Current conditions at Kahekili Beach?

Question

Hello fellow Maui travelers. Last year, for the first time in decades of Maui travel, the beach at Kahekili was severely eroded. I know many beaches are seasonal in terms of sand, but last October was the first time that particular beach was so narrow and eroded that there was limited access, steep sand hills, and little room to spread your towel or place a chair under the trees. Was this just an anomaly, a new October pattern, or just a blip?

We love to snorkel there and it was a wonderful place to come and spend the day. Thanks for any current info.

Answer

Great question — your concern about Kahekili Beach (also called Airport Beach) is very valid. The short version: yes, erosion is a long-term issue there, but according to recent visitor reports, things are more stable now than what you saw last October.

What’s Going On with the Erosion

Kahekili’s shoreline is part of a region that has seasonal sand transport, which means its width naturally changes: in summer, sand tends to move north; in winter, northerly swells push sand south.
The Maui County planning division confirms that erosion, dune degradation, and beach narrowing are ongoing issues for Kahekili.
There was a proposed beach restoration project many years ago (offshore sand replenishment) to help recover some of the lost width.

Recent Reports from Visitors (2025)

On forums like TripAdvisor, multiple recent visitors (mid-March 2025) say that Kahekili Beach “looked great”, with enough room for towels and chairs, and plenty of people snorkeling.
One person noted the slope into the water is slight, not steep, which is a positive sign compared to prior erosion.
Another commenter agreed the beach is “in good condition,” based on their most recent visit.

Other Considerations

There are water quality concerns. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health issued a high-bacteria notification for Kahekili Beach as of March 2024.
While erosion is real, it’s not always constant — because of the shifting sand patterns, some years (or seasons) will bring more sand back than others.

My Take / Outlook

- Based on current (2025) first-hand reports, Kahekili Beach seems to have recovered significantly since the severe erosion you saw last October.
- It’s likely not just an anomaly — erosion is part of the long-term seasonal and environmental cycle here — but recent visitor accounts suggest it’s more usable and wider than it was then.
- If you love snorkeling there, it still appears to be a very good spot, and you should likely be able to enjoy your time there.
- However, given the bacteria advisory, it’s smart to check the most recent water-quality status before planning long swims, especially if swimming near the shoreline or with young family.