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OʻAHU · WATER QUALITY GUIDE · 2026

Beaches Along North Shore Drive

Kamehameha Hwy, Oʻahu North Shore — ranked by water quality and bacteria risk

Drive times and water quality risk levels for beaches near Kamehameha Hwy, Oʻahu North Shore. Risk ratings are based on long-term DOH bacteria testing data and geography. Always check current Oʻahu advisories before swimming — conditions change after rain.
Nearby Beaches — Ranked by Proximity
Stream outflow, bacteria risk
Start
Mile 0 (Haleiwa town)
Laniakea Beach Low ●
Sea turtles bask on shore
Mile 2
Heading east
Waimea Bay Moderate ●
Giant waves in winter, calm pool in summer
Mile 5
Heading east
Shark's Cove Low ●
Summer snorkeling, rocky entry
Mile 7
Heading east
World's most famous wave
Mile 9
Heading east
Sunset Beach Low ●
3 miles of sand, legendary surf
Mile 10
Heading east
Turtle Bay Low ●
Resort, multiple coves
Mile 15
East end
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 Kamehameha Hwy, Oʻahu North Shore:

  • Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
  • Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
  • Best rain-resistant option: Laniakea Beach (Heading east) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
  • Check the Oʻahu live advisories page for current conditions
Book Tours & Activities

Top-rated experiences near Kamehameha Hwy, Oʻahu North Shore. Check water quality above, then plan your trip.

Tours Near Kamehameha Hwy, Oʻahu North Shore
Snorkeling, surf lessons, island tours & more
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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.

When in doubt, don’t go out. 🤙

© 2026 Safe to Swim Hawaii · Independent passion project · safetoswimhawaii@gmail.com