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OʻAHU · WATER QUALITY GUIDE · 2026

Beaches Along Windward Coast Drive

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

Drive times and water quality risk levels for beaches near Kamehameha Hwy, Oʻahu Windward. 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
Kailua Beach Moderate ●
Top-rated, kayak to Mokulua islands
Start
Kailua (south end)
Lanikai Beach Low ●
Residential access, no parking lot
Mile 1
South of Kailua
Waimanalo Beach Low ●
Longest beach on Oahu
Mile 5
Heading north
Bellows Beach Low ●
Weekends only, military beach
Mile 6
Heading north
Kualoa Beach Low ●
Chinaman's Hat views
Mile 15
Past Kaneohe
Kahana Bay Moderate ●
Quiet valley beach
Mile 20
North windward
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 Windward:

  • 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: Lanikai Beach (South of Kailua) — 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 Windward. Check water quality above, then plan your trip.

Tours Near Kamehameha Hwy, Oʻahu Windward
Snorkeling, surf lessons, island tours & more
Viator
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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