This beach is for those who want to experience what the natives must have seen before the tourists took over the island in droves. It is located about 2/3's of the way north of Honolulu on the road to the Polynesian Culture Center.The cove is below the rock formation called the Sleeping Warrior. We went there twice and never saw more than 20 people at any one time. It has areas of grass shaded by coconut trees and a beautiful semi-circular beach of fine sand with plenty of ocean treasures still around for those of us who like looking for tide pool junk. I found lots of the Kukui seeds washed to shore -- they are the round seeds, usually black, that are strung up and sold in all the tourist shops for $8 or more.
As a backdrop to the beach we were surrounded by the tall and lush Koolau Mountains. For those more adventurous the Kahana Valley State Park is across the HW from the beach.The mountain tops were a favorite launch site for parasailors who landed on the beach in front of us.
The water was just challenging enough for those of us who grew up in the mainland interior. The waves were breaking close to shore, and beyond, the water was calmly rolling. There was enough action for one to feel the power of the ocean but not to be overwhelmed by it.
If you desire a nice romantic, private, uncommercialized beach experience where you can have a quiet picnic with a mid-afternoon nap afterwards, this would be my choice. And we saw all the beaches on all sides of the island.