Lahaina's dive and snorkel ramp at the harbor's north end — a Surfrider BWTF post-fire monitoring site
Mala Ramp is the boat ramp and shore-dive entry point at the north end of Lahaina, popular with divers and snorkelers exploring the wrecks and reef. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-04-15) measured 345 MPN/100mL — exceeding the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Mala Ramp's most recent BWTF reading was 345 MPN/100mL — exceeding the 130 BAV threshold. The ramp sits in the post-fire recovery zone of Lahaina, where ash, debris, and contaminants from the August 2023 fire continue to wash into the coastal water during rain events.
Boat-ramp areas inherently carry elevated contamination — fuel, graywater, organic debris from boats, and sediment all concentrate at the ramp. Combined with the post-fire watershed, that's a meaningful baseline.
Surfrider Maui's BWTF program has expanded post-fire monitoring across the Lahaina coast. Mala readings have been variable; 345 MPN is in the elevated end of the recent range. Divers and snorkelers should weigh this against the area's underwater attractions (the Mala Wharf wreck is a popular dive).
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Mala Ramp (Lahaina). 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 Mala Ramp (Lahaina) 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.
Boat ramp + adjacent shoreline. The Mala Wharf wreck is the main draw — historic concrete pier collapsed in storms, now a thriving artificial reef. Strong currents during tidal exchange. Pre-dive briefing essential for the wreck.
Calm summer mornings before trade winds pick up. Slack tide is preferred for the wreck dive. Lahaina is in active rebuilding; the ramp area is open but the surrounding community is recovering.
Off Front Street north of central Lahaina, near the harbor. Mala Wharf parking. Several dive operators run charters here — some shore-dive packages include guided tours of the wreck.
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⚠️ 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.
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