The pocket beach just east of Diamond Head Lighthouse, tested biweekly by Surfrider Oʻahu
Makalei is the pocket beach east of Diamond Head Lighthouse, popular with locals for its quiet character and proximity to Honolulu. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-04-19) measured 10 MPN/100mL — within the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Makalei sits on the eastern flank of Diamond Head, exposed to the open ocean. The fringing reef breaks south and southeast swells, but there's no major stream or river-mouth input here — Honolulu's storm drains are concentrated further west toward the Ala Wai Canal.
Surfrider's BWTF readings have stayed well within threshold (recent: 10 MPN/100mL). Open-ocean exposure means good water exchange, which keeps bacteria flushed even after light rain.
After heavy rain or a south swell event, watch for visible discoloration. Storm runoff from the residential streets above can wash through Diamond Head Road's drainage to the beach, but it's a smaller input than the canal-driven contamination further west.
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Makalei Beach Park. The community-tested readings on this page come from the Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-led monitoring program run by the Surfrider Oʻahu chapter.
BWTF samples Makalei Beach Park biweekly using the IDEXX Enterolert method (MPN/100mL), and compares results against the same 130 Beach Action Value DOH uses statewide. See our overview of citizen water-quality testing in Hawaiʻi for the methodology and how BWTF data fits with DOH coverage.
Steep sand entry — not as gentle as Waikiki. The fringing reef creates a swimming pool at high tide. Avoid the immediate base of the lighthouse cliffs (rocks, urchins).
Summer mornings on a small south swell. The east side stays surfable on most days. Winter brings the occasional north-wrap; the lighthouse blocks most of it. Snorkeling is decent on the calmest days.
Off Diamond Head Road past the lighthouse. Limited roadside parking. About 5 minutes east of Waikiki by car. Bus route 14 stops at the top of Diamond Head Road; walk down.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, the Surfrider Foundation, or any government agency. Bacteria readings on this page come from the Surfrider Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-led monitoring program. Readings are point-in-time samples; conditions change with weather, runoff, and wave patterns. 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 and BWTF directly before entering the water.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share publicly available data and geographic analysis so you can make your own informed decisions. By using this site you accept full responsibility for your own safety. See our Terms of Use for full details.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙