Water quality status and bacteria risk rating
📍 North Shore Maui near Pāʻia, about 15 min from Kahului Airport
Baldwin Beach Park has generally good water quality with some runoff influence. This long stretch of North Shore beach near Pāʻia benefits from good ocean circulation driven by consistent North Shore surf. However, several gulches in the area carry sediment and potential contaminants into the ocean after rain.
The Baby Beach section at the western end is a natural reef-enclosed pool that is calmer and popular with families. However, the sheltered water circulates less, so bacteria can accumulate more easily — especially after rain. Avoid Baby Beach for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. The open beach sections have better flushing.
Based on: DOH monitoring data, gulch runoff influence, North Shore circulation, Baby Beach enclosed pool
The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. This is especially important at Baldwin Beach where gulches carry sediment and runoff directly to the coast. The Baby Beach section is particularly vulnerable because the enclosed pool has limited water exchange. Maui’s North Shore receives more rain than the south — check recent rainfall before visiting.
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⚠️ 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. This site is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for any swimming decisions.
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