Wailupe Beach Park

Wailupe Beach Park is the narrow strip of sand fronting the Wailupe peninsula, mid-way between Kāhala and Hawaiʻi Kai. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-04-19) measured 20 MPN/100mL — within the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.

Wailupe sits inside the fringing reef that runs along East Honolulu's south shore. The reef breaks open-ocean swell, creating calm shallow water that's good for kids — but the same reef slows water exchange.

Surfrider's BWTF readings here have been consistently within threshold (recent: 20 MPN/100mL), well under 130 BAV. The shallow, sandy lagoon stays clear in dry weather.

After heavy rain, the storm drains along Kalanianaole Highway feed runoff into the bay. Add 24 hours to the standard 72-hour rule, and watch for visible discoloration before swimming.

The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Wailupe 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 Wailupe 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 beach area. The reef-protected lagoon is shallow enough to wade across. Avoid the channel cuts at either end — those are where stronger currents move.

Mid-tide on a calm day. The reef pools are knee-deep at low tide and chest-deep at high tide. Summer (May–Sept) has the calmest conditions; winter brings occasional south swells.

Off Kalanianaole Highway, just east of Aina Haina. Roadside parking. Bus route 22, 23 stop nearby. No restrooms on-site — closest are at Kāhala Beach a half-mile west.