Pohaku Park (S Turns)

Pohaku Park, locally known as S Turns for the surf spot just offshore, is a small West Maui shoreline park north of central Lahaina. 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.

Pohaku Park sits on the open West Maui coast with no major stream input directly on the beach. The shoreline is rocky-sandy, with the S Turns reef break offshore. BWTF readings here have been at or near 10 MPN/100mL — well within the 130 BAV threshold.

The area is part of the post-fire recovery zone but has been relatively unaffected by the runoff that hit Front Street and Mala Ramp further south. Open-coast exposure means good water exchange.

After heavy rain, the smaller drainages along the coastal road can carry runoff. Standard 72-hour rule applies. Better swimming options are at Lahaina's calmer beaches; Pohaku is primarily a surf-spot access.

The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Pohaku Park (S Turns). 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 Pohaku Park (S Turns) 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.

Rocky-sandy entry. The S Turns surf break is a paddle out from the south end. Not a swimming beach in any conventional sense — the rocky shoreline is for surfers and shore-watchers.

Summer south swells and winter west wraps both produce S Turns waves. The park is small and quiet — locals and surfers more than tourists. Sunset is excellent.

Off Front Street north of Lahaina, near the Lahaina Cannery Mall area. Limited roadside parking. Easy to combine with Mala Ramp 5 minutes south for a full Lahaina-coast loop.