Water quality status and snorkeling guide
📍 Kohala Coast, Big Island — Hidden gem, excellent snorkeling
Waialea Beach sits on the sunny, dry Kohala Coast where rainfall is minimal and there are no significant streams or runoff sources. Open ocean circulation maintains excellent water clarity and very low bacteria levels year-round. One of the cleanest beaches on the Big Island.
Stay out of the ocean for 72 hours after heavy rain. The Kohala Coast rarely sees significant rain, but when it does occur upslope, any runoff reaching the bay can temporarily affect quality.
Waialea Beach is a small, crescent-shaped bay tucked between the resort beaches of Hapuna and Mauna Lani. Its local nickname "Beach 69" has stuck for decades. Shaded by kiawe and coconut palms, it has a more relaxed, local feel than the manicured resort beaches nearby.
The snorkeling is excellent, particularly around the rocky points at each end of the bay. Hawaiian green sea turtles (hōnu) are regularly seen, and the reef supports healthy populations of colorful reef fish. The water is crystal clear with visibility often exceeding 60 feet.
Free alerts when water quality changes at your beach.
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii DOH. Ratings are estimates, not real-time measurements.
Always verify with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙