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.

Ideal for a beach walk.

79°F water · 84°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Sunny, with a high near 84. West northwest wind 2 to 7 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Northeast wind 2 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Weather

  • 84°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
  • 5.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

  • UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
79 /100
great
74 Swim
83 Sunbathe
88 Walk
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
84°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
2 to 7 mph
WNW
Rain
2%
Today
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
5.9 ft
8s · 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

NWS SRF · HFO · Issued Jun 3, 7:05 PM

Sunrise
11:43 AM
Sunset
12:59 AM
Moon · 87%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
1:17 AM Low 0.2 ft
5:34 AM High 0.6 ft
10:40 AM Low 0.0 ft
6:21 PM High 2.3 ft
Today Jun 3
84°

Sunny

2%
86
Thu Jun 4
83°

Mostly Sunny

8%
86
Fri Jun 5
83°

Sunny

9%
85
Sat Jun 6
83°

Sunny

8%
85
Sun Jun 7
83°

Sunny

2%
86
Mon Jun 8
83°

Mostly Sunny

2%
85
Tue Jun 9
83°

Partly Sunny

3%
85
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°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 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

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