Kihei's quiet northern beach park with the historic Koʻieʻie Fishpond
Kalepolepo Beach Park is the quieter northern Kihei beach park, fronting the historic Koʻieʻie (Kalepolepo) Fishpond — one of the best-preserved ancient Hawaiian fishponds on Maui. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-04-15) measured 10 MPN/100mL — within the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Kalepolepo opens to the south-facing Mā‘alaea Bay with no major stream input directly on the beach. The historic Koʻieʻie Fishpond at the south end is a stone-walled enclosure that's part of the Maui shoreline, not a contamination source — fishponds were traditional aquaculture and have stable, slow-flushing seawater.
Surfrider's BWTF reading at Kalepolepo has stayed within the 130 BAV threshold (recent: 10 MPN/100mL). Open-shore exposure flushes the beach effectively even after light rain.
After heavy rain, watch for visible runoff from the Kihei street drainage to the north. The 72-hour rule applies, but Kihei's leeward rainfall is much lower than the windward Hāna side — long dry windows are common.
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Kalepolepo Beach Park. The community-tested readings on this page come from the Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-led monitoring program run by the Surfrider Maui chapter.
BWTF samples Kalepolepo Beach Park monthly using the IDEXX Enterolert method (MPN/100mL), and compares results against the same 130 Beach Action Value DOH uses statewide. See our overview of citizen water-quality testing in Hawaiʻi for the methodology and how BWTF data fits with DOH coverage.
Gentle sandy entry from the central park area. The fishpond at the south end is for cultural appreciation, not swimming — respect the site. Calm shorebreak most days; occasional summer south swells bring bigger waves.
Quieter than Kamaole Beach Parks just south. Sunrise here is one of the best on Maui — you face Haleakalā across the bay. Family-friendly throughout summer; winter is calm too.
Off South Kihei Road in northern Kihei, just north of Kalama Park. Free parking, restrooms, picnic facilities. The Pacific Whale Foundation's Koʻieʻie Fishpond stewardship program gives weekly cultural tours of the fishpond.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, the Surfrider Foundation, or any government agency. Bacteria readings on this page come from the Surfrider Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-led monitoring program. Readings are point-in-time samples; conditions change with weather, runoff, and wave patterns. 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 and BWTF directly before entering the water.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share publicly available 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. 🤙