The North Shore Maui surf town's namesake bay, BWTF-tested by the Maui chapter
Pāʻia Bay is the north-facing crescent at the heart of Pāʻia town, the windsurfing-and-surf hub on Maui's North Shore. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-04-15) measured 10 MPN/100mL — within the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Pāʻia Bay opens to the north Pacific, with strong year-round trade winds and a long open fetch. That gives the bay good water exchange — bacteria readings here have stayed within the 130 BAV threshold across recent BWTF samples (recent: 10 MPN/100mL).
Pāʻia Stream feeds into the bay's eastern end. Like all Hawaii stream mouths, that pocket sees elevated bacteria after rain. The central and western parts of the bay flush more reliably.
After heavy rain or a north swell event that backs up the stream, watch for visible discoloration. The 72-hour rule applies; check the BWTF reading on this page if you're not sure.
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Pāʻia Bay. 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 Pāʻia Bay 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.
Sandy entry from the central beach. The eastern end (near the stream mouth) has the highest bacteria risk; the central and western ends are cleaner. Strong shorebreak in winter — beginners should pick a smaller-wave day.
Summer mornings (May–Sept) bring the calmest conditions and the bay turns into a swim and bodyboard spot. Winter brings powerful north swells that put the bay off-limits except for experienced surfers and lifeguarded breaks. Pāʻia town itself is a destination — windsurf/surf shops, food trucks, art galleries.
Center of Pāʻia town off Hāna Highway. Short walk from Pāʻia town's main intersection at Baldwin Avenue. Free street parking (fills on weekends). Restaurants and showers nearby in town.
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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.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙