What to expect for water quality, rainfall, and ocean conditions
Makena Beach has one of the lowest advisory rates in Hawaii. The driest coast on Maui, zero stream discharge, and no cesspool contamination sources make water quality consistently excellent. The danger here is shore break, not bacteria.
May begins Makena's prime season. The driest coast on Maui sees almost no rain. Water quality is pristine. South swells become more regular, creating the strong shore break Big Beach is known for.
Summer south swells create the powerful shore break Big Beach is famous for. Waves break hard onto the steep beach face, causing more spinal injuries than almost any other Hawaii beach. Water temperature is warm (79-80°F) but conditions are extremely dangerous.
Moderate. The shoulder season between spring break and summer offers a good balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
The Hawaii Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. In may, rainfall is less frequent but individual storms can still produce contaminated runoff.
When conditions are clear, Makena Beach has excellent ocean activities. Check the water quality above, then book with confidence.
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 water quality changes at your beach — brown water advisories, bacteria warnings, and all-clear notices.
No spam. Just safety alerts for your trip.
500+ beaches and 25+ hotels across all 6 islands
Safe to Swim Hawaii provides water quality information based on publicly available DOH data and seasonal patterns. This is not medical or safety advice. Always check current conditions, obey posted signs, and use your own judgment before entering the ocean. Privacy Policy
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings 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 DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙