Water quality status and bacteria risk rating
📍 North Maui, near Kahului
Waihēʻe Beach Park is a hidden gem on north Maui, popular with locals but rarely visited by tourists. The beach sits directly at the mouth of Waihēʻe Stream, which drains agricultural valley lands and creates elevated bacteria risk after rain. Between the stream and nearby farms, water quality can vary significantly.
On dry, sunny days when trade winds are steady, the ocean can flush the area and conditions improve. The beach is rarely calm enough for comfortable swimming due to trade wind chop. It's better as a whale watching spot (Dec–Apr) and a scenic stop than a swimming destination.
Based on: stream mouth proximity, agricultural valley runoff, trade wind exposure
Wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain before swimming. Stream mouths like Waihēʻe concentrate agricultural runoff directly into swimming areas.
Free alerts when water quality changes — brown water advisories, bacteria warnings, and all-clear notices.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project, not affiliated with the Hawaii DOH. Ratings are estimates, not real-time measurements.
Always verify with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙