South shore beaches like Ala Moana provide calm, family-friendly waters. Windward shores are windy with rain. North Shore surf remains solid but brown water advisories persist.
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 (20+ mph from the ENE)** with **moderate surf (4.6 ft)** and **no rain**, making them better for windsurfing than swimming. **North Shore beaches** (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) have **solid surf (4.8-5.3 ft)**, but **brown water advisories** remain active-**do not enter the water**. Pack a light jacket for breezy conditions and check advisories before heading out.
Currently posted advisories from the Hawaii Department of Health affecting Oahu. Source: official DOH Clean Water Branch.
Posted Apr 30, 2026 · Makua Beach
Full advisory at health.hawaii.gov →Posted Apr 23, 2026 · Haleiwa Beach Park to Mokuleia 260A Beach Access
Full advisory at health.hawaii.gov →Oahu · Best window: midday
high confidenceOahu · Best window: afternoon
high confidenceOahu · Best window: morning
medium confidenceOahu · Best window: midday
medium confidenceOahu · Best window: morning
low confidence**Stick to south shore spots** like **Magic Island Lagoon** or **Ala Moana Beach Park**-calm, reef-protected waters with lifeguards. **Avoid windward shores** (choppy, windy) and **North Shore beaches** (brown water advisories). Winds are **strong (20+ mph)**, so expect choppy conditions on the east side. **Never swim beyond the reef** and rinse off after swimming to avoid skin irritation. **Tropical storm risk is elevated**-check [NWS Honolulu](https://www.weather.gov/hfo/) for updates.
**Magic Island Lagoon** is your safest bet today-calm waters, lifeguards, and space for kids to play. **Ala Moana Beach Park** is another great option with picnic areas. **Avoid North Shore beaches** (brown water advisories) and **windward shores** (windy). Pack sunscreen and water-no rain expected. Check the [Clean Water Branch advisories](https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb) before heading out.
**Kailua Beach Park** is ideal for **windsurfing or kitesurfing** (21.7 mph winds). North Shore beaches have **solid surf (4.8-5.3 ft)**, but **brown water advisories** make swimming unsafe. If you're set on getting in the water, **south shore spots** like **Magic Island Lagoon** are safer, but **avoid discolored water**. Rinse gear thoroughly after use to avoid contamination. **Tropical storm risk is elevated**-monitor conditions closely.
Oahu's **south shore** (Ala Moana, Magic Island) offers **calm, reef-protected waters** with **moderate surf (3.5 ft)**-ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The **windward shores** (Kailua, Waimanalo) are **windy (20+ mph from ENE)** with **choppy surf (4.6 ft)**, making them better for windsurfing than swimming. **North Shore beaches** (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) have **solid surf (4.8-5.3 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](https://www.weather.gov/hfo/).
Oahu is **partly cloudy** today, with temperatures in the **mid-70s°F**. Winds are **strong (14.8-22.1 mph from the E/ENE)**, keeping conditions breezy and cool. **No rain expected** on the windward side, but **wind chop** will make water conditions rough. The **south shore** (Ala Moana, Waikiki) is the most sheltered from wind. The **tropical storm risk remains 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.
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**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](https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb) for updates.
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.