What to know before you go
Protected from most swells by rocky headlands, one of the calmest beaches year-round
Excellent swimming and snorkeling, calm clear water
| Lifeguards | No |
| Nearest Hospital | Maui Health (Lahaina 9 mi) |
| Cell Coverage | Good |
| Emergency | Call 911 — Ocean Safety: (808) 723-8170 |
Avoid the rocky sides where sea urchins live. No lifeguards. Despite being calm, drownings have occurred here — never swim alone.
After heavy rain, bacteria and pollutants from runoff contaminate coastal waters. Wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain and until the water clears before entering. This applies to Kapalua Bay and every beach in Hawaiʻi.
Rocky entry on sides. Occasional surge from north swells. Crowded conditions — small beach. Sea urchins near rocks.
No. Nearest hospital: Maui Health (Lahaina 9 mi). Cell phone coverage: Good.
Winter: Protected from most swells by rocky headlands, one of the calmest beaches year-round. Summer: Excellent swimming and snorkeling, calm clear water
Avoid the rocky sides where sea urchins live. No lifeguards. Despite being calm, drownings have occurred here — never swim alone.
Tours listed via Viator and GetYourGuide. Safe to Swim Hawaii may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Free alerts when advisories change at your beach.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, any entity mentioned on this page, 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.
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.
When in doubt, donʻt go out. 🤙