Always choose a lifeguard-protected beach to enjoy the water in the safest way possible. Strong currents, shorebreak, and the changing seasons can also affect how dangerous a beach can be. Understanding these ocean conditions can help you pick the right beach for your skill level and the activities you want to do.

lifeguard-protected beach

List of Lifeguarded Beaches

There are many beaches where you can have fun while under the watchful eye of a trained lifeguard. Our list of lifeguarded beaches by island and shore includes daily schedules and links to view current conditions and available beach amenities. Always talk to lifeguards before entering the water.

Ocean Hazards: Strong Currents

Strong currents are powerful and fast-moving channels of water that are difficult to swim against. Learn how to avoid them, and what you should do if you get caught in one.

Ocean Hazards- Rip Currents
Ocean Hazards- Rip Currents

Ocean Hazards: Strong Currents

Strong currents are powerful and fast-moving channels of water that are difficult to swim against. Learn how to avoid them, and what you should do if you get caught in one.

Ocean Hazards- Dangerous Shorebreak

Ocean Hazards: Dangerous Shorebreak

Unpredictable waves that break directly onshore are a leading cause of neck and back injuries to both experienced and inexperienced bodysurfers and swimmers. Shorebreak at Hawaii beaches can be stronger and more dangerous than in other parts of the world, even when the surf is small. In fact, the average wave height when a spinal cord injury occurs is 3 feet.

Hawaii’s Surf Seasons

Wave activity at Hawaii’s different shorelines can vary dramatically depending on the season. A beach can be calm and gentle during the summer, but rough and dangerous in the winter.

Surf Seasons Shorelines
Surf Seasons Shorelines

Hawaii’s Surf Seasons

Wave activity at Hawaii’s different shorelines can vary dramatically depending on the season. A beach can be calm and gentle during the summer, but rough and dangerous in the winter.

DOH
Drowning-Prevention
Honolulu Ocean Safety Division
Kauai County Ocean Safety
Maui-Lifeguard
Hawaii-Ocean-Safety-Fire-Dept