What to know before you go
Large surf makes the outer reef extremely dangerous, currents pull swimmers through reef channels
Excellent snorkeling on the inner reef when calm, but reef shoes are essential for entry
| Lifeguards | No |
| Nearest Hospital | Wilcox Medical Center (35 mi) |
| Cell Coverage | Poor |
| Emergency | Call 911 — Ocean Safety: (808) 723-8170 |
Non-swimmers should stay in the shallow inner reef area. The outer reef has claimed lives. Arrive early for parking — the shuttle from Hanalei is an alternative.
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 Tunnels Beach and every beach in Hawaiʻi.
Strong currents when surf is up. Reef entry — sharp coral. Limited parking — often full by 9am. No lifeguards.
No. Nearest hospital: Wilcox Medical Center (35 mi). Cell phone coverage: Poor.
Winter: Large surf makes the outer reef extremely dangerous, currents pull swimmers through reef channels. Summer: Excellent snorkeling on the inner reef when calm, but reef shoes are essential for entry
Non-swimmers should stay in the shallow inner reef area. The outer reef has claimed lives. Arrive early for parking — the shuttle from Hanalei is an alternative.
Tours listed via Viator and GetYourGuide. Safe to Swim Hawaii may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Free alerts when advisories change at your beach.
⚠️ 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. 🤙