Water quality status and bacteria risk rating
📍 Waianae, West Oʻahu — Protected bay · Family swimming
Poʻkai Bay is a protected harbor bay on Oʻahuʻs dry leeward Waianae Coast. The breakwater creates calm, wave-protected conditions popular with local families. The Waianae Coast receives under 20 inches of rain annually, meaning far less runoff than windward or north shore beaches.
The bayʻs protected nature reduces ocean flushing compared to open beaches, so any runoff that enters stays longer. The DOH periodically monitors the Waianae Coast. During extended dry periods — which are common here — water quality is generally acceptable.
Based on: Leeward dry climate, breakwater protection reducing flushing, periodic DOH monitoring
The Department of Health recommends at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Even dry Waianae can receive occasional heavy rain, and the bayʻs limited flushing means conditions can stay elevated longer than open ocean beaches.
Free alerts when water quality changes at your beach.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health. Ratings are estimates based on publicly available data and are not real-time measurements.
Always verify with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, donʻt go out. 🤙