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.

Shops 3

Great day for photography.

80°F water · 83°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Isolated rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. East northeast wind 2 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. East wind 7 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 83°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 22% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

  • 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
  • 5.2ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

  • UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
67 /100
good
49 Swim
61 Sunbathe
73 Walk
74 Photo

Best for photography today

Air Temp
83°F
Isolated Rain Showers
Wind
2 to 13 mph
ENE
Rain
22%
Today
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Scattered Rain Showers
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
9:44 PM
0.1 ft · in 2.4h
Wave Height
5.2 ft
11s · ENE 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 Sep 9, 9:03 AM

Sunrise
6:16 AM
Sunset
6:39 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
2:48 AM High 1.3 ft
8:19 AM Low 0.1 ft
3:05 PM High 2.3 ft
9:44 PM Low 0.1 ft

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

Today Sep 9
83°

Isolated Rain Showers

22%
67
Thu Sep 10
82°

Scattered Rain Showers

29%
63
Fri Sep 11
81°

Scattered Rain Showers

30%
64
Sat Sep 12
81°

Isolated Rain Showers

23%
71
Sun Sep 13
82°

Scattered Rain Showers

29%
63
Mon Sep 14
82°

Scattered Rain Showers

29%
65
Tue Sep 15
82°

Scattered Rain Showers

29%
66
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F

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

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

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerspicnic tablesBBQ grills
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

esc