What to know before you go
Massive Pacific swells hit the north-facing coast directly, creating world-famous but deadly conditions
Calm, warm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and families at most North Shore beaches
| Lifeguards | varies |
| Nearest Hospital | Kahuku Medical Center or Wahiawa General |
| Cell Coverage | Moderate to poor in some areas |
| Emergency | Call 911 — Ocean Safety: (808) 723-8170 |
All visitors November through March should treat every North Shore beach as potentially lethal. Check surf reports daily. Never turn your back on the ocean.
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 North Shore (General) and every beach in Hawaiʻi.
All North Shore beaches dangerous Nov-Mar. 15-30ft waves routine in winter. Multiple beaches have bacteria advisories. Agricultural runoff after rain.
varies. Nearest hospital: Kahuku Medical Center or Wahiawa General. Cell phone coverage: Moderate to poor in some areas.
Winter: Massive Pacific swells hit the north-facing coast directly, creating world-famous but deadly conditions. Summer: Calm, warm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and families at most North Shore beaches
All visitors November through March should treat every North Shore beach as potentially lethal. Check surf reports daily. Never turn your back on the ocean.
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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. 🤙