Follow in the sandy footsteps of great Hollywood lovers with a wander through the surf at Eternity Beach
Officially named Halona Beach, this picturesque cove was the location for one of Hollywood's most memorable love scenes. Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr's kiss in the shallow waters, filmed here in 1953, left such an indelible imprint on the area that, to this day, the beach is better known to visitors as Eternity Beach. Apart from those beach-goers eager to see where the magic really happened, Eternity Beach attracts visitors who are drawn to its secluded, quiet charm, worlds away from the bustle of Waikiki.
Clambering down the steep slope to access the cove, you will be greeted by sparkling aquamarine waters and fine powdery sand. Lay out your towel and soak up some rays, or be a little more adventurous and hit the waves for a bit of bodysurfing. But be careful the currents along the coast can be strong, so it's probably better to skip the swim when the surf's up. The east side of the beach has plenty of tidal pools for the kids to explore, while nearby Bamboo Ridge, though now bereft of the bamboo fishing poles that once gave it its name, is still a great spot for fishing.
For marine life of another kind, strap on your snorkel and keep your eyes peeled for the local sea turtles skimming beneath the ocean's surface. The turtles pop their heads above water from time to time too, so, if you have a preference for dry land, you might still catch a glimpse. Another elusive creature you may see during the winter migration season is the humpback whale. Halona Blowhole is the perfect place to look out for these magnificent creatures and, even if you're unlucky, with the jets of water spraying periodically through this natural blowhole, you can always pretend…
At 16 kilometres from Honolulu centre, you'll feel a million miles away from the real world here, as you gaze out to the Pacific stretching on, rather appropriately, for what seems like eternity.
