Water quality status and bacteria risk rating
📍 North Kohala Coast, near Hapuna Beach
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 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.
Top-rated experiences near this beach. Check water quality above, then plan your trip.
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 water quality changes at your beach — brown water advisories, bacteria warnings, and all-clear notices.
No spam. Just safety alerts for your trip.
100+ beaches and 25+ hotels across all 6 islands
Hawaii’s Department of Health monitors approximately 57 beaches statewide through regular bacteria testing. However, with over 300 swimmable beaches across the islands, many popular spots have no regular testing program. Water quality varies significantly based on rainfall, stream proximity, coastal development, and ocean circulation patterns.
After heavy rain, streams and storm drains carry bacteria, sewage, pesticides, and sediment into coastal waters. The DOH recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 48 to 72 hours after heavy rain, even if the water appears clear. Brown or murky water is a visible sign of contamination, but bacteria can be present in clear water near stream mouths.
This site aggregates data from six sources — DOH advisories, USGS stream monitoring (25 stations), NOAA tide and temperature data, NDBC wave buoys, NWS weather alerts, and City & County of Honolulu water testing — to provide a more complete picture than any single source.
The 72-hour rule is the standard guideline from the Hawaii Department of Health: avoid swimming for at least 72 hours after heavy rain stops, especially near stream mouths, canal outlets, and areas with brown or discolored water. This applies to all beaches across all islands.
Bacteria from urban runoff, agricultural land, and aging cesspool systems enters the ocean through streams and storm drains. Hawaii has approximately 88,000 cesspools — more than any other state — many of which leak untreated sewage into groundwater that eventually reaches the coast. Beaches near known cesspool contamination areas carry higher risk, particularly after rainfall.
⚠️ 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.
This site is a work in progress and we want to make it better. If you notice something that isn't working right, have a suggestion, or want to share local knowledge about a beach, please reach out.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share government data and geographic analysis so you can make your own informed decisions. By using this site you accept full responsibility for your own safety. See our Terms of Use for full details.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙