A phantom sandbar that reveals itself only for a brief period during low tide.
Kaneohe Sandbar is a popular and stunning scenic spot, dense with coral reefs and shallow areas, often called the “Sea of Heaven” or “Angel’s Sea”!
Although there’s a common misconception, “Sea of Heaven” generally refers to Lanikai Beach in the Kailua area, while the “Angel’s Sea” refers to this sandbar in Kaneohe.
Both feature a stunning contrast of pure white sand and cobalt blue waters, a beauty so remarkable they have been named the No. 1 beach in the U.S.
This shallow shoreline stretching for over a kilometer in the middle of the ocean might be a sight unique to Hawaii.
It’s one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist attractions, so be sure to visit if you have the chance!
The Charm of Kaneohe Sandbar
The main attraction of the sandbar is undoubtedly the appearance of a sandy beach right in the middle of the ocean!
This sandbar (known as Ahu o Laka in Hawaiian), which appears and disappears with the tides, is a unique feature found only here among Hawaii’s many seas.
It is said that this area was uplifted by an earthquake caused by a volcanic eruption about 100 million years ago, and the sandbar was formed over a long period of time.
Because of its beauty, it has been used as a filming location for numerous commercials, movies, and music videos.
It is also a popular snorkeling spot where you can see many sea turtles and fish, as coral reefs are scattered throughout the area.
It’s also known as a sacred place for hula and a spiritual power spot, making it a perfect place to relax!
On Sundays, when tours don’t operate, you can have the shallows to yourself and enjoy a leisurely BBQ.
Weather, Low Tide Times, and the Best Season for Kaneohe Sandbar
The Kaneohe area is known for frequent rain and rapidly changing weather.
For this reason, we recommend visiting between April and September.
The winter season is not highly recommended as it’s often windy, rainy, and cooler.
During that time, the water is typically knee-to-waist deep even at low tide, so you won’t be able to see the exposed sandbar.
In fact, the sandbar itself emerges for only a very limited time each year.
This is why it’s called the “phantom sandbar” or “Angel’s Sea,” but remember that the sandbar is typically only exposed from May to July!
Even during this period, you can only fully enjoy the sandbar during the low tide times for a few days around the full moon and new moon.
Since low tide times change daily, be sure to check a site like “Hawaii Tide Chart” before you go.
The Area Where the Kaneohe Sandbar Emerges
The area where the sandbar emerges is located about 800 meters (about half a mile) from the shore.
Therefore, you will usually need to take a tour boat to get there.
By tour boat, it takes about 10 minutes from the harbor.
If you paddle there by kayak, it will take about 30 minutes one way.
The sandbar is shaped like a long, narrow strip about 1 kilometer (about 0.6 miles) long. When the tide is low, you can take a leisurely stroll from one end to the other.
There are areas that become shallow and others that do not, so once you arrive at the sandbar, head for the shallowest spots!
The area closer to Kualoa Ranch (the part farther from the pier) than the center becomes the shallowest and is where the sandbar emerges.
Kaneohe Sandbar Basic Information
| Name | Kaneohe Sandbar |
| Address | 47-86 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Closing Days | None (Tours are off on Sundays) |
| Time Required | Approx. 2 hours or more |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
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