Why is Yokohama Bay closed?

DLNR says the Keawaula section remains closed because of road repairs. Earlier closure notices tied the access damage to Kona Low flooding, and the State Parks page says the closure remains in place until further notice.

What is the water quality like at Yokohama Bay?

Yokohama Bay has a lower bacteria-risk setting because it is remote, open-ocean, and away from dense development. However, it is not routinely monitored by the Hawaii Department of Health, so no posted DOH advisory does not mean the water was tested that day.

Why can swimming be dangerous at Yokohama Bay?

Yokohama Bay faces open ocean swell and can have powerful shorebreak and rip currents, especially outside calm summer conditions. When the Keawaula section is open, State Parks describes surfing and bodysurfing as expert-level activities and says swimming is best during calm summer months.

How do I get to Yokohama Bay when access is open?

Yokohama Bay is at the Keawaula end of Kaena Point State Park on Oahu's west side. Under normal access, visitors drive west on Farrington Highway past Makaha toward the road end. Because DLNR currently lists the Keawaula section as closed, confirm official access before making the drive.

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Yokohama Bay

Q: Is Yokohama Bay open today?

As of May 30, 2026, Hawaii DLNR State Parks says the Keawaula section of Kaena Point State Park, which includes Yokohama Bay, remains closed due to road repairs until further notice. The Makua section has reopened for beach access. Check the official DLNR Kaena Point State Park page before driving to the end of Farrington Highway.

Access status, water quality, and bacteria risk rating

📍 West Oʻahu, Keawaʻula — End of Farrington Highway

Is Yokohama Bay Open Today?

As of May 30, 2026, check before driving. Hawaiʻi DLNR State Parks says the Keawaʻula section of Kaʻena Point State Park remains closed due to road repairs until further notice. That is the Yokohama Bay side at the end of Farrington Highway. DLNR also says the Mākua section has reopened for beach access.

Quick read · Yokohama Bay access

• Official access: Keawaʻula / Yokohama Bay listed closed by DLNR until further notice.

• Water quality: remote, lower-runoff setting, but not routinely monitored by DOH.

• Ocean conditions: open-ocean shorebreak and currents can be serious even when access is open.

Check the official DLNR Kaʻena Point page →

Checking live advisories…

⚠

If It Looks Brown, Don't Swim

Never enter the ocean when the water appears brown or murky, even if no advisory is posted. Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories — not every beach is monitored. After heavy rain, wait at least 72 hours and until the water clears before swimming.

Learn more about brown water advisories →

Historical Bacteria Risk

⚠ Historical rating — this is based on long-term testing data, not current conditions. The state of Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories. Always check the water yourself and avoid brown or murky water.

Low Risk 1 / 5

Yokohama Bay (Keawaʻula) has a lower bacteria-risk setting because it is remote, open-ocean, and away from dense development. It is still not a routine DOH monitoring station, so no posted advisory does not mean the water was sampled today.

The primary danger at Yokohama Bay is not bacteria but strong currents and powerful shorebreak. When the Keawaʻula section is open, State Parks describes the beach as a large sandy beach with lifeguard services and comfort stations, but surfing and bodysurfing are expert-level and swimming is best during calm summer months. The steep sandy beach can create dangerous shore break and rip currents, especially during winter swells.

Based on: Remote location, low development density, open-ocean flushing, no regular DOH monitoring

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Yokohama Bay's remote location means minimal runoff risk, but heavy rains can wash debris from the surrounding hillsides into nearshore waters. Always check the water visually before entering.

Yokohama Bay Area — Nearby Accommodations

🏠 Waiʻanae / Mākaha Area

Limited vacation rentals in nearby West Side towns (~15 min)

Info

🏨 Ko Olina Resorts

Four Seasons, Aulani, Marriott (~30 min drive south)

Nearby

Oʻahu Alternatives While Access Is Closed

These activities do not depend on Keawaʻula road access. Confirm the route, ocean conditions, and cancellation policy with the operator before booking.

Waikīkī Diamond Head Sail

Waikīkī-based sail that does not rely on West Side road access

Viator

Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure

Waikīkī-area snorkel option; confirm same-day water and surf conditions

Viator

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Page last updated: May 30, 2026

⚠️ 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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This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share government 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. 🤙