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BIG ISLAND · KOHALA COAST

ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay)

Water quality status and bacteria risk rating

📍 Kohala Coast, near Hilton Waikoloa Village

Checking live advisories…
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If It Looks Brown, Don't Swim
Never enter the ocean when the water appears brown or murky, even if no advisory is posted. Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories — not every beach is monitored. After heavy rain, wait at least 72 hours and until the water clears before swimming.
Learn more about brown water advisories →
Historical Bacteria Risk
⚠ Historical rating — this is based on long-term testing data, not current conditions. The state of Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories. Always check the water yourself and avoid brown or murky water.
Low Risk 1 / 5

ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay) on the Big Island's Kohala Coast has excellent water quality. The Kohala Coast is one of the driest areas in all of Hawaiʻi, receiving less than 10 inches of rain per year. This means storm runoff is extremely rare, and the ocean water stays consistently clean.

The beach features anchialine ponds (rare brackish pools connected underground to the ocean) and is near the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve. The dry lava coast environment means minimal freshwater input and very low bacteria risk. A-Bay is a popular spot for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sunset watching near the resort area.

Based on: DOH beach monitoring, very dry Kohala Coast climate, open ocean exposure, minimal runoff sources

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. A-Bay on the dry Kohala Coast rarely experiences significant rainfall, making runoff events uncommon. However, on the rare occasions it does rain heavily, the same caution applies. Always check the water visually before entering.

A-Bay Area — Nearby Accommodations
🏨 Hilton Waikoloa Village
Adjacent mega-resort with lagoon and dolphins
Guide →
Things to Do Nearby
Kohala Coast Snorkel Tour
Snorkel the crystal-clear Kohala Coast waters
Book →
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Iconic Big Island experience with manta rays
Book →
Waikoloa Sunset Sail
Sunset cruise along the Kohala Coast
Book →
Related Guides
Hapuna Beach Water Quality & Safety
Nearby →
Kohala Coast Water Quality Guide
Guide →
Swimming After Rain in Hawaii
Guide →
Hawaii Brown Water Advisory Guide
Guide →
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. 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. “No DOH Alerts” means no advisory is currently posted — it does not mean the water was tested and found safe. DOH only monitors a fraction of Hawaii’s beaches, and some areas have no regular testing at all.

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.

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