WaikīkīHonolulu, Oʻahu, HI

Visibility is an estimate — wind, rain, tide & water alerts.

Getting in

Shore access, walk in off the sand

Who it suits

Suits beginners

Best conditions

Usually calm inshore water that the state tourism authority calls right for a first surf lesson. Summer south swells push high surf onto this shore.

Parking

Limited. A small lot by the War Memorial Natatorium plus street parking along Kalakaua Avenue at the Kapiolani Park end.

Protection

The Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District covers only the Diamond Head stretch, from the groin at the end of Kapahulu Avenue to the ewa wall of the War Memorial Natatorium and 500 yards out. Inside it, no marine life may be taken or injured. The rest of Waikiki Beach is outside the district.

On site

restrooms, rinse showers, lifeguard on duty, parking lot

Watch for

High surf during summer south swells, worst over the outer reef edge where parts of the reef sit exposed, A shallow reef flat off the Diamond Head end, mostly rubble under about 3 to 4 ft of water, Box jellyfish come ashore on Oahu's south shore about 9 to 10 days after each full moon, so heed the posted warnings

Checked 2026-07-20. Sources: Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety, Hawaii Tourism Authority.