This is an older update. Read the latest Oahu update →Oahu update · 2026-05-09

Oahu Beach Conditions Today

Surf, weather, safety alerts, and the best beaches for 2026-05-09.

At a glance

Best beach
Ala Moana Beach Park
Best time
midday
Confidence
high
Water advisories
3 active

Active water advisories

Oahu: Windy & Wet Windward, Calm South Shore beach conditions image

Oahu's south shore is the best bet today for calm, reef-protected waters — ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island Lagoon offer gentle waves and lifeguard supervision. The windward shores (Kailua, Waimanalo) are windy (13-16 mph from the NE) with moderate surf (3.7 ft) and 100% rain chance, making them better for windsurfing than swimming. North Shore beaches (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) have solid surf (5.2-5.7 ft), but brown water advisories remain active — do not enter the water. Tropical storm risk is elevated this season, so check conditions before heading out. Pack a light jacket for showers and breezy conditions.

Recommended Beaches

Neighborhood: Urban Honolulu

Ala Moana Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: midday

high confidence
  • Calm, reef-protected waters (3.1 ft surf) — safe for swimming and wading.
  • Lifeguards on duty; picnic areas, shade trees, and restrooms available.
  • Avoid murky water near storm drains — runoff risk persists. Rinse off after swimming.
View beach page →

Ala Moana: Magic Island Lagoon

Oahu · Best window: afternoon

high confidence
  • Enclosed lagoon with no waves — safest spot for kids and beginners.
  • Sheltered from wind; lifeguards nearby at Ala Moana Beach Park.
  • Best for sunset views — Diamond Head and Waikiki backdrop.
View beach page →

Sans Souci Beach

Oahu · Best window: midday

medium confidence
  • Small, calm beach with gentle waves-ideal for families and snorkeling.
  • Lifeguards on duty; less crowded than Waikiki beaches.
  • Avoid if water is murky — runoff risk persists.
View beach page →

Kailua Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Steady winds (13.4 mph from the NE) — ideal for windsurfing or kitesurfing (rentals nearby).
  • Windward shore: surf is choppy (3.7 ft), not large swells — avoid swimming if inexperienced.
  • Lifeguards on duty; best in the morning before winds pick up. Rain likely-pack a jacket.
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Haleiwa

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Oahu · Best window: morning

low confidence
  • Solid surf (5.2 ft) — only for experienced surfers. Brown water advisory active-do not swim.
  • Best for scenic views and photography. Lifeguards on duty but water entry not recommended.
View beach page →

Full Briefing

Ocean Conditions

high

Oahu's south shore (Ala Moana, Magic Island) offers calm, reef-protected waters with moderate surf (3.1 ft) — ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The windward shores (Kailua, Waimanalo) are windy (13-16 mph from the NE) with choppy surf (3.7 ft) and 100% rain chance, making them better for windsurfing than swimming. North Shore beaches (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) have solid surf (5.2-5.7 ft), but brown water advisories remain active — do not enter the water. Lifeguards are on duty at major beaches, but always check conditions before entering. Tropical storm risk is elevated this season — stay updated via NWS Honolulu.

Weather Snapshot

high

Oahu is overcast today, with temperatures in the low to mid-70s°F. Winds are strong (10.7-16.3 mph from the NE), keeping conditions breezy and cool. Rain chance is 100% on the windward side (Kailua, Waimanalo) with brief showers likely. The south shore (Ala Moana, Waikiki) has lower rain chances but remains overcast. The tropical storm risk is elevated this season, so monitor forecasts for sudden changes. Midday is the best time for beach visits, with the least wind and most stable conditions.

News To Know

high

Monk Seal Attack Sparks Outrage: A man was caught on video throwing a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal on Maui, prompting calls for prosecution and education. Details here. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Opens at Ala Moana: The local chain is making its debut at Ala Moana Center's food court, bringing island favorites to a new location. Read more. Tropical Storm Risk Elevated: The 2026 hurricane season is forecasted to bring above-average tropical impacts to Hawaii, including damaging winds, flooding, and storm surge. AccuWeather report. Brush Fire Prevention Tips: With dry season approaching, the Honolulu Fire Department urges residents to clear vegetation and avoid open flames. Tips here.

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 calm swimming: Magic Island Lagoon (afternoon).
  • Best for windsurfing: Kailua Beach Park (morning).
  • Avoid North/West Shores: Brown water advisories active-do not enter the water.
  • Tropical storm risk elevated: Check NWS Honolulu for updates.
  • Pack a jacket: Windy and rainy on windward shores.

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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