Is it safe to swim at Ka'anapali Beach right now?

Ka'anapali Beach has an Elevated bacteria risk rating (3 out of 5). While the main beach often passes testing, the West Maui coast faces chronic water quality issues from wastewater injection wells and agricultural runoff. Nearby Hanakaoo Beach Park tested at over 10 times the safe limit in February 2026. Always check for active advisories before swimming.

Does Ka'anapali Beach have bacteria problems?

Ka'anapali Beach is affected by several pollution sources. The Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility uses injection wells that USGS studies confirmed discharge treated sewage into coastal waters. Nearby Hanakaoo Beach Park has had recurring bacteria exceedances. All 19 West Maui beaches tested by community monitors were classified as impaired.

What happened at Hanakaoo Beach near Ka'anapali?

In February 2026, Hanakaoo Beach Park (less than a mile from Ka'anapali) tested at 1,298 enterococci per 100mL, which is over 10 times the Department of Health's 130 CFU/100mL swimming threshold. A Beach Advisory was issued. Hanakaoo is the next beach south of the Ka'anapali resort strip.

Are the Ka'anapali hotels near clean water?

Hotels along Ka'anapali Beach front a section of coast that generally passes DOH bacteria tests under normal conditions. The northern end near Black Rock tends to have better circulation. The southern end closer to Hanakaoo Beach Park is higher risk. After rain, the entire stretch can be affected.

Is Black Rock Beach the same as Ka'anapali Beach?

Black Rock Beach refers to the section of Ka'anapali Beach near Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock), the famous cliff diving spot at the Sheraton Maui. The entire stretch from Black Rock south to Hanakaoo Beach Park is all part of Ka'anapali Beach.

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Ka'anapali Beach

Water quality status and bacteria risk rating

Also known as: Black Rock Beach, Puʻu Kekaʻa

📍 On Maui's west coast, about 30 minutes north of Kahului Airport

Checking live advisories…

30-Day Water Quality History

30/30 days clean · no DOH advisories in the past 30 days

Apr 15 today (May 15)

EPA recreational threshold: 130 CFU/100mL enterococcus

Trend: — stable

clean Brown Water Advisory Beach Advisory (bacteria)

Historical Pattern · 3-year monthly

Historically cleanest in June (100% clean) and most advisoried in February (68% clean). Current 30-day window is tracking about average for May.

Source: Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch · Updated 2026-05-15

⚠

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.

Elevated Risk 3 / 5

Ka'anapali Beach is a DOH-monitored beach on West Maui's resort coast. While the beach itself generally passes routine testing, the surrounding area faces significant water quality challenges. The Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility uses injection wells that discharge treated effluent underground, and USGS studies have confirmed this wastewater reaches coastal waters along the Ka'anapali shoreline.

Nearby Hanakaoo Beach Park (less than a mile south) tested at 1,298 per 100mL enterococci in February 2026 — over 10 times the EPA recreational swimming threshold of 130 CFU/100mL. All 19 West Maui beaches sampled by community monitoring group Hui O Ka Wai Ola have been classified as "impaired" for sediment and nutrient levels.

Based on: DOH beach monitoring, USGS injection well studies, Hui O Ka Wai Ola water quality data, Hanakaoo Beach Park bacteria results

⚠️ 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. At Ka'anapali, this is especially important because West Maui's steep watersheds funnel runoff directly to the coast. The nearby streams and drainage infrastructure can carry sediment and bacteria to the beach quickly after storms.

Ka'anapali Beach Area Hotels — Historical Beach Water Quality

🏨 Sheraton Maui Resort

North Ka'anapali · Black Rock

Hist. Elevated

🏨 The Westin Maui

Central Ka'anapali Beach

Hist. Elevated

🏨 Ka'anapali Beach Hotel

Central Ka'anapali Beach

Hist. Elevated

🏨 Hyatt Regency Maui

South Ka'anapali · closer to Hanakaoo

Hist. Elevated

🏨 The Whaler on Ka'anapali

Central Ka'anapali Beach

Hist. Elevated

🏨 Marriott Maui Ocean Club

North Ka'anapali Beach

Hist. Elevated

Book Tours & Activities

Top-rated experiences near this beach. Check water quality above, then plan your trip.

West Maui Snorkeling by Boat

Boat snorkeling from Ka'anapali Beach — our highest-booked Maui experience

Viator

Whale Watching — Eye-Level Zodiac Raft

Lahaina-based small-group raft tour, 4.9★ from 2,700+ reviews (seasonal Dec-Apr)

Viator

Maui Sunset Sail

Sail along the Ka'anapali coast at golden hour

Viator

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Kaʻanapali Beach Water Quality by Month

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Activities at Kaʻanapali Beach

🤿 Snorkeling at Kaʻanapali Beach→ 🏄 Surfing at Kaʻanapali Beach→ 👶 Swimming with Kids at Kaʻanapali Beach→ 🛶 Kayaking at Kaʻanapali Beach→

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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.

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. 🤙