Laʻaloa Beach (Magic Sands / White Sands) today: live conditions and our beach score
Severe seasonal shorebreak that dumps directly onto a steep sand face — neck, back and shoulder injuries are common (locally nicknamed 'Tragic Slams'), one of Hawaiʻi's worst beaches for spinal/neck injuries.
Live conditionsKona (West)
Reading today's ocean conditions…
Ocean Safe scores conditions from public NOAA and Open-Meteo data. We don't certify any beach as safe or unsafe, and this is a modeled estimate, not an official forecast. Always check posted signs, county lifeguards, and weather.gov, and decide for yourself. How we score beaches.
⚠ Not a swimming beach
Severe seasonal shorebreak that dumps directly onto a steep sand face — neck, back and shoulder injuries are common (locally nicknamed 'Tragic Slams'), one of Hawaiʻi's worst beaches for spinal/neck injuries. Sand washes away entirely in winter swell (hence 'Magic'/'Disappearing' Sands). Powerful backwash and rip currents form fast; lifeguards report near-daily rescues even on calm summer days. Enter only on calm days, never turn your back on the waves, and obey the lifeguard.
Severe seasonal shorebreak that dumps directly onto a steep sand face — neck, back and shoulder injuries are common (locally nicknamed 'Tragic Slams'), one of Hawaiʻi's worst beaches for spinal/neck injuries. Sand washes away entirely in winter swell (hence 'Magic'/'Disappearing' Sands). Powerful backwash and rip currents form fast; lifeguards report near-daily rescues even on calm summer days. Enter only on calm days, never turn your back on the waves, and obey the lifeguard.
Beach facts
ShoreKona (West)
LifeguardMon–Sun ~9:30am–4:45pm per oceansafety.hawaii.gov official list (draft's 8:30–4:30 was WRONG)
Best forWatching from shore, photography
ParkingSmall lot and roadside on Aliʻi Dr. Limited — fills fast.
Questions visitors ask
Is it safe to swim at Laʻaloa Beach (Magic Sands / White Sands) today?
Laʻaloa Beach (Magic Sands / White Sands) is flagged as a hazard beach. Severe seasonal shorebreak that dumps directly onto a steep sand face — neck, back and shoulder injuries are common (locally nicknamed 'Tragic Slams'), one of Hawaiʻi's worst beaches for spinal/neck injuries. No reading of today's surf changes that — check the live conditions above for context, but treat this as a watch-from-shore spot, not a swim.
Is there a lifeguard at Laʻaloa Beach (Magic Sands / White Sands)?
Yes — Mon–Sun ~9:30am–4:45pm per oceansafety.hawaii.gov official list (draft's 8:30–4:30 was WRONG). Swim near the tower and ask the guards about the day's currents.
Why is Laʻaloa Beach (Magic Sands / White Sands) dangerous?
Severe seasonal shorebreak that dumps directly onto a steep sand face — neck, back and shoulder injuries are common (locally nicknamed 'Tragic Slams'), one of Hawaiʻi's worst beaches for spinal/neck injuries. Sand washes away entirely in winter swell (hence 'Magic'/'Disappearing' Sands). Powerful backwash and rip currents form fast; lifeguards report near-daily rescues even on calm summer days. Enter only on calm days, never turn your back on the waves, and obey the lifeguard.