Water quality status and bacteria risk rating
📍 East Oʻahu near Sea Life Park, about 25 min from Waikiki
Makapuu Beach has excellent water quality. Located on an open headland at the eastern tip of Oʻahu, strong ocean currents and powerful surf create excellent water circulation. No streams, storm drains, or runoff sources feed into this beach.
The primary safety concern at Makapuu Beach is the dangerous shorebreak, not bacteria. Powerful waves break directly on shore and cause spinal injuries each year. Water quality risk is very low year-round, but always respect the ocean conditions and listen to lifeguards.
Based on: DOH beach monitoring, open headland exposure, no stream discharge, strong currents
Even at low-risk beaches like Makapuu Beach, the Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Makapuu has no stream discharge and is well-protected from runoff, but island-wide storms can temporarily affect any coastal area. Note: the primary safety concern here is the dangerous shorebreak, not bacteria.
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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. DOH only monitors a fraction of Hawaii’s beaches, and some areas have no regular testing at all.
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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When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙