Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

62-100 Kaunaoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743

A half-mile crescent of fine white sand on the Big Island's leeward Kohala Coast — frequently named one of the best beaches in the United States. Calm, gentle slope, exceptional snorkeling near the southern point. The driest, sunniest section of the Big Island.

Eats & Drinks 5 Stay 3 Shops 2

Great day for a beach walk.

9.2ft waves · 81°F water · 85°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Mostly sunny. High near 85, with temperatures falling to around 80 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East northeast wind 7 to 10 mph.

Weather

  • 85°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Water

  • 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • 9.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
68 /100
good
55 Swim
78 Sunbathe
84 Walk
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind
9 to 15 mph
NE
Rain
1%
Today
Air Quality
15 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · Waikoloa
UV Peak
6 High
High 11 AM–01 PM · burn in ~33m
Tomorrow
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
8:24 PM
-0.1 ft · in 1.9h
Wave Height
9.2 ft
9s · ESE swell

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (HIZ026)

The HFO office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.

  • HIZ003 Kauai n/a
  • HIZ006 Oahu n/a
  • HIZ017 Maui n/a
  • HIZ052 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ053 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ054 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ023 Big Island Leeward n/a

NWS SRF · HFO · Issued Nov 7, 8:12 AM

Sunrise
6:27 AM
Sunset
5:46 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
3:02 AM High 2.3 ft
9:33 AM Low 0.5 ft
2:37 PM High 1.3 ft
8:24 PM Low -0.1 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1617433, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Nov 7
85°

Mostly Sunny

1%
68
Sun Nov 8
85°

Mostly Sunny

2%
86
Mon Nov 9
85°

Sunny

2%
86
Tue Nov 10
85°

Sunny

2%
85
Wed Nov 11
85°

Sunny

2%
82
Thu Nov 12
84°

Sunny

2%
85
Fri Nov 13
84°

Sunny

2%
84
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

State park lot, $5/HI resident vehicle or $10/non-resident; $5/non-resident adult.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited (Hawaii state park beach).

Entry Fee

$5 HI resident / $10 non-resident vehicle; $5/adult non-resident.

Address

62-100 Kaunaoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerspavilionssnack standcabins
Is it safe to swim at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area today?

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited (Hawaii state park beach).

Is there an entry fee at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?

$5 HI resident / $10 non-resident vehicle; $5/adult non-resident.

Are there lifeguards at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?

Amenities at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, pavilions, snack stand, cabins.

When is the water warmest at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area?

Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.

Where is Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area located?

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is in Hawaii County, HI, at 62-100 Kaunaoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

esc