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MAUI · SOUTH SIDE

Big Beach (Oneloa)

Water quality status and bacteria risk rating

📍 Makena State Park, South Maui

Checking live advisories…
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Dangerous Shorebreak — Spinal Injury Risk
Big Beach is one of the most common locations for spinal injuries and broken bones on Maui. The steep sandy slope causes waves to break with tremendous force directly onto the shore. Even moderate waves can cause serious injury. Never turn your back on the ocean and do not dive into waves headfirst.
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If It Looks Brown, Don't 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 →
Historical Bacteria Risk
⚠ Historical rating — this is based on long-term testing data, not current conditions. The state of Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories. Always check the water yourself and avoid brown or murky water.
Low Risk 1 / 5

Big Beach has excellent water quality. Located within Makena State Park on Maui's dry south side, the beach has no streams, no significant development runoff, and exceptional open ocean flushing. The dry leeward climate means very little rainfall reaches this area.

The primary danger at Big Beach is not bacteria but the powerful shorebreak. The large, steep beach creates waves that slam directly onto hard-packed sand with enough force to cause spinal injuries, broken necks, and fractures. Water quality is a non-issue here — the physical danger from waves is the real concern.

Based on: Undeveloped state park location, no stream input, dry leeward climate, excellent ocean flushing

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Big Beach rarely has runoff issues due to its dry location and lack of development, but heavy Kona storms can occasionally affect even leeward beaches. Always check the water visually before entering.

Big Beach Area — Nearby Accommodations
🌠 Maui Prince Hotel / Makena
Closest resort to Big Beach (~5 min drive)
Nearby
🌠 Wailea Resorts
Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, Fairmont (~15 min drive)
Nearby
Things to Do Nearby
Makena Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Paddle and snorkel the clear waters of South Maui
Book →
Molokini Crater Snorkeling
Boat trip to the famous volcanic crater reef
Book →
South Maui Sunset Sail
Evening catamaran cruise along the Makena coast
Book →
Related Guides
Napili Bay Water Quality & Snorkeling
Maui →
Swimming After Rain in Hawaii
Guide →
Hawaiiʻs Worst Beaches for Bacteria
Rankings →
Hawaii Brown Water Advisory Guide
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 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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When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙

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