Last updated: April 15, 2026
Safe to Swim Hawaii (safetoswimhawaii.com) is an independent informational project that aggregates publicly available water quality data from government agencies. We are not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, any county government, or any government agency.
We pull data from six sources: the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch, USGS National Water Information System, NOAA CO-OPS, NDBC, NWS Honolulu, and the City and County of Honolulu Environmental Services Division. This data is provided by these agencies and we present it as-is. We do not conduct our own water testing.
Historical bacteria risk ratings on this site are estimates based on testing history, geographic analysis, and advisory frequency. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions. Water quality can change rapidly, especially after rainfall.
Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, safety recommendations, or a guarantee that any beach is suitable for swimming. We do not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any specific beach. We share publicly available government data so individuals can make their own informed decisions about ocean activities.
The absence of a posted advisory on this site does not mean a beach has been tested and found free of contamination. The Hawaii Department of Health monitors only a fraction of the state’s 300+ swimmable beaches, and testing occurs on a weekly schedule at best. Between testing dates, conditions can change significantly due to rainfall, sewage spills, or other events.
If you have any health concerns about ocean water exposure — including but not limited to open wounds, weakened immune systems, pregnancy, or recent surgery — consult a qualified medical professional before entering any ocean water in Hawaii or elsewhere.
Ocean swimming carries inherent and significant risks including but not limited to drowning, strong currents, wave injuries, marine life encounters (jellyfish, sea urchins, sharks, coral), waterborne bacterial infections (Staphylococcus, Vibrio, MRSA, leptospirosis), and gastrointestinal illness from contaminated water.
All information on this site is provided for educational and informational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you assume full responsibility for your own safety decisions. Safe to Swim Hawaii, its creators, and its contributors are not liable for any injuries, illness, death, property damage, or other consequences arising from the use of or reliance on information presented on this site.
Water quality conditions can change rapidly and without warning. A beach that tested clean yesterday may have dangerous bacteria levels today. Always conduct your own visual assessment of water conditions before entering the ocean. If the water appears brown, murky, or discolored, do not enter regardless of what any website or advisory system indicates.
References to specific beaches, hotels, tours, or activities on this site do not constitute endorsements or recommendations. Historical bacteria risk ratings (1-5 scale) reflect long-term testing patterns and geographic analysis — they are not guarantees of current conditions and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to swim at any location.
Tour and activity links on this site are provided through affiliate partnerships with third-party providers (Viator, GetYourGuide). We may earn a commission if you book through these links at no additional cost to you. These affiliate relationships do not influence our water quality data, risk ratings, or advisory information.
Original content on this site, including text, analysis, risk ratings, and page design, is the property of Safe to Swim Hawaii. Government data (DOH advisories, USGS measurements, NOAA conditions) is public domain. You may link to our pages freely. Reproduction of our original content requires permission.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Safe to Swim Hawaii and its creators, operators, contributors, and affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of this site or reliance on any information provided herein. This limitation applies regardless of whether the damages arise from negligence, breach of contract, or any other legal theory.
You expressly agree that your use of this site is at your sole risk. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any information on this site. Government data sources may contain errors, delays, or gaps in coverage.
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We may update these terms from time to time. Changes will be reflected in the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
Questions about these terms? Contact us at safetoswimhawaii@gmail.com.
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