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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

• What to pack for Hawaii: THE HAWAII PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK
• A helpful guide to choosing accommodation: WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU
• Most epic hike on Oahu: THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN OAHU, HAWAII
• The best Waterfalls: AMAZING WATERFALLS ON OAHU, HAWAII
• Ultimate Cliff Jumping Guide: 11 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS ON OAHU
• Guide to Swimming with Sea Turtles: WHERE TO SEE TURTLES ON OAHU
• The best Waterfall Hikes: TOP WATERFALL HIKES ON OAHU
• Best Tours: 20 BEST TOURS ON OAHU
• The Ultimate Guide to Oahu: 80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU