This is an older update. Read the latest Oahu update →Oahu update · 2026-04-29

Oahu Beach Conditions Today

Surf, weather, safety alerts, and the best beaches for 2026-04-29.

At a glance

Best beach
Kailua Beach Park
Best time
morning
Confidence
high
Water advisories
3 active

Active water advisories

Oahu: Steady Trade Winds, Calm South Shore, North Shore Advisories Hold beach conditions image

Oahu's trade winds are steady today (20 mph from the ENE), bringing breezy conditions to windward shores like Kailua-ideal for windsurfing but choppy for swimming. The south shore (Ala Moana, Magic Island) offers calm, reef-protected waters perfect for families and beginners. North Shore beaches (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) have moderate surf (3.5-4.3 ft), but brown water advisories remain in effect from Haleiwa to Maili-do not enter the water. Waikiki's contaminated runoff risk persists; avoid swimming there. Lifeguards are on duty at major beaches, but always check for discolored water and posted warnings.

Recommended Beaches

Kailua Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: morning

high confidence
  • Steady trade winds (20 mph) make it ideal for windsurfing or kitesurfing-rentals available nearby.
  • Reef-protected waters are calm inside the bay, but avoid murky areas near stream mouths due to rain runoff.
  • Lifeguards on duty; best in the morning before winds peak. Rinse off after swimming.
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Urban Honolulu

Ala Moana Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: midday

high confidence
  • Moderate waves (2.5 ft) inside the reef-good for beginner surfers or bodyboarding.
  • Lifeguards on duty; picnic areas and restrooms available. Avoid the channel — strong currents outside the reef.
  • Check for murky water — runoff risk persists after recent rain.
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Ala Moana: Magic Island Lagoon

Oahu · Best window: afternoon

high confidence
  • Enclosed lagoon with no waves-safest spot for kids, wading, or floating.
  • Sheltered from wind; lifeguards nearby at Ala Moana Beach Park.
  • Avoid if water is murky — runoff may linger near storm drains.
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Sunset Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: morning

low confidence
  • Brown water advisory active — do not enter the water. Surf is solid (4.3 ft), but unsafe for swimming.
  • Visit for scenic views or picnics, but avoid water activities. Lifeguards on duty to enforce advisories.
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Neighborhood: Haleiwa

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: morning

low confidence
  • Brown water advisory active — do not enter the water. Surf is moderate (3.5 ft), but unsafe for swimming.
  • Scenic views and picnics are safe, but avoid water activities. Lifeguards on duty.
View beach page →

Full Briefing

Ocean Conditions

high

Oahu's trade winds are steady today (20 mph from the ENE), making windward shores like Kailua ideal for windsurfing but choppy for swimming. South shore beaches (Ala Moana, Magic Island) offer sheltered, reef-protected waters with waves around 2.5-3 ft-safe for swimming if water is clear. North Shore beaches (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) have moderate surf (3.5-4.3 ft), but brown water advisories remain active from Haleiwa to Maili-do not enter the water. Waikiki's contaminated runoff risk persists; avoid swimming there. Lifeguards are on duty at major beaches, but always check conditions before entering.

Weather Snapshot

high

Oahu is under partly cloudy skies today, with temperatures in the mid-70s. Winds are steady from the east-northeast at 20 mph, keeping conditions breezy. Rain chances are low (0%), but morning fog is possible near windward shores, clearing by midday. The ground remains saturated from recent storms-avoid hiking trails or low-lying areas prone to flooding. Midday is the best time for beach visits, with the least wind and sunniest conditions.

News To Know

high

Oahu's new flood maps go into effect June 10: FEMA's updated flood insurance maps will move nearly 4,000 properties into flood zones, impacting areas like Iwilei and Kapālama. Property owners with federally backed mortgages in flood zones will need to purchase flood insurance. Read more. City proposes rounding cash transactions due to penny shortage: Honolulu is considering a bill to round cash payments for city taxes and fees to the nearest five cents. Read more. AI hazard detection system on hold: The Department of Emergency Management's all-hazard AI detection project is paused due to federal funding constraints. Read more. Waikiki's contaminated flooding risk persists: A UH Mānoa study warns that rising sea levels could cause the Ala Wai Canal to backwash sewage-contaminated water into Waikiki streets and beaches. Avoid swimming in Waikiki until further notice.

Brown Water Advisories

high

Active advisories on Oahu's North and West Shores: The Hawaii Department of Health has issued brown water advisories for two zones: - Haleiwa Beach Park to Mokuleia 260A Beach Access (North Shore) - Makaha Beach Park to Maili Beach Park (West Side) Do not enter the water in these areas-runoff from recent storms may contain harmful bacteria, chemicals, and debris. Advisories remain in effect until water quality improves. Check the Clean Water Branch website for updates.

Quick Hits

  • Best for windsurfing: Kailua Beach Park (morning).
  • Best for swimming: Magic Island Lagoon (afternoon).
  • Avoid Waikiki: Contaminated runoff risk-do not swim.
  • Avoid North/West Shores: Brown water advisories active-do not enter the water.
  • Rinse off after swimming: Runoff may cause skin irritation.

Disclaimer: This update is generated using AI and automated data sources including weather APIs, surf forecasts, and news feeds. It is not professional safety advice. Ocean conditions change rapidly and may differ from what is described here. Always check with on-site lifeguards, observe posted warning signs, and consult official sources such as the National Weather Service before entering the water. HawaiiYeah assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from use of this information. See our full disclaimer.

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