Know the Rules/Fishing Regulations/Marine Managed Areas/Hawai‘i Marine Life Conservation Districts/Waikīkī

Oahu - Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD)

Style A Carousel
  • O‘ahu — HAR 13‑36
  • 76 acres | Established 1988

The Waikīkī MLCD is located at the Diamond Head end of Waikīkī Beach, one of Hawai‘i’s most visited shorelines. Although the surrounding area is urban and highly accessible, the district protects a small but important nearshore marine ecosystem.

Limited parking is available near the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium, with additional street parking along Kalākaua Avenue. City buses serve the area regularly, making it easy for visitors to reach the site without a car.

MLCD Boundaries

The Waikīkī MLCD extends:

  • From the groin at the end of Kapahulu Avenue.
  • To the ‘ewa (west) wall of the Natatorium
  • From the highwater mark seaward 500 yards or to the edge of the fringing reef—whichever extends farther

This nearshore zone protects a shallow reef flat, dredged channel, and the deeper drop-off along the reef’s outer edge.

Marine Environment

Reef Flat & Channel

A broad reef flat extends about 35 yards offshore from the Waikīkī Aquarium seawall to a dredged channel, then continues beyond it. Key features include:

  • Shallow depths of 3–4 feet above much of the reef flat
  • A channel approximately 8 feet deep
  • Areas of higher fish abundance along:
    • the shoreline side of the channel (with small caves)
    • the Natatorium wall
    • the exposed reef near the channel’s seaward side

The reef flat is primarily composed of coralline algae, rubble, and patches of live coral, with low bottom relief. Visibility is best when wave action is minimal, as sediment easily becomes suspended in the water.

Outer Reef Edge

At the reef’s outer boundary, the seafloor drops sharply to 15–20 feet. Here, visitors find:

  • Arches
  • Crevices
  • Small caves
  • A higher concentration of fish

Because of the structure and depth change, this is one of the most ecologically active zones in the MLCD.

Safety Considerations

Summer swells often bring high surf to Waikīkī’s south-facing shoreline. Waves can be particularly hazardous along the outer reef, where shallow sections become exposed. Conditions change quickly and can catch swimmers off guard.

Lifeguards are on duty year-round at the Waikīkī end of the MLCD.

b83592fe0c09fc394e0ee406d3f689759228b812

Facilities

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Emergency and pay phones
  • Snack bar

Regulations

Permitted Activities

  • Possessing in the water:
  • Any knife
  • Shark billy
  • Bang stick
  • Powerhead
  • CO₂ injector
  • Conducting scientific or propagation activities with a valid permit

Prohibited Activities

  • Fishing for, taking, or injuring any marine life, including eggs
  • Possessing any gear in the water that could be used to take marine life
  • Taking, altering, or possessing sand, coral, or any geological feature, including gear intended for these purposes