3 views
Added 10 months ago by Anon

REVIEW
This small beach park is a great place to fly your drone. There are no airspace restrictions, you get a great view of both the mountains, beach, secret island and more! There weren't any people when I visited. Take note! You cannot fly near Kualo Ranch or Kualo Regional Park! Also keep an eye out for low flying helicopters.
DESCRIPTION
Waiāhole Beach Park Overview:
Location: Waiāhole Beach Park is situated on the windward (eastern) coast of the island of Oahu in Hawaii, near the towns of Waiāhole and Kaʻaʻawa. This small coastal park offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, lush mountains, and is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere.
Features:
- A narrow sandy beach that can be a nice spot for a relaxing day.
- Lucious greenery and palm trees giving a typically tropical Hawaiian feel.
- Often less crowded compared to some of Oahu's more well-known beaches.
- Picnic areas with tables and basic facilities.
- Opportunities for beachcombing, small craft launching, and possibly fishing.
Drone Flying Considerations:
Is it worth flying a drone there?
- Scenic Value: Absolutely. The area's lush mountain backdrop combined with the azure waters of the ocean provides stunning aerial footage. Drone photography can capture both the coastline and the inland paradise.
- Crowd Levels: With fewer visitors than some other attractions, you can often find the space to operate a drone without too much interference.
Legal Considerations:
- FAA Regulations: As with any drone flight in the United States, FAA regulations must be followed.
- National Park Restrictions: Waiāhole Beach Park is not a national park, so those specific restrictions do not apply.
- State-Specific Rules: Check Hawaii's state regulations for any additional rules on drone flight in beach parks.
LANCE Authorization:
- Airspace Check: Waiāhole Beach Park is not in close proximity to major airports, but it’s still important to check the airspace classification.
- LANCE (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability): Typically required for controlled airspace near airports (under 400 feet). Use the FAA's B4UFLY app or other drone flight apps to confirm the airspace status at Waiāhole Beach Park.
Permits and Local Regulations:
- Local Laws: Hawaiian counties sometimes have their own additional regulations regarding drone flights in parks.
- Permit Requirements: You may need a permit to fly in certain locations even if it's not federally restricted. It's wise to contact the local park authorities or visit the City and County of Honolulu's Parks and Recreation website.
Other Considerations:
- Respect Privacy: Always maintain a distance and respect the privacy of visitors and locals.
- Environmental Impact: Be mindful of wildlife, especially seabirds that may be nesting in the area.
- Weather Conditions: Coastal areas are subject to changing weather. Monitor wind conditions and avoid flying during inclement weather.
- Battery Life and Safety: Ensure you have fully charged batteries, and always keep line-of-sight with your drone.
In conclusion, Waiāhole Beach Park can be a wonderful site for drone flying due to its stunning natural beauty and relatively low crowd levels. However, ensure you’re compliant with all relevant FAA guidelines and local regulations, and it’s always a good idea to double-check with local authorities before you fly.
TRAIL ADDRESS
Waiāhole Beach Park, 48-199 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
FLIGHT AREA
27 hectares
AIRSPACE
G
MEMBERS-ONLY
No
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