilled and experienced, so you’re safe and sure to learn.

Spend a Great Weekend at White Plains Beach

Clear blue-green water and pure gold-painted beautiful sand await you at White Plains Beach on White Plains.

A section of the beach is divided into a swimming lane, while the other part is for the surfing lane.

No fishing is allowed in this area, so you don’t have to worry about any hook getting stuck on your foot.

Besides, there are lifeguards posted to ensure the safety of the swimmers.

You can bring your food for a picnic or barbecue or try the delicious foods served at the beach’s restaurant.

Enjoy other White Plains Beach amenities, including picnic tables, showers, bathrooms, shady areas, and grills.

Enjoy the Salvation Army Kroc Center

Located on Kualakai Pkwy, the Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawaii is the biggest community center in the state where both young and old can learn, develop and establish confidence and conviction.

It offers various recreational activities such as a Health & Wellness Center, Competition/Lap Pool, Classes & Programs, and Group Exercise.

Families can use the Family Pool with Water Slides, while adults can use the State-of-the-Art Fitness Equipment and Multi-Use Gymnasium.

There’s also a game room, a worship area, and child daycare services.

Don’t miss the delectable food that 200,000 square-foot Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawaii also serves its visitors.

Explore the Ewa Town Center

Spanning almost 80,0000 square feet, Ewa Town Center is along Geiger Road and Fort Weaver Road.

This humongous center provides a friendly atmosphere of an outdoor mall with the advantage of a one-stop shop for your daily needs.

It’s situated adjacent to the bus line for the locals and visitors easy access to the establishment.

You can buy great merchandise and food from Foodland, Genki Sushi, Subway, Supercuts, and Jamba Juice.

Ewa Town Center also has a spacious parking lot and a station where you can fill your gas tank.

Visit Ewa Beach Community Park

Ewa Beach Community Park is located along North Road and offers outdoor recreation and nature preservation.

It’s a dog-friendly area open to the general public with no required admission fee.

No swimming is allowed due to the waves, but you can sit and let the waves caress your feet.

You can buy several different ethnic fruits, vegetables, and other food items at this lovely community park that are rarely sold in grocery stores.

Ewa Beach Community Park features a friendly kid’s playground, a skate park, and a picnic area.

Ride the Waves at the LineUp at Wai Kai

When looking for different kinds of water activities, the LineUp at Wai Kai is the best destination for the entire family.

Wai Kai Wave is a surfer’s destination for locals and visitors and likewise for surfing competitions.

It’s a deep-water standing surf wave stretching 100 feet wide, with impeccably endless and modifiable glassy waves of two feet for all skill levels.

The wave can function with retractable pool dividers to create different variety of locks for various skill levels.

You’ll love the food and beverages served at LookOut bar and restaurant at The LineUp at Wai Kai on 91-1621 Keoneula Blvd.

Practice Your Swing at Coral Creek Golf Course

One of the many enjoyable and impressive golf courses in Ewa Beach is Coral Creek Golf Course, located on Geiger Road, where you can also buy great stuff at their pro shop.

Brilliantly structured by Robin Nelson, the course integrates a demanding pattern with the Oahu terrain’s natural beauty.

Challenge yourself to its par 72 golf from its 6,808-expanse of land, which can also be played and enjoyed by people with any handicap skill level.

Coral Creek Golf Course caters to one of Hawaii’s longer and more challenging par five, Hole 14.

It challenges even the greatest golfers due to its small size of no more than 636 yards into a prevailing trade wind.

After a challenging game, enjoy a nice meal at the restaurant, which you can also rent as the venue for a lovely wedding ceremony.

Enjoy the Sand and Water at Pu’uloa Beach Park

Going to the beach feels like all your problems and burdens are washed away once you see the sparkling blue waters and golden sand of Pu’uloa Beach Park.

Located on Fort Weaver Road, this stunning beach fits different types of people who love to travel, relax, and bring their pets.

Provided amenities include clean toilets, showers, and a picnic area for a sumptuous lunch or a delicious snack.

You kids can spend their time and energy on the playground before or after taking a swim on the beach while you enjoy surfing or kayaking.

Pu’uloa Beach Park is easily accessible, with parking within 100 meters of the beach.

Give Your Dog a Break at Hoalauna Dog Park

Located along Keaunui Drive is the Hoalauna Dog Park, which requires no admission fee.

It’s not just a dog-friendly park but also family-friendly, offering different activities for everyone.

There’s a spacious parking space and a playground where your kids can play and enjoy themselves with other kids.

The large grass field allows you to play soccer or volleyball, fly a kite, or even let your kids run loose as they play tag.

Hoalauna Dog Park allows adults can use outdoor fitness equipment.

Your dogs can play and mingle with other canines at the enclosed two dog parks (for small and large dogs), picnic tables, and a clean comfort station.

Explore the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge

The Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, located on Ewa Beach, is part of the National Wildlife Refuge system.

This wonderful sanctuary shelters countless species that are native and only found on the Hawaiian Islands.

Established in 1992, this refuge was an exception for constructing the Honolulu International Airport Reef Runway.

The Honouliuli and Waiawa Units provide a wetland haven for Hawaii’s endangered waterbirds, such as ae‘o, ‘alae ke‘oke‘o, ‘alae ‘ula, and koloa maoli, including various migratory seabirds and waterfowl.

Bring your pair of binoculars and a camera when going to Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, Honouliuli Unit, to take some pictures of these beautiful birds and learn their importance in the balance of the ecosystem.

Experience Golf at Its Finest at Hawaii Prince Golf Course

Who says you can’t play golf while enjoying the breathtaking views of your surroundings?

You can do it at Hawaii Prince Golf Course on Fort Weaver Road, with spectacular views of the Waianae Mountains.

Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed this beautiful course with three interchangeable nines and 27 holes, creating different playing conditions suitable for all skill levels.

This 270-acre golf course opened in 1992, which also features long green fairways decorated with plenty of white sand bunkers and ten designedly placed lakes.

Have the best memorable golf experience at Hawaii Prince Golf Course.

Final Thoughts

Going to Hawaii with your friends or family should be fun.

When you’re stressed, you can sweat it out by surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or swimming.

Discover the best things to do in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

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