Beach hazard ratings: yellow, red, black and closed

Hawaiʻi's ocean safety agencies rate each lifeguarded beach's conditions: Yellow means caution, Red means high hazard, Black means extreme hazard, and Closed means stay out. Current ratings for each beach are posted on Hawaii Beach Safety.

• Yellow: caution. Red: high hazard. Black: extreme hazard. Closed: the beach or water is closed.
• Ratings change through the day with surf, wind and currents; check right before you go.
• Ask the lifeguard about conditions before swimming, and call 911 if someone is in trouble and no lifeguard is on duty.

Sources: Hawaiʻi Department of Health: List of lifeguarded beaches in Hawaiʻi · Hawaii Beach Safety: current conditions by beach

Last checked Oct. 30, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.