Kahala Beach

Kahala is one of Honolulu’s more upscale neighborhoods, with multimillion-dollar mansions lining Kahala Avenue, which leads to the world-class golf course at the Waialae Country Club and the luxe Kahala Hotel & Resort. But every few blocks are public access paths to a quiet — and usually uncrowded — stretch of sandy beach, just minutes from Waikiki. This beach is one of more than a dozen beaches on Oahu that allow dogs. Kahala is also home to a secluded harbor located at the base of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, or Shangri La. (This is the stunning home of Duke built in the 1930s on five acres overlooking the ocean.) The public access to this spot, called Cromwell’s after Duke’s husband James Cromwell, is hidden at the end of Kulamanu Street. This has become a popular swimming and diving spot, with a seawall that should be used with caution. Many have sustained injuries, even serious ones, jumping from it.