85°
Mostly Sunny
2%
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.
8.2ft waves · 79°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. East northeast wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 78. East northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 13 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- 8.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
63 /100
good
45 Swim
78 Sunbathe
86 Walk
81 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
ENE
Rain
2%
Today
UV Peak
13 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
8.2 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
11:53 AM
Sunset
1:05 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| 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 |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:05 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:39 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 1:50 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:41 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:37 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:50 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 3:19 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 8:14 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:11 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 10:59 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 5:42 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 8:50 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:50 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:00 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:37 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:52 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 9:06 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:49 PM | High | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:31 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 1:37 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 9:33 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 1617433, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Mostly Sunny
2%
83
85°
Mostly Sunny
9%
83
85°
Partly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
20%
79
85°
Mostly Sunny
8%
84
85°
Mostly Sunny
3%
85
85°
Mostly Sunny
5%
84
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light 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
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