What to do in Hawaiʻi when the beach is closed or water quality is poor
Hawaiʻi gets rain. It is what makes the islands green, feeds the waterfalls, and fills the streams. But when it rains heavily, ocean water quality can deteriorate rapidly. Stormwater runoff carries bacteria, sediment, and pollutants into nearshore waters, triggering brown water advisories and making beaches unsuitable for swimming.
The good news: Hawaiʻi has plenty to offer beyond the beach. And rain is often localized — one side of the island may be pouring while the other is sunny.
Pro tip: Drive to the leeward (west/south) side of the island. It is almost always drier than the windward (east/north) side.
The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Runoff carries bacteria from cesspools, animal waste, and urban surfaces into the ocean. This can cause ear infections, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal illness. Children and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Polynesian Cultural Center — Full-day cultural experience in Lʻaie on the North Shore. Indoor shows and exhibits continue rain or shine.
Bishop Museum — Hawaiʻi's largest museum with extensive Polynesian and natural history collections. Perfect for families.
Waikiki Aquarium — Small but excellent aquarium right on the waterfront. Great for kids when the ocean is off-limits.
Ala Moana Center — One of the world's largest open-air malls with covered areas. Shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Food Tours — Chinatown walking food tours operate rain or shine and offer authentic local cuisine experiences.
Maui Ocean Center — Award-winning aquarium in Mʻaalaea. Features a 750,000-gallon open ocean exhibit and virtual reality whale experience.
Lahaina Historic District — Browse galleries, shops, and restaurants in this historic whaling town (check current status as some areas are still rebuilding after the 2023 fires).
Maui Tropical Plantation — Covered tram tours through working tropical farm. Zipline and restaurant on site.
Drive to Kihei / Wailea — South Maui is often sunny when the rest of the island is rainy. The leeward coast may have acceptable conditions.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — The volcanic landscapes are dramatic in rain and fog. Thurston Lava Tube is completely sheltered. Volcano House has a restaurant with caldera views.
Kona Coffee Farms — Tour working coffee farms in the Kona district. Most offer covered tasting areas.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center — World-class planetarium and science museum in Hilo. Excellent for families.
Drive to Kona Coast — The west side of the Big Island averages less than 15 inches of rain per year. If Hilo is getting drenched, Kona is likely dry.
Kauaʻi Museum — Small museum in Lʻihuʻe covering the island's natural and cultural history.
Kilauea Lighthouse — The wildlife refuge is beautiful even in overcast weather, and seabirds are active regardless of rain.
Koloa Rum Company — Distillery tours and tastings in the south shore area.
Drive to Poʻipʻu — Kauaʻi's south shore is significantly drier than the north. Poʻipʻu often has sun when Hanalei is under clouds.
When ocean water quality is poor, your hotel pool is a reliable backup. Pools are chlorinated and maintained, so bacteria from runoff is not a concern. Many Hawaiʻi resorts have elaborate pool complexes with slides, lazy rivers, and swim-up bars.
Check our hotel pool vs. beach water quality guide for a deeper comparison.
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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.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙