Shark Pit (Polanui-Uhailio)

Shark Pit (the proper name is Polanui-Uhailio) is a surf spot south of central Lahaina, named for the dark reef silhouettes visible from the bluff above — not for actual shark activity. Check the Community Water Testing section for the sample date, result and full Surfrider report. A sample describes the water collected at that place and time; it does not establish today's water quality. Check the live DOH status above separately.

Shark Pit lies on the West Maui coast between Lahaina and Olowalu, with an offshore reef break and a bluff above the shoreline.

Open-coast exposure and distance from the harbor do not establish current water quality or post-fire impacts. Read each community sample with its collection date and source report, and check current DOH advisories separately.

The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Shark Pit (Polanui-Uhailio). 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 Shark Pit (Polanui-Uhailio) 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 entry along the bluff. This is a surfer's spot — paddle out is across the reef. Not a swimming beach. Watch for sea urchins on the rocks.

Winter west swells and summer south swells both produce waves here. Smaller, more manageable than Honolua Bay further north. Quieter than Lahaina town's surf spots.

Off Honoapiʻilani Highway south of Lahaina, between Olowalu and central Lahaina. Roadside parking. Walk down the bluff trail. Combine with Olowalu (5 minutes south) for a longer surf session.