Avoid Crowds At This Beautiful Hidden Hawaii Beach With A Unique Rocky Feature

You're finally on that long-awaited (and well-deserved) beach vacation in Hawaii, an unparalleled paradise. With its stunning beaches, rich rainforests, and towering volcanoes, Hawaii and its 25,000 unique species make up one of the world's most biodiverse regions. On top of that, Hawaii also offers much in the realm of history, with several museums and a visit to the Pearl Harbor Memorial as highly recommended as catching some waves. So it's safe to say that a visit to Hawaii promises to be completely unforgettable. 

However, as you're one of 9 million yearly visitors from around the world who have always dreamed of visiting the Paradise of the Pacific, quiet spots are hard to find. With that in mind, it's good to know about Cromwell Beach, a beautiful, diverse beach on the outskirts of Honolulu that only locals seem to know. So pack some environmentally friendly sunscreen, memorize some local lingo, and go spend the day at this must-see destination.

Cromwell Beach is situated close to Kahala Mall, making it an ideal picnic spot. Traveling on a budget with a furry friend? It helps to know that Cromwell Beach is free for all visitors and dog-friendly. As it isn't as crowded as nearby Waikiki, Cromwell Beach allows you to sit back, dig your feet into its soft sands, and take in the majesty of the Hawaiian coast.

If you are a little peckish, grab a Poke bowl from the nearby store and take it to the beach, but be sure to respect the environment and clean up after yourself, so take your garbage home with you. It's also important to respect the customs and local culture when visiting any Hawaiian beach, as a reverence for the land coupled with a delicate ecosystem has locals wary of tourists. Simply respect the rules, don't litter, and leave the beach exactly as you found it to be welcomed back the next time you visit.

Cromwell Beach also offers one of the best diving spots you'll ever encounter: Cromwell's Cove. Located just minutes away from the beach and accessible by walking along the waist-level water along the rock wall, Cromwell's Cove is a uniquely exciting feature of this (mostly) calm beach. Depending on the tide, the jump off the rock wall at Cromwell's Cove can be as high as 6 feet, so it's highly recommended to have a strong idea of your diving abilities before taking that leap. For those who don't jump off the rock wall, fear not; you'll be able to take pictures of your leaping friends and family against the backdrop of the colorful gate that runs alongside the rock wall. 

Though Cromwell Beach is quiet compared to other Hawaiian beaches, the cove is a big draw, so try to come on a weekday or during the off-season to make the most out of your visit to this secret treasure of a destination. The waters are clear, blue, and perfect for relaxed swimming, although surfing is another popular outdoor activity at this unique spot. For those of you looking for a culture injection, Cromwell Beach also offers access to one of Hawaii's most interesting new museums, the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design.