The freshwater spring pool south of Hāna — and a Surfrider BWTF sample point with elevated readings
Waioka — popularly called Venus Pool — is the freshwater pool just south of Hāna town, fed by a spring and connected to the ocean by a narrow stream. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-03-09) measured 448 MPN/100mL — exceeding the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Waioka is a brackish freshwater pool, not a true beach. The latest Surfrider BWTF reading measured 448 MPN/100mL — significantly exceeding the 130 BAV threshold. Freshwater pools in Hawaii consistently test high for bacteria because they receive runoff from upstream watersheds, animal waste, and decaying plant matter, with limited flushing.
On top of bacteria, Hawaii freshwater carries leptospirosis risk. Leptospira bacteria are present in many Hawaii streams and freshwater pools and can cause serious illness if you have an open cut, swallow water, or get water in your eyes/ears. East Maui's wet climate makes leptospirosis especially common here.
The pool is also officially closed by Maui County — the access road has been gated as of 2024 due to liability concerns and trespassing complaints from adjacent landowners. The BWTF data on this page is informational; we do not recommend visiting Waioka.
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Waioka (Venus Pool). 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 Waioka (Venus Pool) 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.
Maui County closed Waioka in 2024. The traditional access road and trail cross private land; visiting is now considered trespassing. Multiple recent injuries and a death drove the closure. The BWTF data on this page documents historical readings; do not visit.
The combination of high bacteria readings, leptospirosis risk, and now-closed access makes this a destination for online research only. If you read other guides recommending Waioka, check their date — most pre-2024 guides do not reflect the current closure.
For a true Hāna-area swim, Hāna Bay (BWTF-tested, more reliable) and Hāmoa Beach (BWTF-tested, beautiful) are open and accessible. For freshwater swimming on the Road to Hāna, the Pools at ʻOheʻo (Seven Sacred Pools) in Haleakalā National Park are managed and have safer access.
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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. 🤙