Honolulu County, HI · Hawaiian Islands

Makapuu Beach Park

41-095 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795

A pocket beach tucked under the 600-foot black lava cliffs at Oahu's easternmost point, opposite Manana (Rabbit) Island. Heavy shore break and strong currents make it a bodyboarding magnet rather than a casual swim spot. The cliffside lighthouse trail above the beach is a top whale-watching perch in winter.

Today's Conditions

Great day for photography.

8.2ft waves · NWS alert active · 79°F water

Full NWS forecast for Sunday

Scattered rain showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. East northeast wind around 23 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight

Isolated rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. East northeast wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Weather

80°F air — ideal beach weather
26% rain — pop-up showers possible
23 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
8.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 12 at 3:10am hst until july 13 at 6:00pm hst by nws honolulu hi

52 /100

0 Swim

46 Sunbathe

66 Walk

70 Photo

Best for photography today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued July 12 at 3:10AM HST until July 13 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI

NWS · In effect through Jul 14, 4:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...East winds, except in Maalaea Bay where winds will be north, 20 to 25 kt with higher gusts. * WHERE...All Hawaiian waters. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Monday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

Get Directions View on Google Maps Open in Apple Maps

Atmosphere

Air Temp

80°F

Cloudy

Wind

23 mph

ENE

Rain

26%

Sunday

UV Peak

12 Extreme

High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

80°F

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

79°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

10:38 PM

0.2 ft · in 7.3h

Wave Height

8.2 ft

8s · NE swell

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PHZ114)

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 Jul 12, 1:25 PM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

11:56 AM

Sunset

1:16 AM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
1:56 AM	High	0.6 ft
7:22 AM	Low	-0.3 ft
3:09 PM	High	2.7 ft
10:38 PM	Low	0.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:55 AM	High	0.6 ft
8:15 AM	Low	-0.3 ft
3:54 PM	High	2.7 ft
11:17 PM	Low	0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:50 AM	High	0.7 ft
9:07 AM	Low	-0.2 ft
4:38 PM	High	2.7 ft
11:53 PM	Low	0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:44 AM	High	0.8 ft
9:59 AM	Low	-0.1 ft
5:19 PM	High	2.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:29 AM	Low	0.1 ft
5:40 AM	High	0.9 ft
10:50 AM	Low	0.0 ft
5:58 PM	High	2.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:03 AM	Low	0.1 ft
6:38 AM	High	1.0 ft
11:44 AM	Low	0.3 ft
6:36 PM	High	2.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:37 AM	Low	0.1 ft
7:41 AM	High	1.2 ft
12:44 PM	Low	0.5 ft
7:11 PM	High	1.8 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1612340, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 12

80°

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

26%

Mon Jul 13

80°

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

26%

Tue Jul 14

79°

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

26%

Wed Jul 15

80°

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

26%

Thu Jul 16

81°

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

26%

Fri Jul 17

81°

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

26%

Sat Jul 18

80°

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

26%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 23 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F

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

Beach Info

Parking

Free paved lot off Kalanianaole Hwy.

Dogs

Dogs allowed below the high-tide line only, on leash.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

41-095 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795

Amenities

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerspicnic tablesBBQ grills

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Makapuu Beach Park today?

Makapuu Beach Park 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 Makapuu Beach Park dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed below the high-tide line only, on leash.

Is there an entry fee at Makapuu Beach Park?

Entry to Makapuu Beach Park is free.

Are there lifeguards at Makapuu Beach Park?

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

What amenities are at Makapuu Beach Park?

Amenities at Makapuu Beach Park include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, BBQ grills.

When is the water warmest at Makapuu Beach Park?

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 Makapuu Beach Park located?

Makapuu Beach Park is in Honolulu County, HI, at 41-095 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795.