Mākao Beach

Mākao is the quiet beach in Hauʻula on windward Oʻahu, between Punaluʻu and Lā‘ie — primarily a local spot rather than a tourist destination. Check the Community Water Testing section for the sample date, result and full Surfrider report. A sample describes the water collected at that place and time; it does not establish today's water quality. Check the live DOH status above separately.

Mākao lies in the Hauʻula stretch of Oʻahu's windward coast, with a reef-sheltered shoreline and streams in the surrounding watershed. Rain can carry runoff toward the coast.

The reef, water color and a past bacteria result do not establish current water quality. Read the collection date and source report in Community Water Testing, and check current DOH advisories separately.

The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Mākao Beach. 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 Mākao Beach 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.

Sandy entry from the central beach. The reef-protected lagoon is shallow at low tide. Stay away from stream-mouth areas on either end. Watch for sea urchins on the rocky margins.

Local families visit on weekends. The beach is quieter than Punaluʻu Beach Park to the south. Compare current advisories and dated samples for each beach separately.

Off Kamehameha Highway in Hauʻula, between Punaluʻu and Lā‘ie. Roadside parking. About 50 minutes from Honolulu via Likelike Highway or H-3. No facilities on-site.