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Snorkel and Dive Makapuu Beach

Oahu Beaches - Makapuu Beach - Hawaii's Natural Waterpark

View of right hand side of Makapuu

Snorkeling at Makapuu is rare due to conditions, but if you get lucky, you're in for a treat

 

Though I would not put Makpuu high on the list of best places to snorkel or dive primarily because of its usual rough water, if you do get lucky enough to catch a day with no wind and subsequently flat conditions, you’ll find this place has some fantastic diving and snorkeling. As you look out on the water, follow the shoreline cliffs on the right as far out as you dare and you’ll find a collection of shallow caves, and coves that can easily engage you for a half-day. Make sure the water is nearly flat as the rocky conditions will not be forgiving if there is even small surf present. You’ll find giant coral heads in water that gets “scary deep” if you swim far out.

Oahu Weather Now

76°
24°
°F | °C
Mostly Cloudy
Humidity: 56%
Wind: NE at 25 mph
Tue

69 | 80
20 | 26
Wed

69 | 82
20 | 27
Thu

69 | 81
20 | 27
Fri

68 | 81
20 | 27
  • Current Beach Information for Makapu'u Beach Park, Windward Shore (Oahu) 3/9/2010
    Beach Condition: Extreme — Shoreline activity is extremely hazardous and may lead to injury or death. Lifeguards will monitor ocean access. Avoid areas of wet sand or rock.

    Offshore Condition: Danger — Offshore conditions are very hazardous. Swimmers are advised to not enter the water. Kayakers are advised to not enter the water.

    Surf Report: SURF ALONG NORTH FACING SHORES WILL BE 4 TO 7 FEET THIS AFTERNOON
    Surf Report Timestamp: 3/9/2010 9:00:00 AM HST
    Current Wind: from the East at 16.1 gusting to 26.5 MPH (14 gusting to 23 KT)
    Current Weather: Mostly Cloudy

Beach Gear Guide

Here’s what we tend to bring when planning a full day at the beach:

• Collapsable beach chairs

• Collapsable tent

• Large mat to place on sand, enough for 4-6 people to sit and eat.

• Water, food, and coolers. We love tuna sandwiches so we’ll typically mix up a bunch of tuna and mayo, store it in a container, and bring along a loaf of bread.

• Juice drinks (try Hawaiian Sun brand).

• Chips, nuts, trail mixes.

• Candy bars/nut bars.

• Big hats to shade the sun.

• UV rash guard shirts

• Sunglasses

• Waterproof sunscreen

• Snorkel gear

• Swimming goggles

• Bodyboards

• Fins

• Two beach towels per person

• Change of dry clothes

• Plastic grocery bags (to store wet clothes)