Is Waikiki Beach swimmable?

Located at Waikiki's western edge, Duke Kahanamoku Beach is the widest in Waikiki, perfect for families and those looking to have some fun in the sun. Named after Hawaii's legendary surfer and Olympic swimming champion, this beach, and the adjacent lagoon is popular for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.



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Locals love Ala Moana Beach Park that sits between Honolulu and Waikiki. An outer reef also protects the shoreline, making this beach ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. You'll even find picnic tables where you can eat a snack or a meal while you spend your day at the beach.

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Can I swim at Waikiki Beach after hours? While the beach is open 24/7, swimming after lifeguard hours is generally discouraged for safety reasons.

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Hawaii's ocean water is nutrient deficient. This is common in tropical areas with warm surface water temperatures. A lack of nutrients means there are fewer phytoplankton and algae in Hawaii's water, which makes it more blue.

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The Waikiki Beach Walk is an amazing pathway along the beautiful Waikiki Beach. There are many resorts, eateries and fun things to do along this walk. It is lovely day or night. Very safe to walk in the evening.

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No alcohol on the beach whether it's in a glass container or not. If by canopy you mean a tall pop up one that'd be a no. Some people do it on other beaches around the island (and usually back on the grassy areas bordering the beach, not in the sand itself).

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Hawaii has semi-tropical weather. Temperatures usually range from 75-90 degrees year round in the daytime, and 70-80 degrees at night. Temperatures in the winter months may be a little cooler, where nighttime temperatures can sometimes fall into the 50's.

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Lydgate Beach Park in Lihue is Hawaii's safest beach because of its contained swimming area by a jetty and watchful lifeguards. Due to its shallow and unpolluted seas and the jetty's protection from heavy waves and rip currents, Lydgate Beach Park is one of Hawaii's best toddler-friendly beaches.

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While Waikiki Beach is famous for its beauty and surfing, it got a little boost from other famous icons in the early 1900s. Shortly after the first hotels were built on the beach, celebrities such as Bing Crosby, Amelia Earhart, Frank Sinatra, and Joe DiMaggio rushed to see the beautiful Hawai'i landmark.

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Most visitors may not know it, but Waikiki Beach is almost entirely man-made. It has had erosion problems since the late-1800s when developers began erecting hotels and homes too close to the natural shoreline and building seawalls and other structures that blocked the natural ebb and flow of sand along the beach.

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As a general rule, Hawaiian waters average 77 degrees in the wintertime to 82 degrees in the summertime. Now, compared to the U.S. West Coast, Hawaiian waters are definitely much warmer (10-20 degrees warmer) than the waters off Southern California. No comparison really for the U.S. West Coast.

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Yet, climate change and beach development are speeding up the natural rates of erosion on Waikiki's beaches. These sand nourishment projects will have to be repeated every five to ten years, due to tourism's demand in the area and on the island itself.

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But, keep your wits about you and you should be just fine. The sidewalks will usually be full of people all the way down there until you get very close to your hotel. It is safe unless you are our after midnight, then it is like walking around in any major city. Almost anywhere in Waikiki, you will be just fine.

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If you're a beginner who's looking to give surfing a try, Waikiki is a great place to do it. Not only do you have gorgeous views and plenty of surf schools, but the vibe will leave you feeling fantastic even while you're working through the basics of surfing.

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