Water quality status and bacteria risk rating
📍 Windward Oʻahu near Kualoa Ranch, about 40 min from Waikiki
The historical rating shown here is background context, not a current bacteria measurement. It does not establish current water quality or cancel a Department of Health advisory.
Dry weather, water clarity and ocean circulation do not establish current bacteria levels. Check current official notices and the collection dates and locations of any sample results. Avoid swimming for 72 hours after heavy rain.
Based on: DOH beach monitoring, proximity to stream discharge, Windward coast exposure
Keep official bacteria advisories and ocean conditions separate. Use the current DOH answer above for advisory availability; a historical rating or lifeguard schedule is not a water-quality result.
The Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety lifeguard roster lists Kualoa Regional Park hours as 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m., daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends and holidays during the rest of the year. Confirm actual staffing on arrival. In the roster, choose Oahu Beaches to find Kualoa Regional Park.
Honolulu's beach-safety guidance asks visitors to check changing ocean conditions and speak with a lifeguard before entering the water. Follow posted warnings.
Official sources checked October 21, 2026 HST. Schedules can change; this dated check does not establish present staffing, water quality or swimming clearance.
At Kualoa Beach, the Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Streams from the Koʻolau Mountains can carry elevated bacteria levels into the nearshore water. This is especially important on the Windward side, which receives more rainfall than other parts of Oʻahu. Wait for the water to clear before swimming.
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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 or any government agency. 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.
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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. 🤙