Is the ocean water cold in Maui?

Maui is well known for its warm mild weather and ocean temperatures all year long. Yes, we can get the occasional storm and rainy weather, but the average temperature of the water in Maui only fluctuates between 74-80 F degrees and the air fluctuates between 70-80 degrees F.



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Maui, Florida, and Southern California are all known for their balmy surf and fabulous beaches. But not all warm water is created equal. With temperatures that summer between 75 and 80 degrees all year, Maui is by far the most reliable place in the U.S. to dive, dunk, swim, and snorkel in comfort.

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They're actually really close. For example, in Kauai, which is the northernmost of the major Hawaiian Islands, ocean temperatures range from 77°F to 83°F. On the beach resort side of Hawaii (Big) Island, ocean temperatures range between 77°F and 81°F.

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Second only to the south shore, west Maui has many of the best beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and just about anything else you could want. And the crown jewel among them has to be the three-mile stretch of white shore and shimmering blue water at Ka'anapali Beach.

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Avoid the Ocean During Do not swim in the ocean in the dark, and if you are a visitor and arrive at the beach early, do not enter the water until a lifeguard is on duty (at a designated State Beach Park). If it's time for the lifeguards to leave for the day, it's best to err on the side of caution and exit the ocean.

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Avoid the Ocean During Do not swim in the ocean in the dark, and if you are a visitor and arrive at the beach early, do not enter the water until a lifeguard is on duty (at a designated State Beach Park). If it's time for the lifeguards to leave for the day, it's best to err on the side of caution and exit the ocean.

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If you go to the higher elevations on Maui and the Big Island, be prepared for cold temperatures. Temperatures above 10,000 feet will only reach the 40s to near 50 during the day and drop into the 20s at night. At elevations above 12,000 feet it is still possible for snow to occur, even into early May.

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Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.

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However, many people don't realize the need for warm layers on Maui. The top of the volcano can drop below 40 degrees (or even snow!), requiring long pants, closed shoes and socks, a long sleeve sweatshirt and light, weather-proof jacket. A sweatshirt is also a great idea for morning boat charters or helicopter rides.

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Don't enter the water at dawn, dusk or night when sharks are most active and/or moving closer to shore to find food.

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Maui's leeward side inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.

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There's plenty of time to swim and jump from waterfall ledges into deep freshwater pools and learn about the island along the way. Fun, easy, and great for families, or if you are limited on time. Swim (optional) in pools under two waterfalls—10 and 20 feet high.

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After heavy rains, stay out of the ocean until the water clears. Don't swim in the mouths of rivers or streams or in any murky areas. Murky waters attract predators (think “shark”), and you don't want to be mistaken for a fish or turtle when they are looking for a snack. You'll find more Maui ocean safety tips here!

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The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

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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.

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As a general rule, Hawaiian waters average 77 degrees in the wintertime to 82 degrees in the summertime. Now, compared to the U.S. West Coast, Hawaiian waters are definitely much warmer (10-20 degrees warmer) than the waters off Southern California. No comparison really for the U.S. West Coast.

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Best Time for Snorkeling and Swimming: Great swimming and snorkeling are possible year-round in Hawaii, but during summer months (May through September) water is warmer, waves are smaller, and skies are sunnier, making conditions ideal for these water-based activities.

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Best Time for Snorkeling and Swimming: Great swimming and snorkeling are possible year-round in Hawaii, but during summer months (May through September) water is warmer, waves are smaller, and skies are sunnier, making conditions ideal for these water-based activities.

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