← All beaches & hotels
OʻAHU · WATER QUALITY GUIDE · 2026

Beaches Near Waimanalo

Waimanalo, Oʻahu — ranked by water quality and bacteria risk

Drive times and water quality risk levels for beaches near Waimanalo, Oʻahu. Risk ratings are based on long-term DOH bacteria testing data and geography. Always check current Oʻahu advisories before swimming — conditions change after rain.
Nearby Beaches — Ranked by Proximity
Waimanalo Beach Low ●
Longest sandy beach on Oahu
In town
Central
Bellows Beach Low ●
Open weekends only, military beach
5 min
North
Makapuu Beach Low ●
Bodysurfing, lighthouse trail nearby
10 min
South
Kailua Beach Moderate ●
Top-rated, kayak to Mokulua islands
15 min
North
Lanikai Beach Low ●
Cleanest water on Oahu
15 min
North
If Brown Water Is Active

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Waimanalo, Oʻahu:

  • Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
  • Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
  • Best rain-resistant option: Makapuu Beach (South) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
  • Check the Oʻahu live advisories page for current conditions
Book Tours & Activities

Top-rated experiences near Waimanalo, Oʻahu. Check water quality above, then plan your trip.

Tours Near Waimanalo, Oʻahu
Snorkeling, surf lessons, island tours & more
Viator
Compare Tours & Prices
Browse top-rated Oʻahu tours. Multiple operators, reviews, and instant confirmation.
GetYourGuide

Tours listed via Viator and GetYourGuide. Safe to Swim Hawaii may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Get Beach Safety Alerts

Free alerts when water quality changes on Oʻahu — brown water advisories and bacteria warnings.

Check all Hawaii beaches →

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.

Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.

When in doubt, don’t go out. 🤙

© 2026 Safe to Swim Hawaii · Independent passion project · safetoswimhawaii@gmail.com