Located on Oahu’s eastern (windward) coast, the two neighborhoods of Waimanalo and Waimanalo Beach are somewhat separate though they form a single community of about 4,000 people.
This area of windward Oahu is notable for its local flavor with numerous plant nurseries and sizable agricultural lots extending back in the valley toward the scenic Koolau Mountains.
Waimanalo’s small commercial area is centered on Kalanianaole Hwy. and includes the Waimanalo Shopping Center where you can see a statue of local hero Chad Rowan. Known as Akebono in the world of sumo wresting, Rowan was a Japanese grand champion and the first foreignborn wrestler to achieve sumo’s highest rank of yokozuna.
Along the eastern part of Waimanalo is the town of Waimanalo Beach which is close to Sea Life Park and Makapuu Beach. Also in the Waimanalo Beach area is the Anderson Estate which was featured in the Magnum P.I. television series as “Robin’s Nest.”
The shoreline of Waimanalo includes several beaches including Waimanalo Beach Park, Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, and Bellows Field Beach Park. Together these beaches extend for nearly 5.5 miles (8.8 km) comprising Oahu’s longest stretch of sandy beaches.