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SAFETY PROFILE · Maui

Wailea Beach Hazards

What to know before you go

Overall Risk Level
Wailea Beach Low
Lifeguards: No
Island: Maui
Specific Hazards at This Beach
Occasional south swells in summer
Sea urchins on rocky sides
No shade on beach
Minimal hazards overall — one of the calmer beaches on Maui
Seasonal Danger Patterns

Winter (November – March)

Generally calm, occasional wrap-around swells, cooler water

Summer (April – October)

Warm, calm, excellent for swimming and snorkeling, but south swells can arrive unexpectedly

Facilities & Emergency Info
LifeguardsNo
Nearest HospitalMaui Memorial Medical Center (10 mi)
Cell CoverageExcellent
EmergencyCall 911 — Ocean Safety: (808) 723-8170
Who Should Be Cautious Here

Visitors should avoid the rocky areas on each side where sea urchins are present. No lifeguards — parents must supervise children.

Nearby Alternatives If Conditions Are Bad Today
Kamaole III (lifeguarded, similar conditions)
Polo Beach (nearby, slightly less crowded)
⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

After heavy rain, bacteria and pollutants from runoff contaminate coastal waters. Wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain and until the water clears before entering. This applies to Wailea Beach and every beach in Hawaiʻi.

FAQ 1

What are the biggest dangers at Wailea Beach?

Occasional south swells in summer. Sea urchins on rocky sides. No shade on beach. Minimal hazards overall — one of the calmer beaches on Maui.

FAQ 2

Does Wailea Beach have lifeguards?

No. Nearest hospital: Maui Memorial Medical Center (10 mi). Cell phone coverage: Excellent.

FAQ 3

What are conditions like at Wailea Beach in winter vs summer?

Winter: Generally calm, occasional wrap-around swells, cooler water. Summer: Warm, calm, excellent for swimming and snorkeling, but south swells can arrive unexpectedly

FAQ 4

Who should be cautious at Wailea Beach?

Visitors should avoid the rocky areas on each side where sea urchins are present. No lifeguards — parents must supervise children.

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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, any entity mentioned on this page, 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.

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.

When in doubt, donʻt go out. 🤙

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