A volunteer coastal monitoring program has restarted regular water quality testing at Mākena Landing after a multi-year pause, citing increased construction runoff and a surge in commercial ocean tour operators relocating to the site. Tests will occur every three weeks.
- Hui O Ka Wai Ola has resumed water quality testing at Mākena Landing for the first time since 2020, after it became the most-requested monitoring site in the program’s history.
- Nearby construction has added impervious surfaces that increase runoff flowing directly into the ocean near the popular snorkeling and diving spot.
- A Maui County permitting policy change at other South Maui beach parks pushed many commercial scuba, snorkeling, kayak, and paddleboard operators to shift operations to Mākena Landing.
- Volunteer technicians will test water conditions every three weeks, providing science-based data to support long-term coastal stewardship decisions.
- The monitoring data could inform future agency and county decisions about recreational use and development near the shoreline, potentially affecting commercial tour operations in the area.
Source: Maui Now
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