Kihei's beginner-surf cove at Kalama Park — and a Surfrider BWTF sample point with major exceedance
The Cove is a small cove at the south end of Kalama Park in Kihei — Maui's main beginner-surf spot, popular with surf-school students. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-03-18) measured 2613 MPN/100mL — exceeding the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
The latest Surfrider BWTF reading at The Cove measured 2,613 MPN/100mL — roughly 20× the 130 BAV threshold and one of the highest recent readings anywhere in BWTF's Hawaii coverage. That's a serious public-health signal.
Three factors combine here: First, a drainage canal feeds runoff from the Kihei road network and surrounding development directly into the cove. Second, the cove is small and sheltered — the same geometry that makes it a beginner-surf spot also slows water exchange, so contaminants linger. Third, this is one of Maui's most-used surf-school waters; high human density correlates with elevated bacteria.
BWTF samples The Cove monthly. The 2,613 reading was March 2026; readings vary, but elevated bacteria is the rule rather than the exception here. Anyone surfing or swimming should weigh that against the convenience and good beginner waves.
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test The Cove (Kalama Park, Kihei). 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 The Cove (Kalama Park, Kihei) 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 at Kalama Park. The Cove sits at the south end. Avoid the immediate area near the drainage outlet (where bacteria concentrates). The beginner-surf zone is just outside the cove.
Summer south-swell mornings bring small clean waves. After heavy rain, the cove is the LAST place to enter — runoff concentrates here and the elevated baseline gets much worse. Always check recent rainfall + the BWTF reading.
Off South Kihei Road in central Kihei, at Kalama Park. Free parking. Restrooms, showers, picnic tables. About a mile north of Kamaole Beach Parks. Surf shops and rentals are a few blocks away on South Kihei Road.
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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. 🤙