Water quality status and bacteria risk rating
📍 Waikiki, Honolulu — Between Hilton Hawaiian Village and main Waikiki
Fort DeRussy Beach is part of Waikiki's western shoreline with historically baseline water quality. The beach benefits from open ocean exposure and offshore currents that flush the area. It is removed from the Ala Wai Canal outflow (the main bacteria source for central Waikiki), which helps keep counts lower.
Like all Waikiki beaches, the main post-rain risk is stormwater runoff from Honolulu's urban landscape. The closer you are to the Ala Wai Canal (east of Fort DeRussy), the higher the bacteria risk after rain.
Based on: DOH Waikiki monitoring, distance from Ala Wai outflow, open ocean exposure
After heavy rain, the Ala Wai Canal overflows and sends runoff across Waikiki beaches. Wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain before swimming at any Waikiki beach, including Fort DeRussy. The canal outflow moves westward along the shore.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health. Ratings are estimates based on publicly available data and are not real-time measurements.
Always verify with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before swimming.
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. 🤙