Question 1

Is it safe to surf in Hawaii after it rains?

Accepted Answer

No. The Hawaii Department of Health recommends avoiding the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rainfall. This applies to surfers as well as swimmers. Surfers are at higher risk than many people realize — repeated duck dives, wipeouts, and water ingestion mean significant exposure to whatever bacteria is in the water. After rain, storm drains and streams flush bacteria, sewage from cesspools, and agricultural runoff into the ocean near surf breaks. Surf breaks near stream mouths or beach parks with storm drains are highest risk.

Question 2

Which Hawaii surf spots have the best water quality?

Accepted Answer

Surf spots on the leeward coasts of the Big Island and Maui consistently have the best water quality. Breaks like Honolua Bay (Maui), Two Step/Honaunau (Big Island), and the Kohala Coast breaks have minimal development runoff and very low rainfall. On Oahu, offshore reefs and exposed points like Sunset Beach and Pipeline have better water quality than breaks near stream mouths or beach parks. Breaks to approach with more caution include any surf spot near a river mouth, storm drain outlet, or heavily developed shoreline.

Question 3

Does water quality affect big wave surfing at Jaws (Pe'ahi)?

Accepted Answer

Jaws (Pe'ahi) on Maui's north shore is generally surfed in deep offshore water far from land-based pollution sources. Water quality at Jaws itself is typically good — it's a deepwater break with no stream inputs nearby. However, after heavy rainfall in the Maui upcountry, runoff can reach the north shore coastline. The bigger concern at Jaws is obviously the life-threatening waves, not bacteria. Elite big wave surfers typically rely on jet skis and comprehensive safety teams, not water quality data.

Question 4

Is Banzai Pipeline water clean?

Accepted Answer

Pipeline (Ehukai Beach) on Oahu's North Shore has moderate water quality. The beach itself is generally clean, but it receives runoff from the surrounding Pupukea residential area after rain. The Pupukea storm drain that exits near the beach is a known bacteria source after rain events. The DOH has issued advisories for the Ehukai/Pipeline area after heavy North Shore storms. Surfers competing at the Pipe Masters or Eddie typically get tested water quality data from event organizers. During dry periods, water quality is generally acceptable.

Question 5

What surf spots should you avoid after rain in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

After heavy rain, avoid surf spots near stream mouths, river mouths, or storm drain outlets. High-risk surf spots after rain include: Ala Moana Bowls (near Ala Wai Canal), any North Shore Oahu break after the Anahulu River or Waimea River floods, Honolua Bay after Maui north shore rain events, Hanalei Bay surf (near Hanalei River), and any Kauai north shore break. Breaks on the dry leeward coasts of the Big Island and Maui are generally safer year-round. Always wait 72 hours after significant rainfall and check the DOH website.