85°
Mostly Sunny
8%
73
Hawaii County, HI · Hawaiian Islands
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.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
7.2ft waves · 80°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 3 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- 20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- 7.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
53 /100
ok
38 Swim
60 Sunbathe
78 Walk
74 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Clear
Wind
3 to 20 mph
NE
Rain
8%
Sunday
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
10:30 PM
0.1 ft · in 7.2h
Wave Height
7.2 ft
9s · E 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
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
11:51 AM
Sunset
1:06 AM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:59 AM | High | 0.7 ft |
| 7:26 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 3:06 PM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 10:30 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:59 AM | High | 0.8 ft |
| 8:19 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 3:51 PM | High | 3.0 ft |
| 11:10 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:54 AM | High | 0.8 ft |
| 9:11 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 4:35 PM | High | 3.0 ft |
| 11:48 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:45 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 10:03 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 5:16 PM | High | 2.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:25 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 5:38 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 10:54 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 5:55 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 6:33 AM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 11:47 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:33 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:33 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 7:33 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 12:44 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 7:08 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 1617433, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Mostly Sunny
8%
81
83°
Mostly Sunny
8%
86
83°
Mostly Sunny
8%
86
85°
Mostly Sunny
8%
85
86°
Mostly Sunny
8%
84
85°
Mostly Sunny
8%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 3 to 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
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
Amenities
Frequently Asked
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS