Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District

The Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District is a State conservation district on Oahu's North Shore, offshore of Pūpūkea and Waimea Bay Beach Parks, reached on Kamehameha Highway from Haleʻiwa or Kahuku. It runs from Kulalua Point, at the north end of Pūpūkea Beach Park, south to the Wananapaoa Islets on the far side of Waimea Bay, and takes in Kapoʻo (Shark's Cove), Kalua o Maua (Three Tables) and the offshore waters. Inside the district it is against the rules to fish for, take, injure or remove any marine life or eggs, to take or alter rocks and other geological features, or to carry gear for taking marine life in the water, apart from a few permitted activities. Within Waimea Bay, limited hook-and-line fishing from shore and seasonal netting are allowed. Putting food in the water to attract fish is prohibited, except as permitted for fishing in Waimea Bay. From about May through October the water is generally calm, though surges can happen. In winter, current and wave conditions become extremely dangerous in every part of the district and in the tidepool area, and the State Department of Health says swimmers of any skill level should stay out of the water in high surf. Lifeguards are on duty at Waimea Bay, and the City has added a lifeguard tower at Kapoʻo (Shark's Cove); DLNR's page says there are no lifeguards at Three Tables. There are restrooms, showers and parking lots, buses serve the area daily, and the City closes Pūpūkea Beach Park overnight.