Above
A body boarder paddling back to catch another wave.
Up until a couple weeks ago, I thought the cliff section in Portlock over the spitting cave was called China Wall. Oops. That area is Portlock Point. This (above), is China Wall. It’s just around the corner from the Portlock Point and overlooks a kamikaze style surf break. The view is most amazing at dusk and at this time of year, you can watch the sun set over Diamond Head.
China Wall is one of the most beautiful places on Oahu. Go there to hang out, soak in the view and watch some intense surf.
You’ll want to park just outside of this cul-de-sac. At the end, where so signs are is the access to the cliff.
Officially this is called Koko Kai Mini Beach Park. Because of the dangerous waves here, they also have a sign that tells how you to give your location to the 911 operator.
Walk down this path and you’ll be on the cliffs.
The view is just amazing.
The waves can be intense here. Every now and then a set of three or four waves will come in and crash against the rocks. It’s loud and violent. And very fun to watch.
Above
Crashing waves up front and sun shining over Diamond Head in the distance.
Just don’t get careless. Stay high up on the cliffs where the ground is dry. This waves here are notorious for sweeping people off the rock.
In fact … keep your eye on the girl standing on the ledge in the photo below.
This huge wave came out of nowhere. I saw a body boarder going for it so I started snapping pics. He got the wave but the girl standing on the ledge got creamed. On all the other waves that came through, the splash barely reached up the rocks. But this one came in hard and swept the girl into the water. The guys jumped in after her. She was okay. But the wave must have slammed her against the rocks because she had a cut up leg and a chipped tooth. She laughed it off.
Surfing here is also treacherous. It’s a big wave and a long ride so many take the risk. But you ride the wave right up against the rocks. If you fall at the wrong spot, you could get slammed against the cliff but, I’m sure that’s all part of the rush.
The danger of this surf break also makes it fun to watch. These guys are nuts.
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Peter says,
Dude, sweet pics Chat!
DavidChat says,
Hey man, thanks! I owe you one for recommending that lens to me and hooking me up with those actions.
Garret says,
I love your pics David. What a talent.
DavidChat says,
Yo! Thanks Garret!
digital_cupcake says,
Did you jump in? I did a few times and almost got killed (a few years ago). Well okay I just scraped up my knee against the rocks and my fingernails broke when climbing back up the rocks. I survived. I didn’t realize how dangerous it was until later. It is probably the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. It was literally what my parents warned me against. Jumping off a cliff just because my friends did.
DavidChat says,
Whoa Rae…didn’ t know you were a daredevil. Waves were pretty big that day so there was no way I was swimming. The water is pretty gnarly over there.
Lexi says,
Hi David. Lets try to make your site the first thing that comes up when people search for China Wall. I’ve been here a few times before (never EVER daring to jump into the water) but today I got severely creamed by a freak wave that just took me out from where I was sitting on the ledge. I thought the pics of that girl getting knocked off were of me and posted today (busted up leg and all)! I wish I had seen your pics before I went today- I didn’t even know such a thing could happen! Thought the rocks were wet from the gentle spray of the wave going by…
Beautiful photos though! I couldn’t have gotten nearly killed in a more picturesque setting and you captured it really well :)
DavidChat says,
Oh dang! The waves seemed like they were up on the Windward Side yesterday. Glad you are okay. And yes, people need to be aware that rogue waves hit the wall hard from time to time. You don’t see them coming.