This compares historical water-quality estimates and beach features. Current DOH notices below take priority at each named beach.
Historical grades below cannot clear an active DOH advisory. Check the current notice above and posted beach signs before entering the water.
These features and historical grades can help compare a trip, but they cannot establish which beach has cleaner water today. Check the current DOH status above first.
• Historical bacteria risk estimate: 2/5
• You have young kids or want calm, family-friendly conditions
• You prefer fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere
• You want a beach that works any time of year
• Historical bacteria risk estimate: 1.5/5
• You prefer fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere
• You are prepared for the shore break and short hike
The historical estimate is lower for Donkey Beach (1.5/5) than for Anahola Beach (2/5). It does not show which beach has cleaner water today. Any current DOH advisory above takes priority over these grades; check posted signs and conditions before entering the water.
Key tip: Avoid swimming for 72 hours after heavy rain at any Hawaiʻi beach. See our rain safety guide →
Comparing beaches? These top-rated tours work great with either option.
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Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch — Beach monitoring, water quality advisories. eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov
Safe to Swim Hawaii — Risk ratings based on DOH data, site characteristics, stream proximity, and advisory history. safetoswimhawaii.com
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with any government agency or monitoring organization. Assessments are based on publicly available data. They are not real-time measurements. “No DOH Alerts” means no advisory is currently posted — it does not mean the water was tested and found clean. DOH only monitors a fraction of Hawaiʻi’s beaches, and some areas have no regular testing at all.
Always verify current conditions with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share government data and geographic analysis so you can make your own informed decisions. By using this site you accept full responsibility for your own safety. See our Terms of Use for full details.
When in doubt, don’t go out.
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