Most beaches on Maui are safe for swimming and snorkeling, as long as you follow all of the safety tips posted, and follow common sense. But if you want to feel even safer, then we recommend you swim in places that have the following: Places with guided snorkeling and swimming activities. Beaches with a lifeguard.
Can you swim in the ocean in Maui?
For example, avoid swimming in murky water as it attracts little fish which also attracts big fish. When people say not to go in the water before 7 am and after 7 pm, it is best to follow it for your safety. Maui has amazing places for snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and various ocean activities.
Is it safe to swim in Hawaii?
From 1958 to 2014, only ten fatal attacks happened in Hawaii. However, sharks are still a danger and visitors need to follow beach rules or signs. For example, avoid swimming in murky water as it attracts little fish which also attracts big fish.
Is it safe to snorkel in Maui?
If sharks are scaring you away from snorkeling in Maui, keep this in mind: Hawaii has more than 9 million visitors each year. Since 1995 there have been 120 shark attacks, with five of them fatal. The odds are in your favor that you’ll be able to swim and snorkel safely here.
Is Maui safe to live?
IS MAUI SAFE? Maui is generally a safe place, both for visitors and those of us who live here. Our island welcomes nearly 3 million visitors each year, and the vast majority of those people experience nothing more distressing than a sunburn. However, I would be misleading you if I said nothing bad ever happens here. Crime does exist on Maui.
See more
Where is it safe to swim in Maui?
If you have any doubt in your mind about what beach is right for you, definitely choose one that has a lifeguard station. Typically, lifeguards are located at Maui beaches that are also State Parks: Makena State Park, Kamaole Beach Park's I II & II, Canoe Beach Park, D.T.
How close do sharks come to shore in Maui?
This shark bite took place a great distance from shore—180 feet: Most snorkelers in Maui recreate in the ocean at a distance of between 30 and 45 feet from shore.
Which beach in Maui has the most shark attacks?
Makena Point has the highest number of sharks sightings, followed by Kalama, according to local scientists who have been tracking and documenting shark movement and behavior for decades. Next, is Palauea followed by Olowalu. But really, there isn't too much reason to worry about it.
Is it safe to swim in Maui sharks?
Shark safety when snorkeling in Maui. If sharks are scaring you away from snorkeling in Maui, keep this in mind: Hawaii has more than 9 million visitors each year. Since 1995 there have been 120 shark attacks, with five of them fatal. The odds are in your favor that you'll be able to swim and snorkel safely here.
Should I be scared of sharks in Maui?
From a statistical standpoint, being attacked by a shark is one of the last things you should worry about when playing in the ocean in Maui. Any number of things—from driving to the airport, to napping beneath a coconut tree—are statistically more dangerous than sharks.
Does peeing in the ocean attract sharks?
No reaction. From a scientific standpoint, Esbaugh says that it's “definitely not true” that sharks are attracted to urine, and he assumes the rumor got started because many animals use scent to track their prey. But he says this doesn't hold up because humans aren't the most common meal for sharks.
What time of year are sharks most active in Hawaii?
When Are Sharks Most Active In Hawaii? Another great question. Sharks are present all year round and can be active throughout the day. When shark attacks do happen, they are most likely to happen during the day, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Are there poisonous snakes in Maui?
Maui is the world's most isolated archipelago, surrounded entirely by water and home to many land and sea creatures. The remoteness of the island is the reason there are no large, land-based predators or snakes.
Are sharks attracted to period blood?
A shark's sense of smell is powerful – it allows them to find prey from hundreds of yards away. Menstrual blood in the water could be detected by a shark, just like any urine or other bodily fluids. However, there is no positive evidence that menstruation is a factor in shark bites.
Where is the safest place to swim in Hawaii?
Hawaii resorts on the most sheltered swimming beachesKauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach.Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay at Lyngate Beach Park. Within the park Lyngate Pond is nicely sheltered.
Are there great white sharks in Maui?
Great white sharks are not native to the waters of Maui, but there is always a chance that there may be one lurking just offshore in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. Don't let that fact turn you off of scuba diving or snorkeling while vacationing in Mau.
Are Maui beaches safe?
The West Maui beaches beyond Kapalua, like Mokuleia and Honolua, can be very dangerous, particularly with high winter surf. And Makena Beach (aka Big Beach) in South Maui is one of Maui's most scenic beaches, but notorious for rogue waves that knock people down, causing serious injuries.
Are there sharks near Maui?
Not only does Maui have the highest number of tiger sharks in the state, the area also sees the most shark attacks, according to local scientists who have tracked and studied Hawaii sharks for decades.
What time of year are sharks most active in Hawaii?
When Are Sharks Most Active In Hawaii? Another great question. Sharks are present all year round and can be active throughout the day. When shark attacks do happen, they are most likely to happen during the day, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Do you see sharks while snorkeling in Maui?
Snorkeling from Shore or from a boat in Maui it is extremely unlikely you will see a shark or get bit etc.
How many shark attacks are there in Maui?
These Hawaii shark attacks in 2020 happened on the Hawaiian islands of Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai: There were 3 shark attacks on Maui. There were 2 shark attacks on the Big Island. There was 1 shark attack on Kauai.
How to choose snorkel gear for Maui?
When choosing Maui snorkeling gear, consider what’s best for you and your group: renting or purchasing. Also, consider where you are planning on snorkeling and research the location and read reviews. Is this a place where you should use fins? Do you need a flotation device for one or more persons in your group? What type of mask is best for your 6 year old child?
Where can I find a lifeguard station in Hawaii?
Typically, lifeguards are located at Maui beaches that are also State Parks: Makena State Park, Kamaole Beach Park’s I II & II, Canoe Beach Park, D.T. Fleming Beach Park, Kanaha Beach Park, Baldwin Beach Park and Ho’okipa Beach Park. Another perk to going to beaches with lifeguards is that Hawaii’s State Park beaches are also likely have restrooms, freshwater showers, paved parking lots and BBQ areas.
Why do people research Maui beaches?
Residents have grown accustomed to the seasons and the weather patterns, so they use beach and weather information to their advantage to avoid certain conditions, rain outs or to be able to maximize on their beach day.
What is the magic island of Maui?
Out of all the Hawaiian Islands, it’s the most topographically diverse and offers a glimpse of all the unique ecological environments that you’d seen throughout the islands. The 10,023-foot high Mount Haleakala, lava ridden landscapes, lush jungles, rolling pastures and a handful of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are just a few things in Maui to explore.
Why is there safety signage on Maui?
When visiting Maui, understand that safety and warning signage is posted in order to avoid potentially life threatening accidents and hazards. It is your responsibility to respect these requests and make sure that you make smart decisions for you, your friends and your family.
What is the commandment to live by?
Here’s a commandment to live by: If in Doubt, Don’t Go Out! The ocean is very burly, very strong and at times unpredictable. 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water which makes it the most powerful element in our natural environment.
Why is brown water bad for the reef?
The water can be toxic, unbalanced and contain unhealthy bacteria. Brown water events are a huge threat to Maui’s coral reef ecology because they block the sunlight that allows the reef to thrive, thus negatively affecting the overall coral reef ecosystem and marine life environment.
What are the three pieces of the beach in Kihei?
The beach is broken up into three pieces: Kamaole (or Kam) I, II, and III. All beaches have snorkeling options, but kick over to the rocky areas to get the best chance to see sea life. Kamaole beaches in Kihei are a great place to snorkel under the watchful eye of lifeguards.
What is the name of the beach on Maui?
Napili Bay: this crescent-shaped beach on west Maui offers a sheltered bay that is protected by a reef. While water outside the bay can become choppy and more difficult to swim in, you can avoid large waves by swimming in this protected cove.
What side of Maui is the best for snorkeling?
On the west and south side of Maui, you’ll get afternoon tradewinds that can make the sea choppier even on a calm day. If you’re in search of calm water, plan for a morning snorkel trip. As a bonus, early morning snorkelers usually get the best parking spots.
Where is the safest place to snorkel in Maui?
What are the safest places to snorkel in Maui? If you’re worried about currents, you’ll find the safest snorkel spots in sheltered bays or shallow reefs like Napili Bay, Ahihi Cove, and Ulua beach. If you’re worried about shark safety, how you snorkel is more important than where.
Where to snorkel in Kihei?
Kamaole beaches in Kihei are a great place to snorkel under the watchful eye of lifeguards.
How many shark attacks have there been in Maui since 1995?
If sharks are scaring you away from snorkeling in Maui, keep this in mind: Hawaii has more than 9 million visitors each year. Since 1995 there have been 120 shark attacks, with five of them fatal.
Where is Ahihi Cove?
Ahihi cove: You’ll find this spot just south of Makena in the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Reserve. There’s a short walk to get you to the water, which can be a calm spot with plenty of sea creatures for you to see.
What is Pele known for?
Image Source. Goddess of Fire and Volcanoes, Pele is known for her temper and the curses she bestow to those who steal her children away from the islands. Maui and the other Hawaiian islands receive so many volcanic rocks and sand in the mail each year from visitors who smuggled Pele’s children away.
What time should I avoid sunburns on Maui?
It is best to avoid burn hours which are from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and use that time instead to grab lunch or go shopping. Don’t ruin your Maui vacation by getting that tropical tan in a couple of days. The memories of sunburns last longer than your tan which will probably last within a month.
What are the worst dangers to avoid when visiting Maui?
The worst danger you must avoid when visiting Maui is entertaining the idea of ever leaving. It is very easy to fall in love with the beautiful island of Maui. The breathtaking Maui sunsets, double rainbows, and crystal clear waters will be very difficult to let go.
How many people die from shark attacks in a year?
The approximate deaths by shark attack worldwide every year is around 5 to 15 people. So before lounging or camping out in that empty shady spot on Maui, make sure that the palm tree above it is not filled with coconuts waiting to unleash their nature terror.
How many people die from coconuts?
Various claims show that death by falling coconuts is more likely to occur than dying from sharks tearing you to pieces. Coconuts kill around 150 people every year, which means you are 10 times more likely to be murdered by a coconut than a shark. The approximate deaths by shark attack worldwide every year is around 5 to 15 people. So before lounging or camping out in that empty shady spot on Maui, make sure that the palm tree above it is not filled with coconuts waiting to unleash their nature terror.
Where to cliff dive in Maui?
A popular Maui cliff diving location is “Black Rock” which is located towards the north end of Kaanapali Beach. A daily ritual occurs at Black Rock, during sunset a “professional” diver jumps off into the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean.
Does Maui ship from mainland?
Located at the center of the Pacific, most of Maui’s grocery store items are shipped from the mainland. This means that basic snacks like a bag of potato chips had to swim an ocean to get here. And make sure not have a heart attack when you realize the horrific reality that the cost of shipping includes the air that is half of your bag of potato chips. Nonetheless, Maui does have an amazing selection of fresh fruits and vegetables that are locally grown which often offsets the cost of basic grocery store items.
IS MAUI SAFE?
Maui is generally a safe place, both for visitors and those of us who live here. Our island welcomes nearly 3 million visitors each year, and the vast majority of those people experience nothing more distressing than a sunburn. However, I would be misleading you if I said nothing bad ever happens here. Crime does exist on Maui. And the natural environment poses its own set of dangers: Maui’s mild climate and peaceful, beautiful scenery tend to lull visitors into a false sense of security, sometimes with disastrous results. There is nothing more heartbreaking for me than to hear a news report about a visitor who was badly injured, drowned, or a victim of crime while on Maui.
What is the greatest danger on Maui?
The greatest danger on Maui — and the one affecting most visitors — is the ocean environment itself. Below, I am sharing some of the ocean safety information from my Maui Beach Tips blog. It bears repeating. Too many visitors are injured (or worse, drown) during what starts out as an idyllic day at the beach.
How to avoid getting cut in the ocean?
Make sure someone knows you are there and is looking out for you. When exploring tidepools or reefs, wear protective footwear (like reef shoes) to prevent cuts–and keep an eye on the ocean, too.
What does the ocean look like on Maui?
Sometimes the ocean here looks like a lake, with tiny waves gently lapping the shore. Other times, massive waves come crashing in with frightening intensity. Always exercise good judgment when approaching the sea. The ocean is as powerful as it is magnificent, and currents and conditions can change unexpectedly. Heed all posted warning signs, and listen to the warnings from locals when visiting Maui’s beaches. If locals aren’t going near the water, you shouldn’t either!
How to use common sense on Maui?
To sum it all up, use common sense when you’re on Maui, just as you would at home. Don’t take chances with your personal safety that you wouldn’t do anywhere else, just because this is “paradise.”. Listen to your senses. If it doesn’t feel safe, don’t do it. Common sense rules!
Is it dangerous to go to Maui?
West Maui and South Maui tend to have calmer ocean and beach conditions, although dangerous conditions can occur there, as well. The West Maui beaches beyond Kapalua, like Mokuleia and Honolua, can be very dangerous, particularly with high winter surf. And Makena Beach (aka Big Beach) in South Maui is one of Maui’s most scenic beaches, but notorious for rogue waves that knock people down, causing serious injuries.
Is there crime on Maui?
Most crime on Maui is non-violent, like vehicle break-ins and thefts. Don ’t leave valuables in your rental car (including the trunk), particularly at parking areas for beach es, hiking trails, or other places where it’s obvious that you will be gone for a while.
