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This page shows live DOH advisories for Kauai. The south shore (Poipu area) typically has fewer advisories than the north shore, which receives more rain.
Kauai is the wettest Hawaiian island, with Mt. Waialeale receiving over 400 inches of rain annually. The north and east shores receive more rainfall and have more frequent runoff events affecting water quality.
No. Remote beaches along the Na Pali Coast are not regularly tested by the DOH. Water quality there depends on recent rainfall and ocean conditions. These beaches are accessed by boat or hiking and have no lifeguards.
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, Kaua'i beaches, 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.
This site is a work in progress and we want to make it better. If you notice something that isn’t working right, have a suggestion, or want to share local knowledge about a beach, please reach out.
When in doubt, don’t go out. 🤙