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 a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 7.2ft waves · 80°F water

Full NWS forecast for Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 80. East northeast wind around 24 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. East northeast wind 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Weather

80°F air — ideal beach weather
24 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
7.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 3:26am hst until july 18 at 6:00pm hst by nws honolulu hi

57 /100

good

4 Swim

53 Sunbathe

74 Walk

72 Photo

Best for walking today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 3:26AM HST until July 18 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI

NWS · In effect through Jul 19, 4:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...East winds 15 to 25 kt. * WHERE...Kaiwi Channel, Maui County Windward Waters and Big Island Windward Waters. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST this evening. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

80°F

Mostly Cloudy

Wind

24 mph

ENE

Rain

14%

Today

UV Peak

12 Extreme

High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

80°F

Mostly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

80°F

Swimming weather

Wave Height

7.2 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 18, 7:34 PM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

11:58 AM

Sunset

1:14 AM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

Tides

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

Time	Type	Height
2:10 AM	Low	0.1 ft
8:50 AM	High	1.3 ft
1:59 PM	Low	0.8 ft
7:44 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:43 AM	Low	0.1 ft
10:02 AM	High	1.5 ft
3:39 PM	Low	0.9 ft
8:17 PM	High	1.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:19 AM	Low	0.1 ft
11:10 AM	High	1.7 ft
5:58 PM	Low	0.9 ft
8:52 PM	High	0.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:59 AM	Low	0.2 ft
12:09 PM	High	1.8 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:44 AM	Low	0.2 ft
12:58 PM	High	2.0 ft
9:15 PM	Low	0.6 ft
11:55 PM	High	0.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:33 AM	Low	0.2 ft
1:40 PM	High	2.1 ft
9:38 PM	Low	0.5 ft

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

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

80°

Partly Sunny

14%

Sun Jul 19

80°

Mostly Sunny

Mon Jul 20

80°

Scattered Rain Showers

26%

Tue Jul 21

80°

Scattered Rain Showers

31%

Wed Jul 22

80°

Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

27%

Thu Jul 23

80°

Sunny

13%

Fri Jul 24

80°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

17%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 24 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°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.