My family of five (ages 18-86), spent nine relaxing days at Sandcastles, and had a great Hawaiian vacation.
I could go into detail about how nice the location, house, and garden are, but all that has been said. What we think is the best feature of this property is the beach, and that’s what we’ll describe.
Sandcastles is located right in the middle of a quarter mile stretch of sand on Aliomanu Bay. The beach is mostly about 20 feet wide the whole stretch except for right in front of your path where “Kong’s Lagoon” is located. Here, the beach is about 50 feet wide and is the nicest part of the beach. At each end is an exposed rocky reef. The reef goes out about 200 yayds and almost completely encircles the beach except for an open channel in the middle. The water stays flat inside the reef except for small wind chop. The water inside the reef is shallow, mostly 1 to 3 feet depending on tide, and shallowest on the north side. The waters’ edge is a mix of small rocks and sand with a couple sandy chutes for the nicer swimming entry and exits. The house has a great supply of reef walkers and other beach paraphernalia. Snorkeling can be good on medium or higher tide. The best assortment of fish and coral is just on the south side of the channel out about 120 yards and more. There is a current running from each end toward the middle of the beach and then back out through the channel. For beginning snorkelers, enter the water on the north end of the beach and let the current take you back to the house. Outside the reef is not good for boogie boarding or surfing. The currents there make the surf too choppy and confused. You can kayak or SUP inside or out, just watch out for the shallow spots. You can paddle up to Papa’a beach or down to Anahola Bay an ride the inside break.
It’s been said that this beach is mostly uninhabited by other beachgoers. Our visit was on the 4th of July week (probably the height of the summer season), and that was not the case. Because the section of beach in front of the house is the nicest part of the beach, it is also the spot most people go to sunbathe and fish. This beach is definitely away from the touristy resort crowd, but if you are looking for a truly isolated experience, come here in the offseason.
Mahalo!