Hilo Bay water quality, swimming alternatives, and nearby beaches
📍 Banyan Drive, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
Hilo Bay has elevated bacteria risk and is not recommended for swimming. The bay collects urban storm runoff from across the city of Hilo through multiple drains and river discharges. With 130+ inches of annual rainfall, contamination events are frequent.
The Wailuku River — the longest river in Hawaiʻi — and Wailoa River both discharge directly into Hilo Bay. Combined with urban storm drains, this creates chronically elevated bacteria risk. The Grand Naniloa's pool is a better option than bay swimming.
Based on: DOH Big Island monitoring, urban watershed characteristics, river discharge, 130+ in/year rainfall
Top-rated experiences near this beach. Check water quality above, then plan your trip.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent project not affiliated with the Hawaii DOH or Grand Naniloa Hotel. Ratings are estimates — not real-time measurements.
Verify with the Hawaii DOH 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. 🤙