The quiet windward-Oʻahu beach in Hauʻula — Surfrider BWTF community testing
Mākao is the quiet beach in Hauʻula on windward Oʻahu, between Punaluʻu and Lā‘ie — primarily a local spot rather than a tourist destination. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-03-08) measured 210 MPN/100mL — exceeding the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Mākao sits on Oʻahu's windward coast in the Hauʻula stretch. The recent BWTF reading was 210 MPN/100mL — exceeding the 130 BAV threshold. Multiple small streams enter the area, and windward Oʻahu's higher rainfall means continuous stream contribution.
The reef-sheltered lagoon at Mākao slows water exchange relative to open-coast windward beaches. Combined with the multiple stream inputs in the Hauʻula watershed, that produces an elevated baseline.
After heavy rain, the streams pump bacteria into the bay. Wait at least 72 hours after rain, longer after major storms. Visual inspection helps: when the water is clearly blue rather than brown-tinged, dilution is well underway.
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.
Calm trade-wind days. Local families come on weekends. Quieter than Punaluʻu Beach Park 5 minutes south. Better swimming options on Oʻahu's leeward coast (Ko Olina) for water quality.
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.
Free alerts when water quality changes at your beach.
No spam. Just safety alerts for your trip.
⚠️ 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. 🤙