Ranked by bacteria test failure rates from Hawaii DOH monitoring and Surfrider Foundation testing data.
These rankings are based on enterococcus bacteria testing data from the Hawaii Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch (weekly Tier 1 monitoring) and the Surfrider Foundation’s 2024 Blue Water Task Force results. A “failure” means the water sample exceeded the EPA’s Beach Action Value of 130 enterococci per 100 mL — the threshold above which illness risk increases significantly.
These beaches consistently test well below bacteria thresholds. They share common traits: open-ocean exposure, no stream mouths, dry leeward coasts, and minimal cesspool density in the surrounding watershed.
Hawaii has more cesspools per capita than any other US state. These underground pits collect household sewage and let it leach directly into the ground — and eventually into the ocean. The state’s Act 125 (2017) requires all cesspools to be upgraded by 2050, but progress has been slow and the cost is estimated at $1.75 billion.
The problem is worst on Kaua’i (especially the North Shore), the Big Island (especially Hilo and older Kona neighborhoods), and rural O’ahu. Areas served by modern sewer systems — like resort-heavy South Maui and the Kohala Coast — generally have much better water quality.
The Surfrider Foundation’s 2024 data showed that 80% of tested Hawaii beaches exceeded EPA health limits at least once during the testing period. Meanwhile, EPA BEACH Act funding — which supports the DOH’s beach monitoring program — was potentially targeted for elimination in the FY2026 federal budget.
100+ beaches and 25+ hotels across all 6 islands
⚠️ 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.
When in doubt, don’t go out. 🤙