This is an older update. Read the latest Oahu update →Oahu update Ā· 2026-06-29

Oahu: Windy & Solid Surf - Sheltered Spots Win Again

Oahu's **windward shores** remain **windy today (16 mph ENE)**, making **Ala Moana Lagoon** and **Magic Island** the **best bets for calm, sheltered swimming**. **North Shore** has **solid surf (4-5 ft)**-ideal for **experienced surfers**, but **choppy for swimming**. **Morning is best** for stable conditions. **Hanauma Bay search highlights ocean safety concerns**.

Oahu: Windy & Solid Surf - Sheltered Spots Win Again beach conditions image

Oahu's **windward shores** (Kailua, Waimanalo) stay **windy today (16 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 (4-5 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**. **An ongoing search off Hanauma Bay involving a missing father and son underscores the importance of ocean safety-always check conditions and stay near lifeguards.**

Recommended Beaches

Ala Moana: Magic Island Lagoon

Oahu Ā· Best window: midday

high confidence
  • **Fully enclosed lagoon**-no waves, no currents, **safest for kids and weak swimmers**.
  • **Sheltered from wind (13-16 mph ENE)**-minimal chop, ideal for relaxing or light swimming.
  • **Lifeguards on duty**-monitored for safety.
  • **Sunset views**-stunning backdrop if skies clear.
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Urban Honolulu

Ala Moana Beach Park

Oahu Ā· Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • **Reef-protected lagoon**-calm waters if **staying inside the reef**.
  • **Moderate surf (4.1 ft)**-less choppy than windward shores.
  • **Lifeguards on duty**-monitored for safety.
  • **Best for families**-picnic areas, restrooms, and shaded grassy spaces. **Avoid the channel on the west side**-dangerous currents.
View beach page →

Sunset Beach Park

Oahu Ā· Best window: afternoon

medium confidence
  • **Solid surf (5.1 ft)**-ideal for **experienced surfers**.
  • **Less crowded than Waimea Bay**-quieter vibe.
  • **Lifeguards on duty**-safe for surfers.
  • **Avoid swimming**-choppy conditions and strong currents.
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Haleiwa

Waimea Bay Beach Park

Oahu Ā· Best window: afternoon

medium confidence
  • **Solid surf (4.1 ft)**-popular for **experienced surfers**.
  • **Scenic views**-great for photography.
  • **Lifeguards on duty**-monitored for safety.
  • **Avoid swimming**-choppy conditions and strong currents.
View beach page →

Kailua Beach Park

Oahu Ā· Best window: morning

low confidence
  • **Windward shore**-expect **choppy conditions (16 mph ENE winds)**.
  • **Lifeguards on duty**-monitored for safety.
  • **Best for windsurfing/kayaking**-steady trade winds.
  • **Avoid swimming if choppy**-stick to shallow areas.
View beach page →

Who Is This Update For?

šŸ„ Beginners

**Stick to Ala Moana Lagoon or Magic Island**-calm, sheltered waters with lifeguards. **Avoid North Shore (choppy conditions) and windward shores (windy and potentially unsafe)**. **Never swim beyond the reef**, and **rinse off after swimming** to avoid skin irritation. **Pack reef-safe shoes and sunscreen.** **Monitor south shore conditions**-south swells may bring minor chop. **Stay updated on ocean safety after the Hanauma Bay search.**

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ‘©ā€šŸ‘§ Families

**Magic Island Lagoon is your safest bet today**-fully enclosed, no waves, and lifeguards nearby. **Ala Moana Beach Park** is another great option with **calm waters and lifeguards**. **Avoid North Shore (choppy surf) and windward shores (windy and potentially unsafe)**. **Pack snacks, water, and a change of clothes**-conditions may change. **Always swim near a lifeguard tower** and **avoid areas beyond the reef.** **Check for Portuguese man-o-war** after windy conditions. **Discuss ocean safety with kids after the Hanauma Bay search.**

🌊 Experienced

**North Shore beaches (Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) have solid surf (4-5 ft)**-ideal for **experienced surfers**. **Monitor conditions closely**-winds may shift. **Check for Portuguese man-o-war** after windy conditions. **South swells may bring minor chop to south shores**-adjust plans accordingly. **Stay vigilant after the Hanauma Bay search**-ocean conditions can change rapidly.

Full Briefing

Ocean Conditions

high

Oahu's **windward shores** (Kailua, Waimanalo) remain **windy today (16 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 (4-5 ft)**, making it **ideal for experienced surfers** but **less safe for swimming**. **Note: Reported surf at Kailua Beach Park (5.4 ft) is unrealistic for windward shores**-expect **wind chop (3-5 ft max)**. **No active high bacteria advisories**, but **monitor south shore conditions** for minor chop from south swells. **Lifeguards urge caution**-stay near towers and avoid areas beyond the reef. **An ongoing search off Hanauma Bay involving a missing father and son highlights the importance of ocean safety.**

Weather Snapshot

high

Oahu is **overcast to partly cloudy** today, with **temperatures in the mid-70s°F** and **strong ENE winds (13-16 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 moderate (28-48%)**, but **brief showers are likely**-pack a light jacket. **Morning is the best time for beach visits**, with the **least wind and most stable conditions**.

News To Know

high

**Search continues off Hanauma Bay**: The Coast Guard and Honolulu first responders are searching for a **missing father and his teen son** in the waters off Hanauma Bay. The pair went missing Tuesday after leaving their hotel to hike the Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge Trail. **No rip current advisories have been issued**, but **larger waves are expected along south-facing shores**. [Read more](https://nypost.com/2026/06/26/world-news/coast-guard-and-hawaii-first-responders-search-for-missing-father-teen-son-in-waters-off-oahu/). **Gondola proposal halted**: Governor Green signed a bill **banning gondolas in Hawaii**, ending a controversial North Shore proposal. The decision follows strong community opposition. [Read more](https://www.khon2.com/news/national/controversial-gondola-proposal-in-hawaii-halted-after-governor-signs-bill/). **Kailua road rage incident**: Honolulu police are investigating an **attempted murder** after a road rage incident in Kailua turned violent with gunfire. [Read more](https://www.khon2.com/hawaii-crime/kailua-road-rage-shooting/). **Native bird deaths linked to cars**: A recent study found **cars are the primary cause of pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) deaths** in Hawaii. [Read more](https://www.khon2.com/local-news/native-bird-deaths-pueo-prevention/).

What Changed Since Yesterday

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 experienced surfers**: Sunset Beach Park (solid surf, 5.1 ft).
  • **Avoid for swimming**: Windward shores (choppy conditions) and North Shore (strong currents).
  • **Ocean safety reminder**: Check conditions after the Hanauma Bay search.

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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