Honoliʻi – The Hawai’i State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a notification regarding high bacteria levels detected at Honolii Cove (Ocean) on the island of Hawai’i. Routine beach monitoring conducted on March 10, 2025, revealed a bacteria count of 2005 per 100 mL, exceeding acceptable levels.

The DOH attributes the elevated bacteria count to recent heavy rainfall. However, the department is uncertain about the representativeness of the initial sample. “This beach has historically met the acceptable beach threshold level, and there is no known source of fecal contamination,” the DOH stated in its notification.

As a precaution, the DOH has collected a second sample from Honolii Cove and is currently retesting the site. The department will update the notification based on the results of this new testing.

While the DOH has not explicitly closed the beach, visitors are advised to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks associated with swimming in water with elevated bacteria levels.

The DOH will provide updated information regarding the status of Honolii Cove as soon as the retest results are available.