Tavares Beach

Tavares Beach is the locals' pocket beach in Kūʻau, between Pāʻia town and Hoʻokipa — quieter than the surf-tourism beaches on either side. 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.

Tavares faces the open ocean in Kūʻau, between Pāʻia and Hoʻokipa. Residential drainage from Tavares Avenue and Hāna Highway can reach the shore after rain.

Open-ocean exposure does not establish current water quality. Read the community result with its collection date and linked Surfrider report, and check current DOH advisories separately.

The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Tavares Beach. 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 Tavares Beach 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. North-facing exposure means the beach receives the open swell — winter brings shorebreak and currents. Summer mornings are calmest. Best for swimming in flat conditions only.

Summer mornings (May–Sept) bring the calmest and clearest water. Winter is for surfers — it's not a swimming spot when the north shore is breaking. Locals walk dogs and surf here; it's quieter than Pāʻia Bay and Hoʻokipa.

Off Hāna Highway in Kūʻau, between Mama's Fish House and Hoʻokipa. Public access via the path off Tavares Avenue. Very limited roadside parking. No facilities — closest restrooms at H.A. Baldwin Beach or Hoʻokipa.