Maui Beach Safety 101

When on Maui, or on any of the Hawaiian Islands, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that we are in fact on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. We are completely at the heel of the ocean with anything we do, and it’s strength and beauty must be respected. Ocean currents and wind patterns are constantly changing, so you never know what’s in store. We also have rogue waves in Hawaii. Rogue waves are large, unexpected and extremely dangerous surface waves. They are even more powerful during storms. If you don’t see one coming, you could be dragged out to sea and have a very difficult time coming back in. Or, you could be slammed in the sand on your okole (butt), and very likely have some serious injuries; cerebral, spinal and more.

If something feels off, or you don’t feel quite right about entering the ocean, please follow your instincts. Human intuition is quite strong, so if you feel uncomfortable when you’re about to enter the water or while you are in the ocean, make a good decision and take a break for the day or make a safe exit.

Even the most talented swimmers and ocean athletes follow this advice, so from beginner swimmer to pro, this is a lifesaving tip. To completely understand the ocean isn’t possible, and even if you have an in depth understanding of ocean currents, swells and wind patterns, you should always follow your instinct first.

Another tip that goes along with this is to know your swim level. Just because you feel at home in a swimming pool or a fresh water lake does not mean that you’ll feel the same in the ocean. While swimming at Maui beaches, remember that you’re in a giant fishbowl! Consider the strength of the waves, the ever-moving water, water clarity and be completely honest about what your swim level actually is. If you’d feel safest wearing a safety vest or with a floating device, definitely do so.

Without a doubt, snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Maui. Whether you choose to go out on your own exploring Maui’s best snorkeling spots, or if you prefer to go on a Maui snorkel tour, you will most definitely have one of the coolest experiences of your life. Why mess up that chance by not being prepared?

There are many safety tips to keep in mind while snorkeling: first watch the surf and currents, never turn your back on the ocean, don’t snorkel in strong winds, use proper gear, avoid exhaustion by swimming with a flotation device, swim diagonally across the current (not directly across it), duck or dive under a breaking wave and your enter/exit should be from a sandy point of entry. Those are just a few steps to snorkel successfully, so why wouldn’t you want to enjoy this awesome Maui activity with a friend?

Last, never snorkel while you’re under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. If you have medical contraindications that you’re concerned about, ask your medical provider is snorkeling is safe for you. Be completely aware of your body and your surroundings while snorkeling in Maui (or, anywhere else for that matter).

You will also oftentimes see signage posted by marine wildlife groups and non-profits; these signs state the various federally protected laws and more information about keeping your distance from wildlife. They also may ask you to avoid certain areas that might be areas of rest or breeding zones for wildlife that is commonly found on Maui beaches (Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Hawaiian Monk Seals, etc.). In regards to marine life, never feed, touch or harass these animals. They are Maui’s sacred aumakua (ancestors), and many are endangered.

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.

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?

One of the coolest opportunities to take advantage of on Maui is the variety of ocean sports. If you’ve already been practicing a certain water sport (surfing, SUP, body boarding, windsurfing, kite boarding, sport fishing, sailing, etc.) for years, you probably have a pretty good idea of what gear you need. If you’re planning on taking lessons or trying something out on your own for the first time, research and ask questions about what gear is best for you. Example: If you’ve never surfed in your life, don’t rent a short board and then head into one of the most popular surf breaks on Maui. This will not only put you in danger, but also those around you.

Making smart and educated decisions is the best thing you can do to stay safe in the ocean. Make sure to do your research and consider all dangers before playing in the ocean.

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. 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.

Hawaii lifeguards are on duty from 8am-4:45pm everyday. They have certifications with the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), American Heart Association (AHA), CPR for Health Care Provider and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). Not only are Hawaii’s lifeguards Ocean Safety Officers, but there are also skilled in many rescue techniques: tubes and fins, rescue boards, jet skis, 4-wheel ATV’s, first aid and more.

One of the most wonderful things about enjoying a beach with lifeguards is that they are there for you. If you have any questions, make sure to ask them. From cutting your foot on coral (do not step or stand on the fragile reef!) to finding yourself in a strong current, make sure to signal a lifeguard for help.

Example 1: If a resident knows that it’s storming in Hana, they won’t plan a beach day with out-of-town visitors on the other side of the island.

Example 2: If a resident wishes to surf, but is still learning, they won’t choose to go to Ho’okipa Beach Park on Maui’s North Shore on a big wave winter day.

Researching Maui’s beaches and checking weather reports is a tip that’s advantageous for all travelers. When your visiting Maui, you definitely want to make sure that you maximize on your days because they are limited. Everyone understands that. With the proper research and information about weather, you can insure that you and your family will have an awesome day and that everyone will be safe. In addition, each corner of the Island of Maui is extremely diverse in terms of weather patterns, terrain and micro-climates. Choose an area that is right for your needs for that day.

Brown water is seen close to the coastline. Brown water poses many threats to Maui’s coral reef systems. 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.

It is not safe to swim in brown water. Besides unhealthy bacteria and bad water quality, there is not much clarity. Only swim in ocean waters that allow proper visibility.

As humans, most of us tend to sleep at night. But, during the evening, the ocean is thriving with a huge late night scene. Without the visibility of daylight, it’s very difficult to spot rip currents, dangerous shore breaks, sharks, jellyfish, harmful algae blooms (red tides) and more hazards.

It’s a known fact that shark varieties feed at night and during the darker hours. Although your chances of being bitten by a shark are less than one in 3-million, according to reports, Hawaii shark sightings and shark attacks have been increasing in recent years. If you want to avoid your biggest chance of having a shark encounter on Maui, just avoid the ocean during the early and late hours. A Few More Tips: Do Not urinate in the ocean, and Do Not enter the ocean while bleeding or while having any open wounds.

Here’s a short list:

• Plenty of clean drinking water
• Reef safe sunscreen
• Flotation devices
• Safety Vests & Rashguards
• Reef Shoes
• Peroxide (to clean any cuts and wounds)
• Tweezers (to pull out any pieces of coral, sea urchin spines or splinters that you may step on)
• First Aid Kit