One of the best hidden gems I’ve ever seen is the beach that was used for filming the show Lost. I am dating myself when I say how much I loved this show when it originally aired between 2004 and 2010. This was before streaming services, so it was a ritual to wait for each new episode. I was so hooked that I used to join a Twitter chat each week with a group of bloggers who would share our wild story-line theories with the hashtag #LOMGST. And, OMG, was it fun!
Along with other Lost filming locations on the island of Oahu, this beach is a must see! Even if you didn’t watch the show (or have never heard of it) this beach is absolutely worth visiting. But first you have to find it.
In Haleiwa, search for Papailoa Road off Kamehameha Parkway (it only travels in one direction off of the highway). Drive down the street and you’ll find a small, public parking lot just before the road dead ends. Cross the street and take the public pathway to the beach.
The path is a piece of cake, but the beach is another story. The sand is thick and high and if you think it will be easier to walk along the rocks, you will find them slippery and sharp at the same time. I would avoid carrying anything you don’t have to; this beach is probably not a great spot for anyone with mobility challenges.
Turn left off of the path and struggle through that sand for a few minutes to find the section of beach where they filmed Lost. If you aren’t interested in the show, that’s okay. You will find gorgeous scenery on a mostly empty beach. I have been there twice and seen a total of maybe five people. The last time, we were there for an entire day.
You’re probably wondering why we would want to perch ourselves on these unforgiving rocks all day on a beach where it’s nearly impossible to get into the water due to sharp basalt just inside the waterline. That’s a easy question to answer.
Turtles! There are a lot of great places to watch sea turtles along Oahu’s North Shore, but none are better than this Lost Beach. On our last visit, this group swam in this spot for hours and put on such a great show, making this place one of my must-see vacation destinations!