Officially called Halona Beach, Eternity Beach earned its nickname thanks to its appearance in the 1953 Hollywood hit From Here to Eternity. The kiss that the film’s stars Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr shared in the waves of this picturesque cove made such an impact that the beach has since been known as Eternity Beach. Quieter, more secluded and of course more romantic than Waikiki, Eternity Beach attracts people looking for a little peace and serenity.
If the waves are good, try your hand at bodysurfing, or if the seas are calm, just enjoy a swim at your leisure. There are shallow tide pools at the eastern end of the beach that are perfect for children and less confident swimmers to splash about in. To the west, there is the famous Bamboo Ridge, once popular with fisherman who used to fish using traditional bamboo poles. You won’t see such poles any longer, but it’s still a popular location for a spot of fishing.
The waters at Eternity Beach are home to beautiful green sea turtles. Bring your snorkelling gear and take to the water to see if you can spot them. During the winter months, look further out to sea and if you’re lucky, you’ll see migrating humpback whales passing by.
You can also whale watch at the Halona Blowhole, where you may spot whales all year round, not just in winter. When the tide is high, look out for spouts of seawater, signalling the presence of a whale.
Eternity Beach is situated 16 kilometres from downtown Honolulu and has free parking by the cliffs. Follow the signs down to the beach and to the blowhole. Be aware that there are strong currents on this stretch of coast, and the water should be avoided when the waves are particularly big.
