Cliff Jumping at China Walls in Honolulu, Hawaii

About this spot

China Walls is the long, flat lava shelf on the southwest face of the Portlock peninsula in Hawaii Kai, Oahu — ledges roughly 10-25 ft over deep blue water, famous for sunset sessions. Park on the residential streets around Hanapepe Place/Loop (limited street parking, usually manageable) and walk about five minutes down the public access to the shelf. Check the tide and swell before jumping: south swells sweep waves across the whole shelf and people get washed off the rocks here. Know your exit before you jump — there are strong natural handholds on the wall that make climbing out straightforward at the right spots, and much harder everywhere else. No sand, no lifeguards, no facilities. Spitting Cave sits just east of here — higher and far more dangerous.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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