Palm Beach is a beautiful, north-facing beach on Waiheke Island within Mawhitipana Bay. The adjacent suburb is also named Palm Beach. In the late 1800s, the beach was one of the places on the island that attracted day-tripping Aucklanders. Phoenix palms were planted during the first housing development in 1922, for which Palm Beach was named.
The beach is about 600 metres long, with a smaller western section separated by a large group of rocks. This section, known locally as Little Palm, is sometimes used by nudists. Cliffs and steep hills are at both ends of the bay.
The beach is safe for swimming. At the main access, there is a large grass reserve with picnic tables and a playground. A second picnic area is at the beach's eastern end.
You can take a bus from Oneroa to get there. If driving from Wharf Road, take Bay Road, then cross Hill Road onto Palm Road. Follow this until you see the car park and reserve. There is also a nearby convenience store and cafe. Te Ara Hura also runs along the beach, entering from Cory Road and Miro Road at the west end and on Hill Road at the east end.
