What to know before you go
20-40ft faces, competitions held here, only world-class surfers should enter
Calm, flat, popular swimming hole with rock jumping from the north cliff
| Lifeguards | Yes |
| Nearest Hospital | Kahuku Medical Center (10 mi) |
| Cell Coverage | Moderate |
| Emergency | Call 911 — Ocean Safety: (808) 723-8170 |
In winter: everyone except expert big-wave surfers. In summer: children near the rock jumping cliff, non-swimmers near the river mouth.
After heavy rain, bacteria and pollutants from runoff contaminate coastal waters. Wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain and until the water clears before entering. This applies to Waimea Bay and every beach in Hawaiʻi.
30-foot winter waves — lethal for non-experts. Massive shore break in winter. Calm in summer but can change quickly. Strong rip currents during transitions.
Yes. Nearest hospital: Kahuku Medical Center (10 mi). Cell phone coverage: Moderate.
Winter: 20-40ft faces, competitions held here, only world-class surfers should enter. Summer: Calm, flat, popular swimming hole with rock jumping from the north cliff
In winter: everyone except expert big-wave surfers. In summer: children near the rock jumping cliff, non-swimmers near the river mouth.
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 advisories change at your beach.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, any entity mentioned on this page, or any government agency or hotel brand. 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.
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.
When in doubt, donʻt go out. 🤙