The beach was quieter and swimming and snorkelling were still good. We stayed at the Maui Eldorado so spent a few days at this beach. Without even snorkelling, saw turtles swim by every day as well as a monk seal. The water was warm and clear and the sand soft; beach was clean.

In early 2026, the beaches in the Lahaina area, such as Baby Beach and those near the historic district, are physically accessible, but their suitability for swimming remains a subject of careful monitoring. Following the devastating wildfires of 2023, there were significant concerns regarding environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals and toxic ash, washing into the nearshore waters. While the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and health officials have conducted extensive testing and generally cleared the water for recreational use, many visitors and locals still approach these waters with caution out of respect for the ongoing recovery and debris removal processes. For the most pleasant swimming experience without environmental concerns, many travelers head slightly north to the world-class beaches of Ka’anapali or Napili. If you choose to swim in Lahaina, it is vital to check for current beach advisories posted by the Maui County health department, as localized water quality can still fluctuate after heavy rainfall or during active reconstruction projects.