85°
Sunny
10%
85
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
6.6ft waves · 79°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 3 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 70. East wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- 6.6ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
69 /100
good
55 Swim
81 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.5 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Cloudy
Wind
3 to 16 mph
NE
Rain
10%
Thursday
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
9:36 PM
0.5 ft · in 6.8h
Wave Height
6.6 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
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
11:45 AM
Sunset
1:05 AM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:10 AM | High | 0.8 ft |
| 6:12 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 2:02 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| 9:36 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Sunny
4%
86
85°
Sunny
4%
86
84°
Sunny
4%
86
85°
Sunny
5%
86
86°
Sunny
13%
86
86°
Sunny
8%
86
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 3 to 16 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°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
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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