Waimanalo beach (rental car, 2013, rental)

[jd10025]

I'm from NY and Back in to late 80's, Magnum PI days, I used to go to Waimanalo beach park. I thought it was the best beach. I recently heard that it's been taking over by homeless people and their is a crime element there. Is this true?

[whtviper1]

I go to Waimanalo Beach at least a couple of times a month and I've never noticed any crime (cars being broke into) - although, I'm there on weekends when it is busier. I haven't seen any homeless either - but perhaps they are in a different area.

[Dthraco]

I have 'heard' from people I work with to be careful when going there, due to car break-ins in the parking lot.

That being said, I haven't had any problems or seen any homeless on the beach. I also do not leave any valuables in the car or in plain sight.

It is definitely a very nice beach.

[PaliPatty]

Has no one noticed the "tent city" that is alive and well at Waimanalo Beach Park?? I think some of you may be confusing Waimanalo Beach Park with the Waimanalo State Recreation area, which is just before the beach park as you head towards town on Kalanianaole Highway. There is legal camping at the recreation area (with a permit).
Yes, there are certainly homeless (including many families with kids) at Waimanalo Beach Park. Complete with tents and laundry lines. Supposedly a "clean-up" is done every Tuesday so the crowd thins at that time but otherwise there is (and has been for as long as I've lived here) a homeless contingent at the park. There is also usually a police presence (a patrol car or two) in the parking lot and the area is well-known for rental car break-ins.
That said, it's a gorgeous beach---beautiful turquoise water. Great place to see green sea turtles too.
I hear they've re-done the facilities. Personally, I would rather pee in a Big Gulp cup, thankyou, after walking into one of the park bathrooms about fifteen years ago. Scarred for life. ;-)

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by PaliPatty

Has no one noticed the "tent city" that is alive and well at Waimanalo Beach Park?? I think some of you may be confusing Waimanalo Beach Park with the Waimanalo State Recreation area, which is just before the beach park as you head towards town on Kalanianaole Highway. There is legal camping at the recreation area (with a permit).

I've never parked in the "Beach Park" lot area - I avoid that and park on a residential street not far from Serg's and go to the beach over there. I guess that is why I haven't noticed tent city.

[PaliPatty]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

I've never parked in the "Beach Park" lot area - I avoid that and park on a residential street not far from Serg's and go to the beach over there. I guess that is why I haven't noticed tent city.

The tent city goes right up to the road on Kalanianaole Highway in the beach park---really hard to miss seeing it if you're taking a ride along the Windward Coast.
A very old article illustrates how long this has been going on:

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/ar.../ln/ln03a.html

And another very recent one here, with footage filmed from Kalanianaole Highway (and I stand corrected by the article---I wasn't aware that camping was actually legal at the park):

http://www.khon2.com/2013/06/17/waim...beach-cleanup/

Yes, if you're parking a bit from Serg's you're probably going to the State Recreation Area, I think, and not Waimanalo Beach Park.
Here's a map:

Map of the of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park Area, Waimanalo, HI, United States | Priceline.com

[jd10025]

Thanks everyone. I didn't know there was Waimanalo State Recreation area and Waimanalo Beach Park. I remember that the entrance was a few hundred feet from the house that was used for the exterior shots of Magnum P.I. But, I guess if I were homeless, I couldn't find a better spot.

[Dthraco]

Serg's - a landmark for a good reason. Hey, today is Tuesday! Taco Tuesday!!! nom nom nom nom

[CyberCity]

Originally Posted by jd10025

I remember that the entrance was a few hundred feet from the house that was used for the exterior shots of Magnum P.I.

Then that would indicate it was Waimanalo Beach Park.