Question 1

What should I check before swimming at a Hawaii beach?

Accepted Answer

Before swimming at any Hawaii beach, check: 1) DOH water quality advisories on Safe to Swim Hawaii, 2) Recent rainfall — wait 72 hours after heavy rain, 3) Water color and clarity — avoid brown or murky water, 4) Wave conditions and surf height, 5) Posted warning signs at the beach, 6) Lifeguard presence and advice, 7) Current weather conditions, 8) Tide conditions, 9) Whether you have proper equipment, and 10) Your own swimming ability and comfort level.

Question 2

Why is brown water dangerous in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Brown or murky water in Hawaii typically indicates stormwater runoff carrying bacteria, sewage overflow, sediment, and pollutants from land into the ocean. This runoff can include fecal bacteria from cesspools and animal waste, pesticides and fertilizers, oil and chemical pollutants, and soil sediment that reduces visibility. Swimming in brown water significantly increases your risk of gastrointestinal illness, ear infections, skin infections, and eye infections.

Question 3

How do I know if a Hawaii beach has a lifeguard?

Accepted Answer

Not all Hawaii beaches have lifeguards. Lifeguarded beaches typically have visible lifeguard towers. On Oahu, most popular public beaches have lifeguards. On neighbor islands, coverage is more limited — resort beaches may have their own lifeguards, but many public beaches do not. If there is no lifeguard, exercise extra caution and never swim alone.

Question 4

What does a beach advisory mean in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

A beach advisory from the Hawaii Department of Health means that water quality testing has found elevated bacteria levels that exceed EPA recreational swimming standards, or there is a known contamination event like a sewage spill. During an advisory, the DOH recommends staying out of the water. Advisories are lifted when follow-up testing shows bacteria levels have returned to safe ranges.

Question 5

Is it safe to swim at a Hawaii beach with no advisory posted?

Accepted Answer

No advisory does not necessarily mean the water was tested and found safe. The DOH only monitors a fraction of Hawaii's beaches, and testing is not done daily. Some beaches have no regular testing program at all. Always use your own judgment — check the water color, smell, and recent weather conditions. If it has rained heavily in the past 72 hours, exercise caution regardless of whether an advisory is posted.

Hawaiʻi Beach Safety Checklist

Before You Leave Your Hotel

When You Arrive at the Beach

Before Entering the Water

After Swimming