Water quality status & safety guide — San Souci Beach
📍 Diamond Head end of Waikiki, near Kapiʻolani Park
Kaimana Beach (San Souci) sits at the quieter, Diamond Head end of Waikiki. It benefits from somewhat better water quality than the central Waikiki strip, thanks to its distance from the Ala Wai Canal outflow. The beach is shallow, calm, and protected by an offshore reef.
However, after heavy rain the Ala Wai Canal — which drains most of urban Honolulu — discharges polluted water that can spread along the entire Waikiki shoreline. The DOH issues beach advisories for this area more frequently than South Maui or the Big Island's Kohala Coast.
Based on: DOH Waikiki beach monitoring data, Ala Wai Canal proximity, urban watershed analysis
The DOH recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Waikiki is particularly susceptible to Ala Wai Canal runoff after storms — the canal drains a massive urban area. Always check the water looks clear before entering.
Kaimana Beach, also known as Sans Souci Beach or San Souci Beach, is a small, calm beach at the eastern end of the Waikiki strip, adjacent to Kapiʻolani Regional Park. Unlike the bustling central Waikiki beaches, Kaimana is popular with local families, University of Hawaiʻi students, and visitors staying at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel.
The beach has a gentle slope, calm water protected by an offshore reef, and minimal water sports vendors. It is one of the best spots in Waikiki for a peaceful swim. The nearby Duke's Lane beach shower and the grass of Kapiʻolani Park make it popular for post-swim relaxation.
Top-rated experiences near this beach. Check water quality above, then plan your trip.
Tours listed via Viator and GetYourGuide. Safe to Swim Hawaii may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Free alerts when water quality changes — brown water advisories, bacteria warnings, and all-clear notices.
No spam. Just safety alerts for your trip.
100+ beaches and 25+ hotels across all 6 islands
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements.
Always verify with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share government 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.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙