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MAUI · NORTH SHORE

Hoʻokipa Beach Park

Water quality status and bacteria risk rating

📍 North Shore Maui, about 20 min east of Kahului Airport

Checking live advisories…
⚠
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.
Moderate-Low Risk 2 / 5

Hoʻokipa Beach has generally good water quality. This world-famous windsurfing and surfing beach on Maui's North Shore has open ocean exposure with excellent water circulation. Powerful surf and currents naturally flush contaminants.

Some agricultural runoff from nearby former sugar cane lands can affect water quality after heavy rain. Under normal dry conditions, bacteria levels are typically low. Important: Hoʻokipa is NOT a swimming beach. It is for expert surfers and windsurfers only. Visitors come to watch the action and see the sea turtles that rest on the beach (stay 15+ feet away).

Based on: DOH beach monitoring, open ocean exposure, some agricultural runoff potential

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Hoʻokipa Beach has good ocean flushing, but agricultural runoff from nearby land can temporarily affect water quality after storms. This is primarily relevant for the expert surfers and windsurfers who use this beach — casual swimmers should not enter the water here regardless of conditions.

Hoʻokipa Beach Area — Nearby Accommodations
🏨 Paia & Haiku Area
Vacation rentals and B&Bs — no major resorts at beach
Info
Things to Do Nearby
Road to Hana Tour
Scenic drive through waterfalls and rainforest
Book →
Maui Surf Lesson
Beginner-friendly surf lessons on Maui
Book →
Maui Whale Watching
Spot humpback whales off Maui's coast
Book →
Related Guides
Kaʻanapali Beach Water Quality & Safety
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Wailea Beach Water Quality & Safety
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Swimming After Rain in Hawaii
Guide →
Hawaii Jellyfish Calendar & Sting 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.

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. 🤙

© 2026 Safe to Swim Hawaii · Independent passion project · safetoswimhawaii@gmail.com