Beach Quality Comparison
Hapuna Beach (Westin) is consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world with excellent water quality. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Kaunaoa Bay has a beautiful protected crescent. Both have low bacteria risk.
Yes. The Kohala Coast is one of the driest areas in Hawaii with minimal rainfall and runoff. Most beaches along this coast have consistently low bacteria risk and clear water. It is one of the cleanest swimming areas in the state.
Kohala Coast beaches generally have better water quality than Kona beaches. The Kohala Coast receives much less rain, so runoff is minimal. Kona-area beaches can be affected by groundwater seepage and occasional storm runoff from upslope areas.
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, Big Island 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. 🤙