Water quality ratings and safety for Hāna Highway beaches
📍 Hoʻokipa to Hāna — East Maui Coast
Maui's east side is the wet, lush, and dramatic face of the island — a world away from the sunny resort beaches of west Maui. The Hāna Highway winds through rainforests, past waterfalls, and along rugged black and red sand coastlines. Water quality here is more variable than dry west Maui due to frequent rain and multiple stream inputs.
East Maui receives 200+ inches of rain per year in some areas. After heavy rain, stream mouths at beaches like Waiʻanapanapa and near Hāna town can have dangerously high bacteria levels. Always check conditions and wait 72 hours after significant rain before swimming.
Hoʻokipa Beach Park is world-famous for advanced windsurfing and wave sailing, with regular international competitions. Green sea turtles bask on the beach in the afternoon. Swimming is generally not recommended — the beach gets powerful surf and is reserved for experienced surfers and wind sports athletes. Water quality is relatively good with strong ocean flushing.
Full guide →Waiʻanapanapa's stunning black sand beach is one of Maui's most photographed spots. Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents and wave action. The beach is near a stream and in a rainy area, creating moderate bacteria risk especially after rain. Book parking permits in advance — they sell out. Better for photography and exploring the sea caves.
Full guide →Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu) is formed by a crumbling red cinder cone — the vivid red-pink sand is unlike anywhere else in the world. A short but steep trail from Hāna town leads to this small cove. The protected rocky reef makes it sometimes swimmable in calm conditions. Nearby streams and rainy Hāna climate create moderate bacteria risk.
Full guide →Hamoa Beach has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This crescent of gray sand backed by sea cliffs is accessible from Hāna town. The beach has strong shore break and rip currents can form — always check conditions. Water quality is generally good with open ocean flushing, but the nearby environment can affect it after rain.
Full guide →Koki Beach is a small, colorful beach near Hāna with red volcanic soil mixing into the sand. Known for bodysurfing and boogie boarding when conditions are right. The islet of ʻAlau is visible offshore. Nearby stream inputs from Hāna's rainy terrain create moderate bacteria risk, especially after rain.
Full guide →Free Maui water quality and brown water advisory alerts.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is independent, not affiliated with the Hawaii DOH. Ratings are estimates, not real-time measurements.
Always verify with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙