The red-sand crescent south of Hāna town, just past Hāmoa — and a BWTF sample point at the rivermouth
Kōki Beach is the red-and-black-sand crescent just past Hāmoa on the East Maui coast, framed by ʻĀlau Island offshore. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-03-09) measured 183 MPN/100mL — exceeding the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Kōki Beach sits at the mouth of Kaholopo'o Stream, which drains the wet windward valleys above Hāna. Stream-mouth beaches in East Maui consistently show elevated bacteria — sediment, animal waste, and bacteria from the upstream watershed all reach the beach via the stream.
The latest BWTF reading (March 2026) measured 183 MPN/100mL — exceeding the 130 BAV. East Maui's high annual rainfall (80+ inches at Hāna) means the stream flows year-round and bacteria readings here are usually elevated.
On top of the bacteria concern, Kōki has a powerful shorebreak that lifts and slams swimmers — even strong swimmers should be cautious. The combination of rivermouth contamination and dangerous shorebreak makes this a beach to admire from shore unless conditions are clearly calm.
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Kōki Beach. 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 Kōki Beach 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.
Strong shorebreak makes any entry risky. Locals occasionally surf and bodyboard the break, but visitors should walk down to inspect the wave action before considering entry. Avoid the immediate stream mouth at the south end (highest bacteria + freshwater sinkholes).
Sunrise — the red sand glows. For swimming, the much safer option is Hāmoa Beach a half-mile north (still BWTF-tested, gentler shorebreak). Visit Kōki for the dramatic scenery and ʻĀlau Island view, not for swimming.
Off Haneoʻo Road, the loop just south of Hāna town. About 2 miles from Hāna Bay. Roadside parking is tight on weekends. Combine with Hāmoa, Hāneoʻo Fishpond, and Waioka (Venus Pool) for a complete southern Hāna loop.
Free alerts when water quality changes at your beach.
No spam. Just safety alerts for your trip.
⚠️ 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. 🤙