Oʻahuʻs North Shore is famous, but Maui and Kauaʻi have them too.
The Hawaii Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Rain washes bacteria from cesspools, animal waste, and urban contamination into streams and the ocean. Check Safe to Swim Hawaii before every beach visit.
| Feature | Oʻahu | Maui | Kauaʻi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Beaches | Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea | Hoʻokipa, Paia Bay | Hanalei, Tunnels, Keʻe |
| Known For | Big wave surfing | Windsurfing, surf town | Na Pali Coast, beauty |
| Winter Surf | 15-30+ ft waves | Large but less extreme | Large, dangerous |
| Rainfall | Moderate | Moderate | Very high (80-100+ in/yr) |
| Tourist Level | High | Moderate | Moderate |
All three north shores share a common feature: they face the open North Pacific and receive large swells from November through April. Winter conditions at all three can be dangerous for swimming. Summer conditions are generally calm and swimmable at all three.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings 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 DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙