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Alan Davis Beach On Oahu, Hawaii ‘Walk The Plank & Jump

Alan Davis Beach On Oahu, Hawaii ‘Walk The Plank & Jump

Out on the east coast of Oahu, Alan Davis Beach is rarely spoken about among tourists but the locals flock here like crazy on the weekends. Hoards of school kids and beachgoers head to the secluded beach to jump in off the wooden planks. Several wooden boards have been wedged into the rock wall creating a fun series of diving boards.

Alan Davis Beach is just a short detour from the popular Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. What’s so cool about this beach on the east coast of Oahu? Wedged into the rocks on the side of the beach are two wooden planks that lead you out over crystal water deep enough to accommodate all the diving and flipping you can handle.

Alan Davis Beach

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY ON OAHU

a couple of people sitting in a swimming pool.
a view of a beach with palm trees and a swimming pool.
  • Ultimate Luxury: Lotus Honolulu – Diamond Head View, Great Waikiki Location
  • My Favorite: Aston Waikiki Beach – Best value in Waikiki & Great location
  • Value Hotel Waikiki: Surfjack Hotel is easily the best value (luxury) hotel in Waikiki

A GUIDE TO ALAN DAVIS BEACH

Alan Davis Beach is a great spot to do some low-key cliff jumping in a relatively safe swimming area. If you can, head to the beach on a weekday to avoid the flocks of crowds on a weekend.

Alan Davis Beach

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How to get to Alan Davis Beach

Park your car in the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail parking lot and veer through the bushes on the dirt track instead of taking the lighthouse trail up the hill. This is the Ka’Iwi Scenic Shoreline Trail although it isn’t very clearly marked. Follow this trail for 10-15 mins and you will reach a little beach. Head along the left-hand side of the small bay and you will find yourself below Pele’s Chair and be standing right above the diving boards.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT ALAN DAVIS BEACH

After the short hike along the Ka’Iwi Scenic Shoreline Trail, you’ll reach this secluded cove. It’s a similar vibe to China Walls, where you can bring along food and drinks and set up for a couple of hours of fun. There are a couple of wooden planks that are wedged into the rocks for some small-scale jumps into the crystal-clear water.

jump

With great views all the way down to Koko Head Crater, it’s one of the most scenic little coves on the island of Oahu. The jumps are pretty small but it is still best to jump at high tide because the water is relatively shallow. You can see the bottom on calm days through the clear water but always do a quick swim to check first.

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Snorkeling at Alan Davis is quite nice with the great clarity of the water. There are always lots of fish swimming around and you never know when a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle will appear.

swim with hawaiian sea turtle

If you aren’t into swimming, take a short walk up to Pele’s Chair, which is a rock formation with large significance to the traditions of the Native Hawaiians.

Pele's Chair

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Things to do near Alan Davis Beach

From Alan Davis Beach you can walk left along the coast for 45 minutes and reach the epic Makapu’u Tide Pools. Nearby is also Makapu’u Beach, an awesome hangout spot with shore break waves at times. Of course, the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is just above the beach or the Tom Tom Trail is just behind Makapu’u Beach.

 

WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU

  • Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort (Overall Favorite): In the heart of Waikiki, this high-end resort is right on the beach with a private lagoon.
  • Sheraton Waikiki (Luxury): A luxury resort with the most amazing infinity pool on the island, which overlooks the beach.
  • Ewa Hotel Waikiki: (Value): Ewa Hotel is just one block back from the beach and is just over $150 USD.
  • Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Budget Choice): A budget alternative, which is still in an amazing location.
  • Disney Aulani Resort (Family Choice): This is a resort your kids will never forget. It honestly feels like you are living in a theme park.

MORE OAHU BLOG POSTS

I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip!

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Amber

Thursday 6th of May 2021

Is the trail sand or paved? Have someone with an electric wheelchair and was hoping they can roll along with us.

Jackson

Monday 10th of May 2021

I think it would be difficult with a wheelchair from memory as it was rocky.

Jackson

Monday 10th of May 2021

I think it would be difficult with wheelchair from memory as it was rocky.

Rahul

Thursday 14th of March 2019

Wow such a nice place i really loved it. pictures are really awesome thanks for sharing your experience keep it up.

Patricia

Tuesday 24th of July 2018

Just wanted to note that the boards have been taken down :( still a great place to jump from the rocks and swim/snorkel, but the boards are gone.

Jalen

Friday 8th of February 2019

Ahh that’s a shame, how big are the jumps though?

Jo

Wednesday 16th of August 2017

Aloha, great website. Do you know how to get to the infinity pool at black point? I'm a local here, but wanted to know if you have any connections on how to get there, passed the gates? Mahalo!

Jackson

Wednesday 16th of August 2017

My friends have been there but I never went so can't say from personal experience. I know there is a security guard and you will likely get a warning so may or may not be worth the hassle for a swimming pool up to you. Best is always to go at sunrise... people are slower to react at sunrise.