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OAHU · LEEWARD COAST

Makaha Beach

Water quality status and bacteria risk rating

📍 Leeward Oʻahu, Waianae Coast

Checking live advisories…
30-Day Water Quality History
10/30 days under DOH advisory · 20 days advisory-free
Aug 28 · No active advisoryAug 29 · No active advisoryAug 30 · No active advisoryAug 31 · No active advisorySep 1 · No active advisorySep 2 · No active advisorySep 3 · No active advisorySep 4 · No active advisorySep 5 · No active advisorySep 6 · No active advisorySep 7 · No active advisorySep 8 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 9 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 10 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 11 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 12 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 13 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 14 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 15 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 16 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 17 · Brown Water AdvisorySep 18 · No active advisorySep 19 · No active advisorySep 20 · No active advisorySep 21 · No active advisorySep 22 · No active advisorySep 23 · No active advisorySep 24 · No active advisorySep 25 · No active advisorySep 26 · No active advisory
Aug 28 through Sep 26
2 Brown Water Advisories
Trend: ▲ worsening
advisory-free Brown Water Advisory Beach Advisory (bacteria)
Historical Pattern · 3-year monthly
January — 86% advisory-free historicallyFebruary — 85% advisory-free historicallyMarch — 80% advisory-free historicallyApril — 68% advisory-free historicallyMay — 92% advisory-free historicallyJune — 100% advisory-free historicallyJuly — 100% advisory-free historicallyAugust — 88% advisory-free historicallySeptember — 89% advisory-free historicallyOctober — 100% advisory-free historicallyNovember — 97% advisory-free historicallyDecember — 84% advisory-free historically JFMAMJJASOND
Historically most advisory-free in June (100% advisory-free) and most advisoried in April (68% advisory-free). Current 30-day window is tracking above typical September advisory frequency.
Source: Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch · Updated 2026-09-27
⚠
If It Looks Brown, Don't Swim
Never enter the ocean when the water appears brown or murky, even if no advisory is posted. Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories — not every beach is monitored. After heavy rain, wait at least 72 hours and until the water clears before swimming.
Learn more about brown water advisories →
Baseline Bacteria Risk (When No Advisory Is Active)
⚠ Baseline rating only — this does not override the live DOH advisory above or the 30-day advisory history. When the status card shows a Brown Water Advisory, treat Makaha as currently affected even if its long-term baseline rating is lower risk. Always check the water yourself and avoid brown or murky water.
Moderate-Low Baseline Risk 2 / 5

In dry windows with no active advisory, Makaha Beach has a lower long-term bacteria baseline than many urban Honolulu beaches thanks to open ocean exposure and less nearby development. The Leeward Coast is one of the driest parts of Oʻahu, which can reduce how often runoff events carry bacteria into the water.

Outside water-quality advisories, Makaha's other major hazard is surf. This is one of Oʻahu's most powerful wave breaks, especially during winter months when massive swells make the water extremely dangerous for anyone other than experienced surfers. During brown-water advisories, runoff and possible bacteria exposure also matter.

Based on: DOH beach monitoring, open ocean exposure, low development density, Leeward Coast rainfall patterns

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. While Makaha is on the dry Leeward side and rain events are less frequent, runoff can still carry bacteria. Always check the water visually before entering.

Book Tours & Activities

Top-rated experiences near this beach. Check water quality above, then plan your trip.

Waikīkī Turtle Canyon Snorkel
Boat trip from Waikīkī to Turtle Canyon. Check current ocean conditions and operator details before booking.
Viator
Oahu Surf Lessons
Learn to surf on Oahu's legendary waves
Viator
Waikīkī Snorkeling Cruise
Individual snorkeling cruise departing Honolulu. Review this trip’s itinerary, requirements, and availability.
GetYourGuide

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

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Makaha Beach Water Quality by Month
January February March April May June July August September October November December
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings on this site are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions. “No DOH Alerts” means no advisory is currently posted — it does not mean the water was tested and found safe.

Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water. This site is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for any swimming decisions.

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