The remote north-Maui surf and snorkel beach near the wind farm — locally called Windmills
Punalau Beach — locally called Windmills for the wind farm visible above — is the remote north-Maui beach past Kapalua, popular with surfers and adventurous snorkelers. 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.
Punalau sits on Maui's open north coast past Kapalua, with no major stream input directly on the beach. The wind farm above (which gives the beach its local nickname) doesn't add water-quality concerns.
BWTF readings here have been at or near 10 MPN/100mL — well within the 130 BAV threshold. Open-coast exposure flushes the area effectively. The remote location means low population pressure on the beach itself.
Standard 72-hour rule applies after rain. The west-Maui rainfall is moderate (drier than the Hāna side, wetter than South Maui).
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Punalau Beach (Windmills). 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 Punalau Beach (Windmills) 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. Surfers paddle out to the offshore breaks; snorkelers explore the reef when conditions are calm. Watch for sea urchins on the rocks. Strong currents on bigger swell days.
Calm summer mornings for snorkeling. Winter brings powerful north-shore swells — surfers only. Sunset is excellent. The wind farm and remote setting make this a quieter alternative to crowded Kapalua and Honolua Bay nearby.
Off Honoapiʻilani Highway past Kapalua, before Honolua Bay. Limited roadside parking. About 5 minutes past Kapalua resort. Combine with Honolua Bay (a few minutes north) for a full north-Maui surf-and-snorkel loop.
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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. 🤙