This is an older update. Read the latest Oahu update โ†’Oahu update ยท 2026-06-26

Oahu Beach Conditions Today

Surf, weather, safety alerts, and the best beaches for 2026-06-26.

At a glance

Best beach
Ala Moana: Magic Island Lagoon
Best time
midday
Confidence
high
Water advisories
1 active

Active water advisory

Oahu: Windy & Solid Surf - Sheltered Spots Best Today beach conditions image

Oahu's windward shores (Kailua, Waimanalo) are windier today (14-20 mph ENE), creating choppy conditions for swimming. Ala Moana Lagoon and Magic Island are the safest spots-fully enclosed and sheltered from wind. North Shore (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) has solid surf (4.3-5.8 ft), making it ideal for experienced surfers but less safe for swimming. Morning is the best time for beach visits, with the least wind and most stable conditions. Note: An active search is underway for a missing father and son near Hanauma Bay-avoid hiking trails in the area and follow local safety advisories.

Recommended Beaches

Ala Moana: Magic Island Lagoon

Oahu ยท Best window: midday

high confidence
  • Fully enclosed lagoon โ€” no waves, no currents, safest for kids and weak swimmers.
  • Sheltered from wind (20.1 mph ENE) โ€” minimal chop, ideal for relaxing or light swimming.
  • Lifeguards nearby โ€” monitored for safety.
  • Sunset views โ€” stunning backdrop if skies clear.
View beach page โ†’

Kailua Beach Park

Oahu ยท Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Calm waters (5.8 ft surf) โ€” ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding (rentals nearby).
  • Steady winds (20.1 mph ENE) โ€” good for windsurfing or kitesurfing.
  • Morning is best โ€” before winds peak; lifeguards on duty.
  • Check for Portuguese man-o-war after windy conditions-rinse with vinegar if stung.
View beach page โ†’
Neighborhood: Urban Honolulu

Ala Moana Beach Park

Oahu ยท Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Reef-protected lagoon โ€” calm waters if staying inside the reef.
  • Moderate surf (4.5 ft) โ€” less choppy than windward shores.
  • Lifeguards on duty โ€” monitored for safety.
  • Best for families โ€” picnic areas, restrooms, and shaded grassy spaces. Avoid the channel on the west side โ€” dangerous currents.
View beach page โ†’

Sunset Beach Park

Oahu ยท Best window: afternoon

medium confidence
  • Solid surf (5.4 ft) โ€” ideal for experienced surfers.
  • Less crowded than Waimea Bay โ€” quieter vibe.
  • Lifeguards on duty โ€” safe for surfers.
  • Avoid swimming โ€” choppy conditions and strong currents.
View beach page โ†’
Neighborhood: Haleiwa

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Oahu ยท Best window: afternoon

medium confidence
  • Solid surf (4.3 ft) โ€” popular for experienced surfers.
  • Scenic views โ€” great for photography.
  • Lifeguards on duty โ€” monitored for safety.
  • Avoid swimming โ€” choppy conditions and strong currents.
View beach page โ†’

Full Briefing

Ocean Conditions

high

Oahu's windward shores (Kailua, Waimanalo) are windier today (14-20 mph ENE), creating choppy conditions for swimming. Ala Moana Lagoon and Magic Island are the safest spots-fully enclosed and sheltered from wind. North Shore (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) has solid surf (4.3-5.8 ft), making it ideal for experienced surfers but less safe for swimming. No active high bacteria advisories, but monitor south shore conditions for minor chop from south swells. Lifeguards urge caution โ€” stay near towers and avoid areas beyond the reef. Note: An active search is underway near Hanauma Bay-avoid hiking trails in the area.

Weather Snapshot

high

Oahu is patchy rain nearby today, with temperatures in the mid-70sยฐF and strong ENE winds (14-20 mph). Windward shores (Kailua, Waimanalo) will see the steadiest winds, while the south shore (Ala Moana, Waikiki) offers the most shelter from wind. Rain chances are low (18-21%), but brief showers are possible โ€” pack a light jacket. Morning is the best time for beach visits, with the least wind and most stable conditions.

News To Know

high

Active search near Hanauma Bay: The Coast Guard and local first responders are searching for a missing father and his teenage son who disappeared while hiking near Hanauma Bay. A backpack belonging to the father was found near the trail. Avoid hiking trails in the area and follow local safety advisories. Read more. Oahu satellite city halls go cashless for property tax payments: Starting next month, satellite city halls will no longer accept cash payments for real property taxes. Cash payments must be made in person at the Treasury Cashier's Office in Honolulu Hale. Read more. Free Wi-Fi expands on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights: Both airlines have equipped 150 aircraft with Starlink, offering free Wi-Fi to Atmos Rewards members. The remaining mainline fleet is expected to be completed by 2027. Read more.

Quick Hits

  • Best for calm swimming: Magic Island Lagoon (midday-fully enclosed).
  • Best for families: Ala Moana Beach Park (morning-calm waters, lifeguards).
  • Best for windsurfing/kayaking: Kailua Beach Park (steady winds).
  • Best for experienced surfers: Sunset Beach Park (solid surf, 5.4 ft).
  • Avoid for swimming: North Shore (choppy conditions, strong currents).

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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