KAUAʻI · WATER QUALITY GUIDE · 2026

Beaches Along East Kauaʻi Coast

Kuhio Hwy, Kauaʻi East Side — nearby beaches with historical risk estimates

Checking current DOH advisories… Historical rankings below do not describe today's water quality.

Drive times and historical water-quality risk estimates for beaches along the east Kauaʻi coast. These grades are based on past DOH records and geography; they cannot clear the current DOH status above. Check posted signs and conditions before entering the water.

Nearby Beaches — Ranked by Proximity

Lydgate Beach Historical risk: Low ●

Protected pools, family-friendly

Start

South of Kapaʻa

Kealia Beach Historical risk: Low ●

Long sandy beach, bodysurfing

Mile 3

North of Kapaʻa

Donkey Beach Historical risk: Low ●

Hike-in, secluded

Mile 5

Heading north

Anahola Beach Historical risk: Moderate ●

Quiet community beach

Mile 10

Heading north

Anini Beach Historical risk: Low ●

Protected reef, calm water

Mile 20

North Shore

If Brown Water Is Active

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Kuhio Hwy, Kauai East Side:

Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
Check each named location: Lydgate Beach has protected pools, but geography does not clear a current DOH advisory or visible runoff.
Check the Kauaʻi live advisories page for current conditions

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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.

Always verify current water quality 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. 🤙