Ocean SafeHawaiʻi Island Beach Safety
Kohala (North)

Waialea Bay (Beach 69) today: live conditions and our beach score

Locals call it Beach 69 for the old telephone pole marker.

Live conditions Kohala (North)
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.

Open Waialea in Ocean Safe: live map & beach score →Live conditions, our beach score, lifeguard info and what to do today. Free, no signup

The one thing to know

Locals call it Beach 69 for the old telephone pole marker. Reef on both ends makes it one of the best easy snorkels in Kohala on calm summer mornings. No lifeguard — calm most mornings, but check for swell on the open-water side and expect murkier water after rain from the intermittent stream.

Beach facts

ShoreKohala (North)
LifeguardNo lifeguard
Best forsnorkel, swim, walk
ParkingState park lot off Puako Beach Dr (look for utility pole 69). Small — arrive before 9am on weekends.

Questions visitors ask

Is it safe to swim at Waialea Bay (Beach 69) today?
Waialea Bay (Beach 69) has no lifeguard. On calm days it can be a good snorkel, but you're responsible for your own safety — check today's live conditions above, watch the water, and never swim alone.
Is there a lifeguard at Waialea Bay (Beach 69)?
No. Waialea Bay (Beach 69) is not lifeguarded, so conditions are yours to judge. If the surf looks marginal, choose a guarded beach instead.
Is Waialea Bay (Beach 69) good for snorkeling?
Locals call it Beach 69 for the old telephone pole marker. Go in the morning before the trade winds build, stay close to shore, and never snorkel alone.
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