Is it safe to swim at Hapuna Beach?

Hapuna Beach has a Low bacteria risk rating (1 out of 5). It is one of Hawaii's cleanest beaches, located on the dry Kohala Coast with no major stream discharge, excellent ocean circulation, and consistently clean DOH test results. The main safety concern here is the strong shore break, not bacteria.

Does Hapuna Beach have clean water?

Yes. Hapuna Beach consistently passes DOH bacteria testing. The Kohala Coast receives very little rainfall, there are no major streams draining to this beach, and the open ocean exposure provides strong water circulation. It has no significant history of contamination.

Is the water safe at Kohala Coast resorts?

The Kohala Coast is one of the cleanest stretches of coastline in Hawaii. The dry climate, lack of stream discharge, and low population density all contribute to excellent water quality. Resorts like the Westin Hapuna, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and Mauna Lani are all in low-risk areas.

What are the main safety concerns at Hapuna Beach?

Water quality is generally excellent at Hapuna. The primary safety concern is the powerful shore break, which can cause injuries. Lifeguards are on duty. The beach can also have strong currents. Check surf conditions before entering the water.

Is Beach 69 the same as Hapuna Beach?

No. Beach 69, officially called Waialea Bay, is a separate beach located just south of Hapuna Beach State Park. It is a smaller, less crowded beach with its own access point. Both beaches are on the Kohala Coast and have similar excellent water quality.

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HAWAI'I ISLAND · KOHALA COAST

Hapuna Beach

Water quality status and bacteria risk rating

Note: Beach 69 (Waialea Bay) is a separate beach just south of Hapuna

📍 On the Kohala Coast between the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Westin Hapuna

Checking live advisories…

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If It Looks Brown, Don't Swim

Never enter the ocean when the water appears brown or murky, even if no advisory is posted. Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories — not every beach is monitored. After heavy rain, wait at least 72 hours and until the water clears before swimming.

Learn more about brown water advisories →

Historical Bacteria Risk

⚠ Historical rating — this is based on long-term testing data, not current conditions. The state of Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories. Always check the water yourself and avoid brown or murky water.

Low Risk 1 / 5

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is one of the cleanest beaches in Hawaii. Located on the dry Kohala Coast of Hawai'i Island, it benefits from minimal rainfall, no major stream discharge, excellent open-ocean circulation, and very low population density in the surrounding area.

The beach consistently passes DOH bacteria testing and has no significant history of contamination events. The Kohala Coast's dry leeward climate means brown water advisories are rare here compared to windward and wetter areas of the island.

Based on: DOH Tier 1 beach monitoring, dry climate, no stream discharge, open ocean exposure

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

The Hawaii Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain, even if the water looks clear. Hapuna Beach is on the dry Kohala Coast, so heavy rain is less common here than other parts of the island. Still, if there has been unusual rainfall, the general rule applies. The bigger concern at Hapuna is strong shore break and currents, not bacteria.

Hapuna Beach Area Hotels — Historical Beach Water Quality

🏨 Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Directly above Hapuna Beach

Hist. Low

🏨 Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Adjacent beach · Kauna'oa Bay

Hist. Low

🏨 Mauna Lani Resort

South Kohala · separate beach

Hist. Low

🏨 Fairmont Orchid

South Kohala · Pauoa Bay

Hist. Low

Things to Do Nearby

Manta Ray Night Dive

Swim with giant manta rays after dark on the Kohala Coast

Book →

Kohala Coast Snorkel

Snorkel the pristine reefs along the Kohala Coast

Book →

Big Island Circle Tour

Full-day tour including volcanoes, waterfalls, and coastline

Book →

Nearby Beach Guides

🏖 Kahaluʻu Beach Park

30 min south · Kona · Popular snorkeling

3 / 5

🏖 Spencer Beach Park

5 min north · Kohala Coast · Calm family beach

2 / 5

🏖 Magic Sands Beach

35 min south · Kailua-Kona · Bodyboarding

2 / 5

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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings on this site are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions. “No DOH Alerts” means no advisory is currently posted — it does not mean the water was tested and found safe. DOH only monitors a fraction of Hawaii’s beaches, and some areas have no regular testing at all.

Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water. This site is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for any swimming decisions.

This site is a work in progress and we want to make it better. If you notice something that isn't working right, have a suggestion, or want to share local knowledge about a beach, please reach out.

When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙