Water quality, safety, and swimming conditions compared
The critical water quality factor for both beaches is the Ala Wai Canal, which drains much of urban Honolulu. The canal mouth sits at the western end of Waikiki Beach, right between the two beaches. After heavy rain, contaminated runoff pours out of the canal and can affect both Waikiki and Ala Moana shorelines.
After any significant rainfall in Honolulu, avoid both Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Beach for at least 72 hours. If you see brown or murky water anywhere near the canal mouth, conditions may be affecting the entire shoreline.
Free alerts when Waikiki or Ala Moana water quality changes — before you go to the beach.
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Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii DOH. Water quality ratings are estimates based on publicly available data, not real-time measurements.
Always verify with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙