What to know before you go
Massive surf, the beach becomes a killing ground for anyone who enters the water
Still has powerful currents and shore break. The beauty of this beach is deceptive.
| Lifeguards | No |
| Nearest Hospital | Wilcox Medical Center (25 mi) |
| Cell Coverage | Poor |
| Emergency | Call 911 — Ocean Safety: (808) 723-8170 |
No one should swim here. This beach is famous from the movie South Pacific, and its beauty lures tourists into the water. Do not enter. Enjoy from the sand.
After heavy rain, bacteria and pollutants from runoff contaminate coastal waters. Wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain and until the water clears before entering. This applies to Lumahai Beach and every beach in Hawaiʻi.
One of the most dangerous beaches in Hawaii. Powerful shore break and currents. Multiple drownings. Beautiful but deadly — not a swimming beach.
No. Nearest hospital: Wilcox Medical Center (25 mi). Cell phone coverage: Poor.
Winter: Massive surf, the beach becomes a killing ground for anyone who enters the water. Summer: Still has powerful currents and shore break. The beauty of this beach is deceptive.
No one should swim here. This beach is famous from the movie South Pacific, and its beauty lures tourists into the water. Do not enter. Enjoy from the sand.
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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, any entity mentioned on this page, 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.
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.
When in doubt, donʻt go out. 🤙