Maui’s Baldwin and Hoʻokipa Beach Parks close in anticipation of XL surf, Kūʻau flooding reported

Kūʻau Bay Beach Park closed, flooding impacts parking lot

Update: (10:10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023)

The County of Maui closed Kūʻau Bay Beach Park on Wednesday morning, Jan. 11, when the parking lot at the facility began flooding. The closure was done as an extra-large swell began impacting north and west shores of affected islands. This is in addition to the closure of Baldwin Beach Park and Hoʻokipa Beach Park in Pāʻia.

Maui’s Baldwin and Hoʻokipa Beach Parks close in anticipation of XL surf

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The County of Maui announced the closure of Baldwin Beach Park and Hoʻokipa Beach Park in Pāʻia today in anticipation of an extra-large north-northwest swell forecast by the National Weather Service. 

Gates to the two beach parks will remain locked this morning while the County of Maui Parks and Recreation Department and Emergency Management Agency closely monitor and assess impacts from the high surf throughout the day. 

A high surf warning was issued Tuesday morning by the National Weather Service forecasting surf of 40 to 50 feet along north-facing shores, with possible impacts that include ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches and periodically overtopping vulnerable coastal roadways.

The public is advised to stay away from the shoreline along affected coasts and to take precautionary measures.