One of the most memorable love scenes in Hollywood history was shot on this idyllic stretch of beach that today makes a great picnic and swimming spot.
Halona Cove is a great romantic getaway or family day out away from the crowds of popular Waikiki. Known to locals as Eternity Beach, this small stretch of the Hawai’ian coast was immortalised in the 1953 film, From Here to Eternity. In the film, Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr star in one of Hollywood history’s great love scenes, and so the nickname stuck.
Park your car in the free parking area at the top of the dramatic cliffs that line Halona Cove to find the signs leading to the Halona Blowhole. Watch as crashing waves form a spectacular natural fountain through a small gap in the rocks at high tide.
Follow the steep path down the cliff to reach the soft sand below. On calm days Halona Cove is great for swimming. Bring a snorkel and dive beneath the surface to meet green sea turtles and colourful fish. On rough days you’ll want to avoid swimming due to strong undercurrents, but sitting on the shore and watching the swirling water is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Experienced surfers will love the waves here. For children, the rock pools at the east end of the cove are filled with sea creatures and are ideal for exploring. Come during the winter months to watch for humpback whales that migrate along the coast.
Try your hand at fishing from Bamboo Ridge. This spot on the west end of the beach takes its name from the bamboo fishing poles that were once commonly used at Halona Cove.
Halona Cove is located approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) east of Waikiki and can be reached by car or taxi. There’s plenty of free parking. The cove is just one of many beaches so if it’s busy, continue east to find your own secluded spot for a quiet afternoon.
