What should I do if a brown water advisory is active near Kailua-Kona, Big Island?

If a brown water advisory is active near Kailua-Kona, Big Island, avoid beaches near stream mouths and river outlets. Magic Sands (Laʻaloa) (South) is generally more rain-resistant due to its geography. Wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain before entering the water at any beach, and never swim when water appears brown or murky.

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BIG ISLAND · WATER QUALITY GUIDE · 2026

Beaches Near Kailua-Kona

Q: What is the closest beach to Kailua-Kona, Big Island?

The closest beach to Kailua-Kona, Big Island is Kahaluʻu Beach Park, about 5 min away (South on Aliʻi Drive). The most popular snorkeling beach in Kona, with an easy entry over a shallow reef that supports abundant fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. However, DOH bacteria testing shows a 92% failure rate — among the highest in the state — due to underground freshwater seepage that carries bacteria into the nearshore zone. Lifeguards and a reef education center are present. Current water quality risk: Very High.

Q: Which beach near Kailua-Kona, Big Island has the best water quality?

Based on historical bacteria testing data, Magic Sands (Laʻaloa) has the best water quality near Kailua-Kona, Big Island. It has a low bacteria risk. A small, lively beach along Aliʻi Drive where the sand quite literally vanishes during winter high surf, exposing the rocky shelf beneath, then rebuilds each summer. When the sand is present, the beach offers decent swimming and bodyboarding with a fun shore break. Lifeguards are on duty and the beach has restrooms and outdoor showers. Always check the DOH Clean Water Branch for current advisories before swimming.

Kailua-Kona, Big Island — ranked by water quality and bacteria risk

Drive times and water quality risk levels for beaches near Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Risk ratings are based on long-term DOH bacteria testing data and geography. Always check current Big Island advisories before swimming — conditions change after rain.

About Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona is the main resort town on the Big Island's dry, sunny west coast, centered around Aliʻi Drive and the historic Huliheʻe Palace. The town sits on a narrow strip between volcanic slopes and the ocean, giving it a compact, walkable feel with restaurants, shops, and ocean activities clustered along the waterfront.

The Kona coast receives an average of just 18 inches of rain per year, making it one of the driest coastlines in the state. Beaches here range from rocky volcanic shoreline to white sand coves, and the calm, clear water on the leeward side creates excellent snorkeling conditions. One major caveat is Kahaluʻu Beach Park, the most popular snorkeling spot in Kona, which has one of the highest bacteria failure rates in the state due to underground freshwater seeps.

Nearby Beaches — Ranked by Proximity

Kahaluʻu Beach Park Very High ●

The most popular snorkeling beach in Kona, with an easy entry over a shallow reef that supports abundant fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. However, DOH bacteria testing shows a 92% failure rate — among the highest in the state — due to underground freshwater seepage that carries bacteria into the nearshore zone. Lifeguards and a reef education center are present

5 min

South on Aliʻi Drive

Magic Sands (Laʻaloa) Low ●

A small, lively beach along Aliʻi Drive where the sand quite literally vanishes during winter high surf, exposing the rocky shelf beneath, then rebuilds each summer. When the sand is present, the beach offers decent swimming and bodyboarding with a fun shore break. Lifeguards are on duty and the beach has restrooms and outdoor showers

10 min

South

Kua Bay (Maniniowali) Low ●

One of the most visually striking beaches on the Big Island, with fine white sand and vivid turquoise water set against dark lava rock. The state park has a gate that opens and closes on a set schedule, and parking fills quickly on weekends. The shore break can be powerful and deceptively strong, so caution is warranted on bigger days

20 min

North

Hapuna Beach Low ●

Consistently rated the best public beach on the Big Island and one of the top beaches in Hawaii, Hapuna offers a wide half-mile arc of white sand with gentle slope and clear water. Lifeguards are on duty daily, and the state park has restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. The drive north from Kona takes about 35 minutes along Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway

35 min

North (Kohala)

Honokohau Beach Low ●

A quiet beach within the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, where ancient Hawaiian fishponds border the shoreline and green sea turtles haul out on the sand daily. Access requires a walk through the park from the harbor, which keeps crowds low. The water is typically calm and clear, but facilities are limited to what the national park provides

10 min

North

Getting Around

Kailua-Kona is the starting point for exploring the entire west coast. Kahaluʻu Beach Park and Magic Sands are both south on Aliʻi Drive, reachable in 5 to 10 minutes. For Kua Bay and Hapuna Beach, head north on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Hwy 19) — Kua Bay is about 20 minutes and Hapuna is 35 minutes. Honokohau Beach is accessed through the harbor area just north of town. Street parking along Aliʻi Drive fills quickly, so arriving before 9 AM is advisable on weekends.

Best water quality: Hapuna Beach and Kua Bay (both low bacteria risk, no stream influence). Best snorkeling (with caution): Kahaluʻu Beach (abundant marine life but check water quality data). Best for turtles: Honokohau Beach (daily haul-outs). Most fun: Magic Sands (bodysurfing when sand is in).

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 Kailua-Kona, Big Island:

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: Magic Sands (Laʻaloa) (South) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
Check the Big Island 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. 🤙