Safe to Swim Hawaii

Hawaiʻi Citizen Water-Quality Testing

The Surfrider Foundation's Blue Water Task Force tests over 100 Hawaiʻi beaches the state DOH doesn't routinely monitor. Here's what they're seeing right now.

Hawaiʻi BWTF sites
103
With recent sample
99
Active labs
3
Threshold (BAV)
130
MPN/100mL · matches DOH
Data refreshed 2026-04-25. Source: Surfrider Foundation BWTF.
How to Read These Numbers

BWTF and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health both compare results against the same Beach Action Value (BAV) of 130 enterococcus per 100 mL. Above that threshold, the water exceeds the EPA recreational-water guideline.

The two programs use slightly different lab methods, which is why the units differ:

  • DOH uses the culture-based method (EPA Method 1600 / membrane filtration) and reports CFU/100mL (colony-forming units).
  • BWTF uses IDEXX Enterolert / Quanti-Tray and reports MPN/100mL (most probable number).

Different units, same interpretation. Both compare to the same 130 BAV. A 200 MPN/100mL BWTF reading is the same public-health concern as a 200 CFU/100mL DOH reading.

By Island

Kauaʻi

Full BWTF lab page →
38 sites · 34 with recent samples · sampled monthly · 39.2% of all 2025 samples exceed the 130 MPN/100mL BAV
Site Latest sample Status
Anahola Bay Surf
East Kauaʻi
288 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Anahola Stream mouth
East Kauaʻi
2851 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Hanamāʻulu Bay Beach
East Kauaʻi
228 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Hanamāʻulu Stream Mouth
East Kauaʻi
1301 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Kalapakī Bay Surf
East Kauaʻi
408 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Keālia Surf
East Kauaʻi
195 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Lydgate (Kamalani Bridge)
East Kauaʻi
41 MPN/100mL
2026-02-14
within threshold
BWTF report →
Lydgate (Morgans Pond)
East Kauaʻi
20 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
within threshold
BWTF report →
Moloa'a Stream Mouth
East Kauaʻi
3130 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Nāwiliwili Boat Harbor
East Kauaʻi
no recent sample
BWTF report →
Nāwiliwili Stream
East Kauaʻi
1594 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Wailua River Mouth
East Kauaʻi
1726 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Hanalei Bay (The Bowl)
North Kauaʻi
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
within threshold
BWTF report →
Hanalei River at Weke Rd.
North Kauaʻi
1112 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Kalihiwai Surf
North Kauaʻi
160 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Kāhili Surf (Rock Quarry)
North Kauaʻi
134 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Lumahaʻi River Mouth
North Kauaʻi
226 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Maniniholo (Pukas surf)
North Kauaʻi
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
within threshold
BWTF report →
Middles Surf, Hanalei
North Kauaʻi
63 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
within threshold
BWTF report →
Mākua Makai
North Kauaʻi
1727 MPN/100mL
2026-01-10
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Mānoa stream
North Kauaʻi
1670 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Puʻu Pōā Beach (Waileiʻia Stream)
North Kauaʻi
1036 MPN/100mL
2026-01-10
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Waikoko Surf, Hanalei
North Kauaʻi
52 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
within threshold
BWTF report →
Wainiha River Mouth
North Kauaʻi
504 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Wainiha kepuhi stream
North Kauaʻi
2014 MPN/100mL
2026-03-14
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
ʻAnini Boat Ramp
North Kauaʻi
41 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
within threshold
BWTF report →
Salt Pond Surf
no recent sample
BWTF report →
Kukuiʻula Bay
South Kauaʻi
20 MPN/100mL
2026-02-14
within threshold
BWTF report →
Waikomo Stream (Koloa Landing)
South Kauaʻi
4786 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Waiohai Surf, Poipu
South Kauaʻi
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
within threshold
BWTF report →
Tunnels Stream Makua
2603 MPN/100mL
2026-03-15
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Davidsons Surf, Kekaha
West Kauaʻi
no recent sample
BWTF report →
Hanapēpē River Mouth
West Kauaʻi
884 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Intersections Surf
West Kauaʻi
10 MPN/100mL
2025-12-13
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kekaha Intersection Surf
West Kauaʻi
no recent sample
BWTF report →
Port Allen Boat Harbor
West Kauaʻi
3784 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Pākālas Surf
West Kauaʻi
2495 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Waimea River Mouth
West Kauaʻi
865 MPN/100mL
2026-04-11
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Run by the volunteer-led Surfrider Kauaʻi Chapter. Consider supporting their work if you find this data useful.

Oʻahu

Full BWTF lab page →
32 sites · 32 with recent samples · sampled biweekly · 27.4% of all 2025 samples exceed the 130 MPN/100mL BAV
Site Latest sample Status
Chings (Punaluʻu Beach Park)
East Oʻahu
96 MPN/100mL
2026-03-08
within threshold
BWTF report →
Hakipuʻu Boat Ramp
East Oʻahu
185 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Heʻeia Stream
East Oʻahu
135 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Kahaluʻu Beach
East Oʻahu
471 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Kailua Beach Park
East Oʻahu
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kaimalino
East Oʻahu
41 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Mākao
East Oʻahu
210 MPN/100mL
2026-03-08
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
South Kaneohe Bay
East Oʻahu
145 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Waimanalo Stream
East Oʻahu
860 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Waiāhole Beach Park
East Oʻahu
30 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Inoaole Stream
97 MPN/100mL
2024-07-14
within threshold
BWTF report →
Ehukai
North O'ahu
10 MPN/100mL
2026-03-28
within threshold
BWTF report →
Fresh Airs
North O'ahu
10 MPN/100mL
2026-03-28
within threshold
BWTF report →
Chocolates
North Oʻahu
175 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Kahaone Place
North Oʻahu
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kaiaka Bay
North Oʻahu
20 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Pūpūkea tidepools
North Oʻahu
41 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Hui Nalu Canoe Launch
South Oʻahu
63 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kaimana Beach
South Oʻahu
20 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kaʻalāwai (Black Point-East)
South Oʻahu
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kaʻalāwai (Black Point/Cromwells)
South Oʻahu
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kuliʻouʻou Stream
South Oʻahu
2046 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Magic Island Bowls
South Oʻahu
31 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Magic Island Canoe Launch
South Oʻahu
31 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Makalei Beach Park
South Oʻahu
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Waialae Beach Park
South Oʻahu
10 MPN/100mL
2025-08-10
within threshold
BWTF report →
Wailupe Beach Park
South Oʻahu
20 MPN/100mL
2026-04-19
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kaupuni Stream
West Oʻahu
6586 MPN/100mL
2026-04-16
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Pililāʻau
West Oʻahu
101 MPN/100mL
2026-04-16
within threshold
BWTF report →
Pōkaʻi Bay- Inside
West Oʻahu
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-16
within threshold
BWTF report →
Pōkaʻi Bay- outside
West Oʻahu
20 MPN/100mL
2026-01-08
within threshold
BWTF report →
Ulehawa Canal
West Oʻahu
41 MPN/100mL
2026-04-16
within threshold
BWTF report →
Run by the volunteer-led Surfrider Oʻahu Chapter. Consider supporting their work if you find this data useful.

Maui

Full BWTF lab page →
33 sites · 33 with recent samples · sampled monthly · 21.6% of all 2025 samples exceed the 130 MPN/100mL BAV
Site Latest sample Status
Hāmoa Beach
East Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-03-09
within threshold
BWTF report →
Hāna Bay
East Maui
213 MPN/100mL
2026-03-09
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Hāneo'o Fish Pond
East Maui
120 MPN/100mL
2026-03-09
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kōki Beach Shorebreak
East Maui
183 MPN/100mL
2026-03-09
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Kōkī Beach at Kaholopo'o Rivermouth
East Maui
135 MPN/100mL
2026-03-09
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Waioka
East Maui
448 MPN/100mL
2026-03-09
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Baby Beach
North Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Hōʻokipa Beach Park E
North Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kahului Harbor
North Maui
247 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Kanahā - Kalialinui Stream
North Maui
20 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kūʻau Cove (Mama's Beach)
North Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Māliko Bay
North Maui
602 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Pāʻia Bay
North Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Tavares Beach
North Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Waiehu Stream
North Maui
31 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Wailuku Stream
North Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kalepolepo Beach Park
South Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Kihei Canoe Club
South Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Māʻalaea Bay
South Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
The Cove
South Maui
2613 MPN/100mL
2026-03-18
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Waipuilani
South Maui
41 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Baby Beach
West Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Front Street Park
West Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-01-14
within threshold
BWTF report →
Guard Rails
West Maui
20 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Honolua Bay
West Maui
83 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Lāhainā Harbor
West Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Mala Ramp
West Maui
345 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
exceeds BAV
BWTF report →
Olowalu Mile Marker 14
West Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Olowalu Surf Spot
West Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Pohaku Park (S Turns)
West Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Polanui-Uhailio (Shark Pit)
West Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Punalau (windmills)
West Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Ukumehame/Thousand Peaks
West Maui
10 MPN/100mL
2026-04-15
within threshold
BWTF report →
Run by the volunteer-led Surfrider Maui Chapter. Consider supporting their work if you find this data useful.
The Gap: Molokaʻi and Lanaʻi

Neither BWTF nor the state DOH runs routine bacteria testing on Molokaʻi or Lanaʻi. Both Maui County Council members representing those islands are pursuing community-funded testing programs to close that gap.

Read the full coverage-gap explainer →

Note on Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island)

Big Island had a BWTF lab in earlier years but is no longer active in 2024-26. The community group Hawaiʻi Wai Ola handles some Big Island testing instead.

Related Guides
Hawai’i Water Quality Data Hub
Every Hawaii water-quality data resource in one place — DOH + Surfrider BWTF + trend + forecast
Hub →
Is the Water Getting Better or Worse?
14-day trend + 7-day NOAA rainfall forecast per island
Forecast →
Cleanest Hawaii Beaches Right Now
Live ranking of every tracked beach
Live →
Why Molokaʻi & Lanaʻi Aren't Tested
The monitoring gap and who's working to close it
Report →
Hawaii Brown Water Advisory Guide
When DOH issues storm-runoff warnings and how long they last
Guide →
Attribution & Disclaimer: All BWTF data on this page is sourced from the Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force at bwtf.surfrider.org. Each result links back to the lab's full report. Tests are point-in-time samples; conditions change with weather, runoff, and wave patterns. This page describes water-quality test results — not a swim recommendation. Physical hazards (shore break, rip currents, surf) are independent of bacteria readings. Always check current advisories at the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before swimming.