The Poka'i Bay Beach Park is named after the legendary Hawaiian chief, Pakai, who had brought the first coconut palm tree to Hawaii. The area is well protected even during the winter months when other places in the area have high surf. The beach has a gently sloping coral reef which provides good conditions for swimming all year round. The beach is the perfect location for novice swimmers and kids. The southern end of the bay is much calmer just next to the breakwater. The location is also ideal for beginner surfers.
The Poka'i Bay Beach Park is just between Canal and Wai'anae small boat harbor. The peninsula is home to the Ku'ilioloa Heiau, which is an ancient Hawaiian temple site. A small memorial is found in the peninsula in memory of people whose ashes had been scattered offshore. Poka'i is also a fantastic fishing location. The Waianae Army Recreation Center is in the center of the bay. The beach is large with a grassy area where people often play games. From the shore, a panorama, you obtain a panoramic view of the mountains and valley that form the background of the beach.
Rental equipment can be obtained from the beach, paddle boards, kayak, can be rented. A boat in the nearby marinas offers dolphins-watching service. Pokai Bay Beach Park has all the amenities of a modern beach including lifeguards and barbecue grills.
Initially, the beach was named Malaya, which means "calm" or "serene" in Hawaiian. The Kaupuni Stream is at the north end of the bay which is the spawning ground of "anae" (mullet) that gave Wai'anae (mullet fish) its name. The village of Poka'i,well known for its coconuts, was once located near the stream