Water quality status and swim safety
📍 Paliku Beach / Kumukumu Beach · East Kauaʻi
Donkey Beach (Paliku Beach) is a secluded, undeveloped stretch of sand on Kauaʻi’s East Side, roughly halfway between Kealia Beach to the south and Anahola Beach to the north. The name originates from the donkeys that once transported sugar cane from the nearby Lihuʻe Plantation fields.
The beach has generally good water quality due to minimal development, no nearby cesspools or wastewater infrastructure, and good ocean flushing. However, it sits between two stream drainages — Kealia Stream to the south and Anahola Stream to the north — and after heavy rain, bacterial runoff from these streams can temporarily affect water quality at the beach.
The DOH does not regularly test Donkey Beach. Visitors should exercise independent judgment, especially after rainfall.
Based on: Regional Kauai East Side DOH data, stream proximity, no known point-source pollution
The Hawaii DOH recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Kauai receives heavy rainfall year-round; after storms, wait until the water clears completely before swimming at any East Side beach.
From Kapaʻa, drive north on Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56). Look for the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal bike/pedestrian path near mile marker 12, between Kealia Beach and Anahola. There is a small parking area. The hike to the beach takes about 10–15 minutes along the coastal path through ironwood trees. The trail can be muddy after rain.
No facilities. Bring water, sunscreen, food, and everything else you need. Leave no trace — pack out all trash.
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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 data and are not real-time measurements. Donkey Beach is not regularly monitored by the DOH.
Always verify with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, don't go out.