Drive times and water quality risk levels for beaches near Maui Coast Hotel, Kihei. Risk ratings are based on long-term DOH bacteria testing data and geography. Always
check current Maui advisories before swimming — conditions change after rain.
About the Maui Coast Hotel Area
The Maui Coast Hotel is on South Kihei Road, the main artery running along Maui's sun-drenched southwest coast. Kihei is the more affordable alternative to the Wailea resorts just down the road, with the same reliable sunshine (Kihei averages only 15 inches of rain per year) and direct beach access. South Kihei Road has a string of beach parks, plate-lunch spots, and surf shops that give the area a more local, casual feel compared to the manicured resort experience farther south. The Kamaole beach parks are walking distance from the hotel, with Wailea and Mākena a short drive away.
Nearby Beaches — Ranked by Proximity
Closest beach, good swimming
Tucked between the north end of Kamaole I and a rocky headland, Charley Young is a smaller beach that most visitors walk right past. The rocky points create a partially sheltered swimming area, and the reduced crowd means more personal space. No restrooms here — use the facilities at Kamaole I just to the south.
Kam III has the largest grassy park area of the three Kamaole beaches, making it ideal for post-beach picnics and sunset watching. Lifeguards, restrooms, and showers are all available. A rocky point on the south end has tide pools worth exploring at low tide, and the water quality generally tests well.
Fronting the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons resorts, Wailea Beach offers calm turquoise water and consistently strong bacteria testing results. The beach is public with marked access paths at both ends. Despite the resort atmosphere, early mornings are quiet enough to feel almost private.
Mākena (Big Beach) is one of Maui's most dramatic beaches, with a wide expanse of golden sand backed by a volcanic cinder cone. The shore break here is powerful and has injured many swimmers — bodysurfing requires experience and awareness. Little Beach, over the cinder cone, is Maui's unofficial clothing-optional spot.
Getting Around
The Maui Coast Hotel sits on South Kihei Road, with the Kamaole beach parks within walking distance. Wailea and Mākena are a short drive south along the coast.
- Walking: Kamaole I is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel — the sidewalk along South Kihei Road connects all three Kam parks
- Rental car: Needed for Wailea and Mākena — the drive south takes 15-20 minutes along the coast
- Parking: Kamaole lots are free but fill by mid-morning on weekends — side streets above South Kihei Road usually have overflow spots
- Tip: South Kihei Road has two lanes and can back up during evening rush — if heading to Wailea for dinner, allow extra time or take Piʻilani Highway (Route 31) instead
If Brown Water Is Active
After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Maui Coast Hotel, Kihei:
- Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
- Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
- Best rain-resistant option: Kamaole I Beach (South) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
- Check the Maui live advisories page for current conditions
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings 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 DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
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, don’t go out. 🤙