Which Maui beach is best for bodyboarding?

The top bodyboarding beach on Maui is Big Beach (Makena): Strong shore break, experienced riders. DT Fleming Beach and Baldwin Beach are also excellent options.

Is Big Beach (Makena) good for bodyboarding year-round?

Big Beach (Makena) has low bacteria risk and is generally good year-round, though conditions can change seasonally. Shore break is generally stronger in winter (Nov-Mar) on north shores and in summer (May-Sep) on south shores.

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Maui · BODYBOARDING GUIDE · 2026

Best Bodyboarding Beach on Maui

Q: What should I watch for when visiting Maui beaches?

Always check current water quality advisories before entering the water. Shore break is generally stronger in winter (Nov-Mar) on north shores and in summer (May-Sep) on south shores. The 72-hour rain rule applies to all beaches.

Ranked by water quality and conditions

Rankings based on DOH bacteria data, geography, and suitability for bodyboarding. Always check current advisories before swimming.

Checking live advisories…

🏄 Top 5 Beaches for Bodyboarding

#	Beach	Coast	Water	Crowds
1	Big Beach (Makena) Strong shore break, experienced riders	South	Low ●	Moderate
2	DT Fleming Beach Good shore break, less crowded	West	Low ●	Low
3	Baldwin Beach Consistent waves, local spot	North	Low ●	Low
4	Kaʻanapali Beach Gentle waves near Black Rock	West	Moderate ●	High
5	Kamaole Beach II Fun shore break for beginners	South	Low ●	Low

Seasonal Notes

Shore break is generally stronger in winter (Nov-Mar) on north shores and in summer (May-Sep) on south shores. Always assess conditions before entering.

⚠

If It Looks Brown, Donʻt Swim

Never enter the ocean when the water appears brown or murky, even if no advisory is posted. Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories — not every beach is monitored. After heavy rain, wait at least 72 hours and until the water clears before swimming.

Learn more about brown water advisories →

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

The Hawaii Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain, even if the water looks clear. Bacteria and pollutants from runoff can linger in the water longer than the brown color does.

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Beach Guides

Big Beach (Makena) Water Quality → DT Fleming Beach Water Quality → Baldwin Beach Water Quality → Kaʻanapali Beach Water Quality → Kamaole Beach II Water Quality → Maui Beach Guide →

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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, Maui beaches, 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. “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.

This site is a work in progress and we want to make it better. If you notice something that isn’t working right, have a suggestion, or want to share local knowledge about a beach, please reach out.

When in doubt, don’t go out. 🤙