Hawaii Ocean Safety Tips for Tourists Visiting Maui

Maui is a tropical paradise that offers stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, but looks can be deceiving. If you’re not an experieced swimmer with keen knowledge of conditions, safety can deteriorate quickly. Below are essential Hawaii ocean safety tips to help make your Maui beach experience fun, enjoyable, safe for all.

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Big Beach: Stunning but Dangerous for Swimming

Big Beach, also known as Makena Beach, is one of Maui’s most iconic spots, but it’s not ideal for swimming. The beach is known for its powerful shore breaks and unpredictable waves, which can be dangerous even for strong swimmers. If you visit, it’s best to stay out of the water and enjoy the dramatic swells from the safety of the shore. For visitors, it’s important to follow Hawaii ocean safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Keawakapu Beach: Ideal for Families

For those seeking a safer place to swim, Keawakapu Beach can be a great family-friendly option. Located just south of Kihei, it offers gentler waters and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, even at calmer beaches, it’s important to remain aware of the ocean’s conditions. The spring and summer months bring larger swell to South Maui (Kihei/Wailea), with the winter months filling in the north shore.

Basic Tips for Ocean Safety

No matter which beach you visit, keeping these ocean safety tips in mind can prevent accidents:

• Watch the Surf: Before entering the water, take 20 minutes to observe the ocean conditions. Waves can change quickly, turning a once-flat ocean into a pounding shorebreak. It’s important to be aware of what’s happening around you and how quickly things can change.
• Swim Within Your Ability: Be honest with yourself about your swimming skills. Stay close to shore, and avoid going out too deep if you’re not a strong ocean swimmer.
• Dive under waves: If a larger wave approaches, dive underneath it, covering your head. There may be several waves in the set, so be prepared to do this several times before the ocean calms again. Once the sets have passed, make your way back to shore.
• Lifeguards: Always swim at beaches with lifeguards when possible. They will provide valuable insight into the day’s conditions and act quickly in case of an emergency. If they make an announcement you can’t quite hear, walk on over and ask for advice, as they’re happy to give it.

Check Snorkel Conditions

If you plan to snorkel, checking the water conditions is vital. For daily updates, visit the Maui Snorkel Conditions Report by Boss Frog’s. This report gives you the latest details on the best and safest snorkeling spots around the island and is updated on a daily basis. This is a super important ocean safety tip to follow!

Snorkeling Safety Tips

While Maui’s underwater world is mesmerizing, it’s important to keep safety in mind:

• Avoid Full-Face Snorkel Masks: These masks pose a safety risk, from breathing recycled air. Stick to traditional snorkel gear to stay safe.
• Snorkel with a Buddy: Never snorkel alone. Having a buddy ensures someone is there to help in case of an emergency. If there are kids in your group, ensure they have advanced swimming ability or stick to the shoreline.
• Respect Marine Life: Maui is home to incredible wildlife, including the Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu). Always give sea creatures plenty of space and never touch or chase them. You’ll often hear the word “TURTLE!” yelled at popular snorkel spots. It can be exciting to see new creatures, but it’s imperative you not chase them so they can continue on in peace. When passing by a honu, keep your distance and avoid disturbing its natural behavior.

Be Cautious of Water Conditions

• After a Storm or Brown Water: Avoid swimming right after a storm or when you see brown water. Storm runoff contains harmful bacteria and debris that make the water unsafe. Additionally, high surf can create dangerous currents and make swimming treacherous.
• Learn to Spot Rip Currents: Rip currents are a serious hazard for beachgoers. Learning how to identify and avoid them can save your life. To get familiar with rip currents and how to escape if you’re caught in one, check out this helpful video on spotting rip currents. Although the video is made in Australia, the techniques are universal and will serve you well during your visit to Maui.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Maui’s beaches while protecting yourself and your family. Remember, the ocean is as powerful as it is stunning, and with the right precautions and these Hawaii ocean safety tips, you’ll leave with nothing but great memories!

Speaking of memories, Adam, myself and our team are well versed in ocean safety and ready to photograph you in the best conditions! Doesn’t the shoot above look like so much fun? Rolling around in the surf with your loved one at sunset is the way to do couples’ portraits on Maui. Dive in with us to see how enjoyable a photoshoot at the beach on Maui should be.