By Water Quality
Kapalua and Wailea tie for the cleanest resort beaches on Maui. Both are on the dry leeward side with minimal runoff. Kaʻanapali has slightly more risk from Honokowai Stream runoff after rain.
Wailea generally has slightly better water quality. It is on the dry south shore with less rainfall and fewer nearby streams. Kaʻanapali is excellent on dry days but has more exposure to stream runoff.
Yes. Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay are smaller protected coves with less development and fewer runoff sources. They consistently have better water quality than the main Kaʻanapali strip.
The Hawaii Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain, even if the water looks clear. Bacteria and pollutants from runoff can linger in the water longer than the brown color does.
Tours listed via Viator and GetYourGuide. Safe to Swim Hawaii may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
900+ beaches and hotels across all islands
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, Maui beaches, 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. “No DOH Alerts” means no advisory is currently posted — it does not mean the water was tested and found safe. DOH only monitors a fraction of Hawaii’s beaches, and some areas have no regular testing at all.
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 is a work in progress and we want to make it better. If you notice something that isn’t working right, have a suggestion, or want to share local knowledge about a beach, please reach out.
When in doubt, don’t go out. 🤙