This is an older update. Read the latest Oahu update →Oahu update · 2026-04-30

Oahu Beach Conditions Today

Surf, weather, safety alerts, and the best beaches for 2026-04-30.

At a glance

Best beach
Ala Moana: Magic Island Lagoon
Best time
afternoon
Confidence
high
Water advisories
2 active

Active water advisories

Oahu: Calm South Shore, Windy Windward, North Shore Advisories Persist beach conditions image

Oahu's south shore is the star today, with calm, reef-protected waters at Magic Island Lagoon — perfect for swimming and family-friendly activities. Ala Moana Beach Park offers moderate waves inside the reef, but strong currents exist beyond it. Windward shores like Kailua Beach Park are breezy (winds at 20 mph), making them ideal for windsurfing but choppy for swimming. North Shore beaches (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) have solid surf (4-4.8 ft), but brown water advisories remain in effect-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

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. Rinse off after swimming.
View beach page →

Kailua Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: morning

medium 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.
  • Lifeguards on duty; best in the morning before winds peak. Rinse off after swimming.
View beach page →

Sans Souci Beach

Oahu · Best window: midday

medium confidence
  • Small, calm beach with gentle waves-ideal for families and beginner swimmers.
  • Lifeguards on duty; located near Waikiki but with fewer crowds.
  • Avoid if water is murky — runoff risk persists. Stay inside the reef for safety.
View beach page →

Sunset Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: morning

low confidence
  • Brown water advisory active — do not enter the water. Surf is solid (4.8 ft), but unsafe for swimming.
  • Visit for scenic views or picnics, but avoid water activities. Lifeguards on duty to enforce advisories.
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Haleiwa

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: morning

low confidence
  • Brown water advisory active — do not enter the water. Surf is solid (4 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 south shore (Magic Island Lagoon, Sans Souci) offers calm, reef-protected waters with minimal waves-ideal for swimming and beginner-friendly activities. Ala Moana Beach Park has moderate waves (3.2 ft) inside the reef, but strong currents exist beyond it-avoid the channel. Windward shores (Kailua) are breezy (20 mph winds), making them perfect for windsurfing but choppy for swimming. North Shore beaches (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) have solid surf (4-4.8 ft), but brown water advisories remain active-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

Kailua resident's flood claim denied: A Kailua homeowner is frustrated after the Board of Water Supply denied his damage claim following a watermain break that flooded his home. Read more. Robyn Ah Mow steps down from Rainbow Wahine Volleyball: After nearly a decade as head coach, Ah Mow is leaving the University of Hawaii's volleyball program. 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. Read more. City launches AI assistant 'Akamai': Honolulu's new AI voice assistant, Akamai, is now available 24/7 to answer questions about driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and state IDs. Read more.

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) - Makua Beach (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 swimming: Magic Island Lagoon (afternoon).
  • Best for windsurfing: Kailua Beach Park (morning).
  • 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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