Quiet windward beach park on the northern flank of Kaneohe Bay
Waiāhole Beach Park is the small, quiet beach park on the northern flank of Kaneohe Bay — a windward Oʻahu local spot with mountain views. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-04-19) measured 30 MPN/100mL — within the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Waiāhole sits on the northern shore of Kaneohe Bay, behind the same fringing reef that protects the entire bay system. The Waiāhole watershed above is agricultural — taro and tropical fruit operations produce some runoff, especially after rain.
Surfrider's BWTF reading here was 30 MPN/100mL — well within the 130 BAV threshold. The reef shelter slows water exchange, but the watershed input is much smaller than the streams feeding the south end of the bay.
After heavy rain, the small streams in the Waiāhole area can carry agricultural runoff. The 72-hour rule applies. Long dry windows are uncommon on windward Oʻahu — check recent rainfall.
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Waiāhole 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 Waiāhole 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.
Sandy entry from the central park area. Reef-protected lagoon is shallow at low tide. Watch for sea urchins on the rocky margins. Quieter than Kualoa Regional Park to the north.
Calm trade-wind days. Mornings are quiet. Local families come on weekends. Better for picnicking and wading than serious swimming — the lagoon is shallow.
Off Kamehameha Highway between Waiāhole and Kaʻalaea. Roadside access. About 25 minutes from Honolulu via the H-3. Several Hawaii fruit stands nearby — buy local.
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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.
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