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MAUI · SOUTH SHORE

Keawakapu Beach

Water quality status and bacteria risk rating

📍 Between Kīhei and Wailea, Maui South Shore

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.
Low Risk 1 / 5

Keawakapu Beach is a beautiful crescent of golden sand between Kīhei and Wailea with excellent water quality. Located on Maui's dry South Shore, it benefits from minimal rainfall, few runoff sources, and good open ocean exposure that keeps the water flushing well.

There are no major storm drains or waterways that discharge near the beach. The area is less developed than nearby Wailea resort zones, with no hotels directly on the sand. This beach consistently ranks among the better options on Maui for water quality. The rocky points at either end offer decent snorkeling when conditions are calm.

Based on: DOH beach monitoring, dry South Shore climate, open ocean exposure, minimal runoff sources

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

The Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. While the South Shore of Maui is one of the driest areas in Hawaii, heavy storms can still occur. Keawakapu Beach flushes well and recovers quickly after rain events.

Things to Do Nearby
Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour
Snorkel the famous volcanic crater off South Maui
Book →
Maui Sunset Sail
Sunset cruise along the South Maui coastline
Book →
Turtle Town Kayak Tour
Kayak and snorkel with sea turtles off South Maui
Book →
Related Guides
Wailea Beach Water Quality
Nearby →
Kamaole Beach Water Quality
Nearby →
Swimming After Rain in Hawaii
Guide →
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.

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