Is the beach at Makai Research Pier Open?

Question

I've read that the Makai Research Pier is a good option to snorkel. I did some searching and it shows it is currently closed though. Is the closure for walking on the pier itself or the entire beach area? Would like to check it out next week when I'm on the east side if it is open.

Answer

Good question. Based on publicly available information, the beach at Makai Research Pier is generally accessible, but access to the *pier structure itself* is more restricted. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

What is Makai Research Pier?

Makai Research Pier (on Oʻahu’s windward / southeast side) is operated by Makai Ocean Engineering. It’s not just a tourist pier — it’s a working research facility.

Public access to the pier

According to some visitor reports, portions of the pier are open to the public (for example, for fishing), but loitering near the buildings is prohibited.
One site (UnrealHawaii) notes that you can’t always walk out the full length — historically it was locked, but they report that it has been open on weekdays.

What about the beach next to the pier?

Per visitor reports, there is a small beach beside the pier that is good for snorkeling, and people mention clear water, reefs close to shore, and a calm nearshore environment.
The same reviews mention the beach has soft sand, but also lava rocks, and there’s very little shade except under the pier.
Parking is limited: there’s a dirt lot by the pier, and little room along the highway.

Is the pier currently “closed”?

From what I found: there is no reliable, up-to-date public notice that the entire beach is permanently closed. The “closed” references appear to be more about parts of the pier structure, not the beach itself. For instance: visitor reviews mention “wind damage” under the pier from past years, which may have limited safe access in some areas.

Also, according to the Makai Ocean Engineering contact info, the facility still lists a phone number and email, suggesting it’s operational.

Risks & things to watch out for:

No lifeguard or facilities are mentioned in reviews — so if you go to snorkel, be cautious and treat it like a more rugged, undeveloped spot.
Respect any posted signage. Since this is a research pier, certain zones may be off-limits (especially around buildings or restricted research areas).
Be careful around rocks / lava — beach is partly rocky, so good footwear or being aware of entry points helps.

Verdict for your trip next week:

Yes — it’s *likely* that you can visit the beach area at Makai Research Pier and potentially snorkel there, assuming conditions are safe. But you should not count on being able to freely walk the entire pier, especially into restricted research or operational areas.

If you want to be extra safe, you could call Makai Ocean Engineering (phone: 808-259-8871) before heading out, just to confirm whether any parts are currently restricted or under maintenance.