What Tourists Need to Know
Ocean currents are the leading cause of drownings in Hawaii. Rip currents, strong shore break, and longshore currents can catch even strong swimmers off guard. More tourists drown in Hawaii than almost any other US destination.
A rip current is a narrow channel of fast-moving water flowing away from shore. If caught in one, do not fight it by swimming toward shore. Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current, then swim back to shore.
Beaches with the strongest currents include Sandy Beach and Makapuu on Oahu, Big Beach on Maui, and any north-facing beach during winter swells. Beaches with no reef protection tend to have stronger currents.
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. Bacteria and pollutants from runoff can linger in the water longer than the brown color does.
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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, any entity mentioned on this page, or any government agency or hotel brand. 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.
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When in doubt, don’t go out. 🤙