Data-driven beach plan with water quality checks
| Duration | 10 day |
| Island | Maui |
| Beaches | 10 beaches covered |
| Best For | All experience levels |
With 10 days, revisit Kaʻanapali on different mornings to explore its full three miles. The section between the Sheraton and Whaler’s Village is the widest. Black Rock snorkeling is best on calm mornings before 9 AM when visibility peaks. The walk along the beachfront path connects all the resort sections.
Golden crescent on the dry south shore. Southwest facing means all-day sun. The Beach Path connects five beaches in 1.5 miles — Ulua to the north has the best reef for snorkeling. Arid climate means rain-related advisories are uncommon, but south swells can reduce visibility.
Combine these neighboring bays in one day. Start at Kapalua (sheltered, calm year round, tiny parking lot) then walk south to Napili for a smaller, more intimate beach with regular sea turtle sightings. Both bays have protected water regardless of trade wind conditions.
Marine conservation district north of Kapalua with outstanding summer snorkeling. Winter transforms it into a world-class surf spot. The coral here is some of the healthiest on Maui. Access via a short trail from the road shoulder — no facilities. A 10-day trip lets you wait for a flat day to visit.
North shore windsurfing and surf spot. Swimming is only for experienced ocean users due to strong currents. Best visited for the view from the bluff and the sea turtles that haul out on the east end each afternoon. Free parking lot with restrooms. Combine with a Hana Highway day trip.
| Kaʻanapali parking | Whaler’s Village garage ($3/hr). Free access at north end. With 10 days, explore different sections daily |
| Kaʻanapali to Wailea | 35 min south. Midday Lahaina traffic adds 10–15 min |
| Kapalua parking | Free lot with ~20 spaces fills before 9 AM. Walk from Kapalua resort if full |
| Honolua Bay | 5 min past Kapalua. Roadside parking, short trail to the bay |
| Hoʻokipa | 30 min east on Hana Hwy (36). Free lot. Combine with Road to Hana trip |
After heavy rain, wait at least 72 hours before entering the ocean. Check each beach’s water quality page for live advisory status.
5-7 days to see west and south Maui plus Road to Hana
Start in West Maui (Kaʻanapali/Kapalua), then South Maui (Wailea/Makena), save Road to Hana for a full day
Rain alternatives on Maui: Maui Ocean Center, Lahaina shops, Iao Valley (rain makes the waterfall better), upcountry farms. Also check our brown water advisory guide — avoid the ocean for 72 hours after heavy rain.
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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.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share government 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, donʻt go out. 🤙