Trip Plan
Overview
Maui delivers the most diverse adventure terrain of any Hawaiian island: cliff diving at Black Rock, bodyboarding at Big Beach, snorkeling Molokini Crater, and the twisting 64-mile Road to Hana with its waterfalls and bamboo forests. This three-day itinerary moves from the west side resorts to the wild south coast and finishes with the Hana Highway, covering three distinct coastlines.
Essential gear: Reef-friendly sunscreen, water shoes (lava rock at La Perouse and black-sand beaches), 3+ liters of water for Haleakala or Hana, dry bag for electronics, headlamp for lava tube caves. Rent a Jeep or SUV if you plan to explore the backside of Haleakala past Kipahulu.
Day 1 — West Maui: Black Rock, Snorkeling & Cliff Diving
7:00 AM
Kaʻanapali Beach — Start at the north end near Black Rock (Puʻu Kekaʻa), where the lava promontory creates the best shore-access snorkeling on west Maui. Swim along the rock face in 10-25 feet of water to see sea turtles, moray eels, octopus, and dense reef fish. Morning conditions before 10 AM are calmest with best visibility (often 60+ feet). The famous cliff-diving spot is at the rock's point, a 20-foot jump into deep water.
Check water quality; Kaʻanapali generally tests clean due to its exposed, high-energy shoreline.
Parking: Whalers Village parking garage ($3/hr). Free overflow parking at the north end near the Sheraton. Public beach access between resorts.
10:30 AM
Walk the 3-mile Kaʻanapali Beach Walk south along the beachfront to Canoe Beach, then continue to the old Lahaina town area (20 min walk or 5 min drive). Explore Front Street's historic buildings and the massive banyan tree in the harbor square. Grab lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Afternoon
Drive 30 minutes south on Honoapiʻilani Highway to Olowalu (mile marker 14). This reef, known as the "Coral Gardens," is one of the largest remaining reef systems on Maui and excellent for snorkeling from shore. Enter at the 800-yard marker (look for the mile marker sign). The reef starts in 3 feet of water and extends hundreds of yards offshore. Expect butterfly fish, tangs, and turtles. Visibility is best on calm days (20-50 feet). Return to Kaʻanapali for the Black Rock sunset cliff-diving ceremony at the Sheraton (daily at sunset).
IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE
West Maui streams drain steep valleys and can send brown plumes along the coast after heavy rain. Skip snorkeling and hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail (1.76 miles, ocean views with no water entry needed) or drive to Nakalele Blowhole for wave-impact viewing.
Day 2 — South Maui: Big Beach, La Perouse & Molokini
6:00 AM
Board a morning Molokini Crater snorkel charter from Maʻalaea Harbor (40 min drive from Kaʻanapali). The volcanic crescent crater, 2.5 miles offshore, is a Marine Life Conservation District with visibility exceeding 100 feet on calm mornings. The inner wall has dense coral and hundreds of fish species; the outer wall drops to 300 feet for advanced divers. Charter costs range from $100-200/person; boats depart between 6-7 AM and return by noon. Book at least a week ahead.
Midday
Big Beach (Makena) — Drive 20 minutes south from Maʻalaea to Makena State Park. Big Beach (Oneloa) is a 1/3-mile expanse of golden sand with powerful shorebreak, perfect for experienced bodyboarders and bodysurfers. The wave energy here is serious; it regularly produces heavy closeouts that can slam you into the sand. Lifeguards are on duty.
Check water quality. Little Beach, over the lava rock hill to the north, is smaller and has a more protected cove (note: it is an unofficial clothing-optional beach).
Parking: Free at Makena State Park lots (three entrances). Lot fills by 10 AM on weekends.
Afternoon
Drive 10 minutes south past the Maui Prince Hotel to La Perouse Bay, where the last lava flow on Maui (from Haleakala's 1790 eruption) meets the ocean. The rocky coastline is otherworldly and the tide pools contain small fish and sea urchins. Hike the King's Highway trail along the lava coast (2+ miles, rough footing, bring water). Dolphins sometimes enter the bay in the morning. Return to your base on the west or south side for dinner.
IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE
Molokini Crater is offshore and usually unaffected by coastal runoff. Big Beach and La Perouse are on the dry south side and rarely see brown water. If all ocean is off limits, drive up to Haleakala summit (2 hours, $30/vehicle) for the volcanic crater hike.
Day 3 — Road to Hana: Waterfalls & Bamboo Forest
6:30 AM
Start the Road to Hana (Highway 360) from Paʻia town. The 64-mile road has 620 curves and 59 bridges. Key adventure stops: Twin Falls (mile 2, short hike to swimming hole), Waikamoi Ridge Trail (mile 9.5, bamboo forest loop), Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears, mile 19, roadside waterfall), and Waiʻanapanapa State Park (mile 32, black-sand beach, lava caves, sea arches). Budget 8-10 hours for the full experience.
Midday
Stop at Waiʻanapanapa State Park ($5/person reservation required). The jet-black sand beach is dramatic against the blue water and green vegetation. The sea caves and blowhole on the coastal trail are excellent for exploration. Do not swim here if surf is up; the rocks and currents are dangerous. Continue to Hana town for lunch at a food truck or the Hana Ranch Restaurant.
Afternoon
Continue past Hana to Kipahulu (Haleakala National Park, $30/vehicle). The Pipiwai Trail (4 miles round trip) is the crown jewel: it passes through a massive bamboo forest, over boardwalks, and ends at Waimoku Falls (400 feet). This is one of the most spectacular hikes in Hawaiʻi. Allow 2.5-3 hours round trip. The pools of ʻOheʻo (Seven Sacred Pools) at the trailhead are worth a visit when open (check conditions; they close during heavy rain due to flash flood risk). Drive back via the same road (3 hours to Kaʻanapali) or the adventurous backside route past Kaupo (add 1 hour, requires careful driving on narrow gravel sections).
IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE
Rain makes the waterfalls along the Hana Highway even more impressive. Do not swim in freshwater pools after heavy rain (flash flood risk and bacteria from runoff). The Pipiwai Trail and bamboo forest are spectacular in mist and rain. Bring a rain jacket and waterproof camera protection.
⚠️ 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.
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, donʻt go out. 🤙