HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s summer break for many people across the United States, and lots of them are flying to Oʻahu for vacation.
Ocean Safety officials said that many of the people they rescue near Waikīkī and Honolulu are tourists who don’t know much about swimming in the ocean.
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority said a lot of visitors to Hawaiʻi have never even swum in the ocean before. Even though Hawaiʻi has great weather almost every day, the ocean can sometimes be rough and dangerous.
Because the ocean and beach conditions in Hawaiʻi can change daily, it’s important to know which beaches are safe for families to swim at and which ones to stay away from.
Tourists can use two websites, Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety and Hawaiʻi Beach Safety, to check the waves, wind and safety reports for popular beaches on all the main islands.
Whether you’re visiting Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi or Hawaiʻi Island, this website shares the latest weather and beach updates to help keep everyone safe.
On Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Beach Safety gives updated information for more than 30 beaches.
Oʻahu beaches listed
Oahu South Shore
- Ala Moana Beach.
- Magic Island Lagoon.
- Waikīkī – Dukes.
- Waikīkī – Kūhiō.
- Waikīkī – Queens.
- Waikīkī – Kapiʻolani Park.
- Sans Souci.
- Hanauma Bay.
- Sandy Beach.
Oʻahu Windward (east) Shore
- Makapuʻu Beach.
- Rabbit Island.
- Waimānalo Beach.
- Waimānalo Bay.
- Bellows Field Beach.
- Mokulua Islands.
- Kailua Beach.
- Flat Island.
- Chinaman’s Hat.
- Kualoa Regional Park.
Oʻahu North Shore
- Sunset Beach.
- ʻEhukai Beach.
- KeʻWaena Beach.
- Chun’s Reef.
- Waimea Bay.
- Laniākea Beach.
- Haleʻiwa Beach.
- Aliʻi Beach Park.
Oʻahu Waianae (west a.k.a. Leeward) Shore
- Keawaʻula Beach.
- Mākaha Beach.
- Pokai Beach.
- Māʻili Beach.
- Depot’s Beach.
- Nānākuli Beach.
You can click here to access the HTA.
Hawaiʻi Beach Safety also explains how many beaches in Hawaiʻi have lifeguards on duty. Emergency Medical Services suggests that tourists choose beaches with lifeguards and talk to them before going into the water.
You can ask the lifeguard if there are any weather warnings, if there are areas to avoid, how strong the current is and whether the beach is safe for beginner, intermediate or advanced swimmers.