Is it safe to swim off the coast of Maui by myself? Will bring inflatable bouy but just want to get in some swim mileage when I am there
When I went there on my honeymoon I just swam in the ocean off the beaches. Wasn’t out too far and swam parallel to shore. Water was super clear so I only freaked myself out a few times thinking a shark was coming to get me!
Depends on where. I swam a lot in front of a strip of hotels. It was phenomenal.
Is it safe to swim off the coast of Maui by myself? Will bring inflatable bouy but just want to get in some swim mileage when I am there
Situationally dependent, based on the day and which part of the island.
Generally yes in the main resort areas on West and South Maui, it’s not a problem. Check the surf / snorkel report to get an idea on conditions before you head out.
I’ve done it many times, and it’s pretty spectacular. Just use common sense and watch the surf conditions. The current isn’t bad at all as long as you don’t swim crazy far off shore. Some of the best conditions are off the Four Seasons in Wailea, or you could swim in a protected beach area like Kapalua beach.
Not to make you paranoid, but swimmers have been bitten by sharks. Last story I heard about was off Kaanapali, north of the Sheraton. I’ve swam off that shoreline many times, although south of the Sheraton.
Like others have stated, it’s safe and just pay attention to the warnings.
Favorite spot to swim is start at the North end of Kaanapali and swim north as far as you want and then back.
Lots of reef and fish. Its a straight shoreline with beach all the way.
The current can be brutal heading in one direction, you can always get out and walk the beach.
Kapalua Bay is also good, sort like a big swimming pool you have to do laps to get some distance in.
Always felt safe swimming in this areas.
I’m curious if you have done Oneuli to Little/Big Beach around the point? I’m on Maui next month and summer water should be calm, but I’d rather not get carried out by currents…
Generally safe, depending on conditions of course. I did a lot of swimming around Ulua/Wailea area a couple years back. My head was on an absolute swivel though. Shark attacks, while rare, are still possible (said as someone who swims in Southern California with great whites around)
I’m headed to Maui in a couple of weeks and wanted to get more opinions.
Is it safe to swim parallel to the coast in Kaanapali? I’m staying at the Marriott Ocean Club so figured I would do laps up to black rock and back or so. Would I need to bring a wetsuit in mid January? Any other tips?
I’m headed to Maui in a couple of weeks and wanted to get more opinions.
Is it safe to swim parallel to the coast in Kaanapali? I’m staying at the Marriott Ocean Club so figured I would do laps up to black rock and back or so. Would I need to bring a wetsuit in mid January? Any other tips?
If the surf is up, don’t swim.
No need for a wetsuit in January.
When I was there in July, I was training for a 10K Swim Race so I swam a LOT.
Every other day, I was in the Ocean and did laps back and forth. Took me a bit of time to get comfortable with bigger laps but as long as I could see people on the shoreline, I was ok.
Maui has GREAT public pools. The days I didn’t swim in the Ocean, I went to their pools. No fee, just sign in and swim…I went mid day when there was a break in activities from vacation and was maybe one of 2 or 3 people in the entire pool
I’m headed to Maui in a couple of weeks and wanted to get more opinions.
Is it safe to swim parallel to the coast in Kaanapali? I’m staying at the Marriott Ocean Club so figured I would do laps up to black rock and back or so. Would I need to bring a wetsuit in mid January? Any other tips?
I’ve swam off Kaanapali many times, south of Black Rock. Not to freak you out, but swimmers and snorkelers have been bitten by sharks in that area. Most recent story I saw was from 2021, a snorkeler who was 40 yards offshore.
Odd - I have been going to that section of beach for decades and have never seen a shark.
You can also have someone paddle board next to you if you want additional comfort. Water is crystal clear.
This is a decent list of incidents
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/sharks/shark-incidents/incidents-list/
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I guess it depends on where. I stayed in the Wailea/Kihei area a few times and went swimming in a bunch of locations there. Some good reefs, fish and turtles right along the coast too to keep you entertained. Never saw a shark but it is the ocean. Maui is awesome, enjoy!
I’m headed to Maui in a couple of weeks and wanted to get more opinions.
Is it safe to swim parallel to the coast in Kaanapali? I’m staying at the Marriott Ocean Club so figured I would do laps up to black rock and back or so. Would I need to bring a wetsuit in mid January? Any other tips?
I’ve swam off Kaanapali many times, south of Black Rock. Not to freak you out, but swimmers and snorkelers have been bitten by sharks in that area. Most recent story I saw was from 2021, a snorkeler who was 40 yards offshore.
Yeah slightly worrisome, I had seen that also, but figure my odds are pretty low based on what I’ve seen. Not planning to get out very far from shore and run parallel but will play it by ear.