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BIG ISLAND · KOHALA COAST

Wailea Beach Park (Beach 69)

Water quality status and bacteria risk rating

📍 North Kohala Coast, near Hapuna Beach

Checking live advisories…
⚠
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 Risk1 / 5

Wailea Beach Park (Beach 69) on the Big Island's Kohala Coast has excellent water quality. The dry Kohala Coast receives less than 10 inches of rain annually, meaning storm runoff is extremely rare. This is one of the cleanest coastal environments in Hawaiʻi.

Beach 69 is a locals' favorite known for its white sand, shade trees, and calm water. The gentle sandy entry and protected cove make it excellent for families. Snorkeling along the rocky edges reveals abundant marine life. Note: this is a different beach from Wailea Beach on Maui.

Based on: DOH monitoring, very dry Kohala Coast climate, no nearby streams or runoff sources, excellent ocean flushing

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Beach 69 on the dry Kohala Coast rarely sees significant rain, making runoff a non-issue under normal conditions. On the rare occasions it does rain heavily, the same caution applies.

Beach 69 Area — Nearby Accommodations
🏨 Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Iconic Kohala Coast resort nearby
Guide →
Things to Do Nearby
Kohala Coast Snorkel Tour
Snorkel the crystal-clear Kohala Coast waters
Book →
Big Island Sunset Cruise
Sunset sail along the Kohala Coast
Book →
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Iconic Big Island experience with manta rays
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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When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙

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