Is it safe to swim at the Sheraton Maui?

The Sheraton Maui is at Black Rock on Ka'anapali Beach, which has a Moderate bacteria risk rating (2 out of 5). Black Rock is the cleanest section of Ka'anapali due to good ocean circulation around the point. However, nearby Hanakaoo Beach Park recorded bacteria at 10 times the safe limit in February 2026, and West Maui is more prone to brown water advisories than South Maui.

Is Black Rock safe for snorkeling?

Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a) is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Maui. Water quality at this end of Ka'anapali Beach is generally good due to the ocean circulation around the rocky point. Check for active brown water advisories after storms, as West Maui can be affected by heavy rainfall and runoff.

← All beaches & hotels

Maui · West Maui

Sheraton Maui Resort

Water quality at Kaʻanapali Beach

Checking live advisories…

⚠

If It Looks Brown, Don't Swim

Never enter the ocean when the water appears brown or murky, even if no advisory is posted. Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories — not every beach is monitored. After heavy rain, wait at least 72 hours and until the water clears before swimming.

Learn more about brown water advisories →

Historical Bacteria Risk

⚠ Historical rating — this is based on long-term testing data, not current conditions. The state of Hawaii is often slow to test beaches and update advisories. Always check the water yourself and avoid brown or murky water.

Moderate Risk 2 / 5

The Sheraton Maui is right at Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a), which is actually the best spot on the Ka'anapali strip for water quality. The rocky point creates good ocean circulation, and it's the furthest point from the Hanakaoo problem area to the north.

That said, the Ka'anapali corridor still carries a Moderate risk because of what happens nearby. Hanakaoo Beach Park, at the north end of the beachwalk, hit 1,298 enterococci/100mL in February 2026. And West Maui gets brown water advisories more frequently than South Maui.

The Sheraton's cliff-dive spot at Black Rock is iconic. Just be aware of conditions further up the strip if you're walking.

Based on: DOH monitoring, Hanakaoo Feb 2026 advisory, Black Rock ocean circulation, West Maui rainfall patterns

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

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.

Nearby Beach Guides

🏖 Kaʻanapali Beach

Your beach · Full water quality data

2 / 5

🏖 Hanakaoo Beach Park

North end of strip · Higher bacteria risk

3 / 5

🏖 Kapalua Bay

15 min north · Sheltered bay, very clean

1 / 5

Area Comparison

Wailea vs Ka'anapali Water Quality →

Check all Hawaii beaches & hotels →

100+ beaches and 25+ hotels across all 6 islands

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, Sheraton Maui Resort, 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. 🤙