The Black Point pocket beach below Diamond Head, with two Surfrider BWTF sample points
Kaʻalāwai (Black Point) is the local pocket beach below the Black Point cliffs, with two regular BWTF sample points — one at the east end, one at the Cromwells surf spot. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-04-19) measured 10 MPN/100mL — within the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Kaʻalāwai is the south-facing pocket beach below the Black Point cliffs, just east of Diamond Head. Two BWTF sample points — Black Point East at the residential end and Cromwells at the surf-break end — bracket the bay.
Both sites have been stable around 10 MPN/100mL in recent samples, well under the 130 BAV threshold. Open-ocean exposure flushes effectively, and the residential drainage above is small compared to the urban inputs further west.
After major rain, watch for visible runoff from the residential streets above (Kaʻalāwai Place, Black Point Road). The 72-hour rule applies here — visual inspection is a reliable signal because the water normally runs clear.
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Kaʻalāwai (Black Point). The community-tested readings on this page come from the Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-led monitoring program run by the Surfrider Oʻahu chapter.
BWTF samples Kaʻalāwai (Black Point) biweekly using the IDEXX Enterolert method (MPN/100mL), and compares results against the same 130 Beach Action Value DOH uses statewide. See our overview of citizen water-quality testing in Hawaiʻi for the methodology and how BWTF data fits with DOH coverage.
Sand-and-rock entry from the central beach area. The Cromwells end has the surf break; the eastern end is calmer for swimming. Watch for sea urchins on the rocky margins.
Summer south-swell days bring surfers to Cromwells. The eastern swimming end is reliable year-round in calm weather. Mornings are quietest. The pocket beach is a local favorite — respect quiet hours and parking constraints.
Beach access is via the public path between private residences off Kaʻalāwai Place. Very limited street parking — arrive early or come on foot from Diamond Head Road. No restrooms or showers on-site.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, the Surfrider Foundation, or any government agency. Bacteria readings on this page come from the Surfrider Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-led monitoring program. Readings are point-in-time samples; conditions change with weather, runoff, and wave patterns. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch and BWTF directly before entering the water.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share publicly available data and geographic analysis so you can make your own informed decisions. By using this site you accept full responsibility for your own safety. See our Terms of Use for full details.
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