Bellows Beach
add photos5 Reviews for Bellows Beach
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"Great family beach"
Growing up on Oahu, Bellows was a favorite weekend spot to surf or bodyboard with friends when you didn't need a great wave. The beach is located on a military base, but they open up a large section of it to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You take the paved road back to the beach and then pull off and drive on packed sand between the pine trees to the parking spot of your choice. From there, you just walk a few yards to where you want to spread out your blanket.
The wind is almost always onshore and the surf breaks on the shallow sand bottom. Body boards (aka Boogie Boards) are recommended for the most wave fun. Beware of Portuguese Man-O-War during times of strong onshore winds. Their body looks like a blue bubble the size of a quarter and you'll see them strewn about the beach with their long thin tail. They're harder to see in the water and their sting is nothing to scoff at.
Despite the Man-O-War danger, it's still a great family beach without the crowds.
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1 family found this helpful
"Beautiful"
The beach here stretches on for what seems like forever, and we were able to stay in the cottages on the beach. They weren't luxurious by any means but it was so relaxing to fall asleep listening to the ocean and to get to wake up to it as well. There's just something to be said about eating a peaceful breakfast on the beach.
The beach is really nice and the water is clear. Older kids would be able to do some boogie boarding and there's shade for younger kids and mommies a little ways back from the water. At night the kids' favorite activity was to go "crabbing" and try to catch all the little sand crabs that come out after dark. Be sure to bring a flashlight and a bucket!
1 family found this helpful
"Good beach, rough surf, jellyfish"
Bellows is a terrific place to be if you are eligible for renting the cabins and staying for a bit. Day trips are fun, but there are several easy, more accessible beaches that are more kid friendly. Two things to note about Bellows - the beach along the cabin area has a mean undertow. Not sure what I am saying, stand in the water and see how long before the sand has washed out from under your feet - now think what a little person on a body board is going to feel. Second, pay attention to the lifeguard postings for jellies. This is a common place for man-o-war and box jellyfish. If you do decide to brave it, suggest you have a jug of vinegar on hand. If you do you research you can plan your trips around low jelly times (their presence follows the lunar cycle).
1 family found this helpful
"Bellows is a great camping getaway!"
This is by far my family's favorite place to camp on Oahu! If you are heading out to Oahu or even just living on the island, Bellows AFS is a wonderful place to spend the day with your family!
Bellows is located on the northern portion of Waimanalo Bay and includes a stretch of white sandy beach that curves around the bay. Bring the kids to the beach for the day, or stay and camp! They have cabins that range from $60-80 per night, to family campsites both on and off the beach.
There is never a lack of activities. Check out the Aloha Breakfast, lei making, history tours, mini-golf and paintball!
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"Fun with the Family"
At one time this was a U.S. Air Force base. Today it’s a retreat for active-duty personnel, complete with cabins, a grocery store, and campgrounds. As with Sherwood’s, water is safe year-round for kids of all ages, the only danger being an occasional appearance of Portuguese man-of-wars.
Camping is allowed with a permit from the City and County of Honolulu Parks and Recreation Department, call 587–0300.
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