Also known as Kaimana Beach — water quality and safety guide
📍 East Waikiki, near Kapiʻolani Park and Diamond Head
Sans Souci Beach consistently earns the best water quality ratings of any Waikiki beach. Its position at the east end of Waikiki — far from the Ala Wai Canal outflow — means it avoids the primary source of post-rain bacteria that affects central Waikiki. The natural reef acts as a partial barrier and the area has minimal nearby stormwater infrastructure.
The DOH has historically noted fewer advisories for this stretch than for beaches near the Ala Wai outfall. It is widely considered the cleanest swimming beach within Waikiki proper. Even so, conditions can change after significant rain or following a major storm event.
Based on: DOH Waikiki monitoring, distance from Ala Wai Canal, protective reef, minimal stormwater inputs
The DOH recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Sans Souci is more resilient than other Waikiki beaches, but strong storms can still affect the area. When in doubt, wait it out.
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Hawaii’s Department of Health monitors approximately 57 beaches statewide through regular bacteria testing. However, with over 300 swimmable beaches across the islands, many popular spots have no regular testing program. Water quality varies significantly based on rainfall, stream proximity, coastal development, and ocean circulation patterns.
After heavy rain, streams and storm drains carry bacteria, sewage, pesticides, and sediment into coastal waters. The DOH recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 48 to 72 hours after heavy rain, even if the water appears clear. Brown or murky water is a visible sign of contamination, but bacteria can be present in clear water near stream mouths.
This site aggregates data from six sources — DOH advisories, USGS stream monitoring (25 stations), NOAA tide and temperature data, NDBC wave buoys, NWS weather alerts, and City & County of Honolulu water testing — to provide a more complete picture than any single source.
The 72-hour rule is the standard guideline from the Hawaii Department of Health: avoid swimming for at least 72 hours after heavy rain stops, especially near stream mouths, canal outlets, and areas with brown or discolored water. This applies to all beaches across all islands.
Bacteria from urban runoff, agricultural land, and aging cesspool systems enters the ocean through streams and storm drains. Hawaii has approximately 88,000 cesspools — more than any other state — many of which leak untreated sewage into groundwater that eventually reaches the coast. Beaches near known cesspool contamination areas carry higher risk, particularly after rainfall.
⚠️ 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 Department of Health Clean Water Branch before swimming.
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. 🤙