Data-driven beach plan with water quality checks
| Duration | 7 day |
| Island | Maui |
| Beaches | 8 beaches covered |
| Best For | All experience levels |
Three-mile resort beach along west Maui. Black Rock (Puʻu Kekaʻa) at the north end is the island’s top shore-accessible snorkeling with sea turtles, reef fish, and daily sunset cliff jumping. Morning water is calmest and clearest. Stormwater drains along the strip can elevate bacteria — check the Kaʻanapali page after rain.
Golden crescent between luxury resorts on Maui’s arid south shore. Southwest exposure means sun from sunrise through sunset. The 1.5-mile Wailea Beach Path connects five beaches — walk north to Ulua for quieter snorkeling along the rocky point.
Sheltered crescent at the north end of west Maui. Rocky headlands on both sides block wave energy, making this calm year round. Excellent snorkeling along the south point with healthy coral. The small parking lot (20 spaces) fills before 9 AM — arrive early or walk from the resort.
Sandy cove just south of Kapalua, protected by its curved shape. Sea turtles graze on algae in the shallows regularly. No lifeguards or public facilities. Street parking on Lower Honoapiilani Rd is limited. A more intimate feel than the resort beaches.
Marine life conservation district north of Kapalua. Summer brings exceptional snorkeling with abundant coral and fish in a protected bay. Winter swells transform it into a premier surf spot — only enter the water when conditions are flat. Access via a short trail from the road shoulder. No facilities. Parking along the highway is free but limited.
Famous windsurfing and surf spot on Maui’s north shore. Swimming is for experienced ocean users only due to strong currents and rocks. Best visited for watching from the bluff above the beach. Sea turtles haul out on the sand at the far eastern end in late afternoon. Free parking lot with restrooms.
| Kaʻanapali parking | Whaler’s Village garage ($3/hr, $20 max). Free public access at north end near Hyatt |
| Kaʻanapali to Wailea | 35 min south via Hwy 30. Lahaina midday traffic adds 10–15 min |
| Kaʻanapali to Kapalua | 15 min north on Lower Honoapiilani Rd. Small free lot fills early |
| Kapalua to Honolua | 5 min further north. Roadside parking only. Trail from road to beach is ~5 min walk |
| Hoʻokipa Beach | 30 min from Kaʻanapali east on Hana Hwy (36). Free lot with restrooms |
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. 🤙