BEACH SMART
 SECURITY: Theft is a big problem at all beaches and parks in Hawaii. Thieves will break windows to get into cars. Always lock your car, do not take valuables to the beach, do not lose your car key in the ocean, do not lock your keys is your car. I would not recommend staying around any beaches after sunset. There are a few thug types that hang out there that will take advantage of isolated or solitary people. Numerous assaults have happened at beach parks to unsuspecting tourists. Even if a local appears friendly and offers to sell you some "weed" (Called "pakalolo" in Hawaiian) in the privacy of the bushes, Don't go with them.
SUN SMART: Most visitors do not realize how strong the sun is in Hawaii. Many people will get badly sunburned in their first hour inj the sun. The sun is strongest in the middle of the day, and you could burn in as little as 30 minutes. You usually wont feel the sunburn until the next day. Avoid exposure to the sun, especially from 10am to 2pm. Wear Sunscreen on all exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating. reapply every 15 minutes or so. If you are doing water activities, make sure you get a good waterproof sunscreen. Use a gel and or a lip chap stick sunscreen for lips, noses and ears. it is advisable to wear long sleeves and a hat. Wear polarized sunglasses. For swimming most people will want to wear a lycra rashguard. A rashguard is a lycra shirt designed to be worn in the water. There are now also looser fit woven fabric shirts for watersports too. These are available at any surf store. Most people do not stay hydrated when in the sun or exercising. Make sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking juices and sweet sodas can actually make you more dehydrated.
DRINK SMART: Most people do not stay hydrated when in the sun or exercising. Make sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking juices and sweet sodas is not recommended because it can actually make you more dehydrated. Drinking beer at the beach is one of the worst things you can do. Alcohol accelerates dehydration, and can lead to the early onset of heatstroke. Definitely do not drink if you are attempting any physical exercise or water sport. Better to fill your cooler with; water, flavored waters, Gatorade lite, type drinks.
SEA SMART: Do not dive into murky or shallow water. Do not swim far from shore, do not dive into shallow water, do not dive into the water if you can not see the bottom. After rain many areas will get runoff that could be dirty or full of debris. Avoid ocean swimming directly after heavy rains. Never turn your back to the ocean. Keep away from the wave action. Set up your beach camp well away from the water's edge. Large waves can arrive suddenly and wash your gear away. Keep an eye on the ocean at all times.
STAY AWAY FROM FISHERMAN; Their lines, nets, and baits are in and around the water. You do not want to be in the water with dead or dying fish anyway.
OFFSHORE WINDS: Take care when the wind sometimes shifts offshore. Blowing from the land toward the sea. Do not sail, ride, or swim further out than you are prepared to swim back in. When the wind is northeast on the south shore, nothing stands between you and Tahiti should you break down. There is a small chance you could hit Kooholawe depending on the currents etc. People have been stuck out in the water overnight on windsurfers. Better to sail with a buddy and have someone looking out for you too. It is always a good idea for someone to know that you are missing and call 911 before it gets completely dark.
SWIM AT PATROLLED BEACHES
 Only certain beaches on Maui have lifeguards. If you are new to ocean swimming or want to have safer experience. We strongly recommend swimming at one of the beaches patrolled by Lifeguards. Swim only in the marked swimming areas that are under the watchful eye of the lifeguards. Look for notices placed by lifeguards to warn of different ocean conditions. Red flags mean beach closed.

North Shore: Kanaha Beach Park, Baldwin Beach Park, Ho'okipa Beach Park.

West Shore: D.T. Fleming Park, Hanakao'o Park.

Kihei Shore: Kamaole 1, Kamaole 2, Kamaole 3.
BEACH CONDITIONS
For the current beach conditions and warnings go to the Beach Safety Website.
OUTDOOR AWARENESS
 Hiking on Maui can be Dangerous. Beware of flash floods and rock falls. Stay on marked trails, or take a guided hike. Do not dive into streams, Do not swim close to waterfalls (either above or below them).

OCEAN SAFETY
Hawaiians are taught to respect the ocean from an early age. Their familiarity and mastery of the ocean makes swimming and surfing look easy. You may see some very young keiki (children) flipping over in the waves close to shore and playing like little seals. This may give the false impression that bodysurfing is "Childs play".  Tourists unfamiliar with the ocean should take particular care when entering the ocean for the first time, or using an unfamiliar beach for the first time. The water looks so warm and inviting that people will jump in without taking proper care. It is best to swim at a patrolled beach with a swimming area, until you get your sea-legs. Watch the water before you enter, look for rocks and waves. Watch how the other people enter and exit the water. if in doubt ask the lifeguards. Do not dive in headfirst (this is a big mistake unless you know the water is deep and rock free). Waves can turn you upside down in a second and dump you on your head causing possible neck injury). Please be respectful of all sea creatures, Appreciate them but don't interfere with them. They are not there just for your amusement, the ocean is their home in which we are a guest. (Every marine animal large and small has a variety of defense mechanisms, which could injure or even kill you.) Touching them may result in loss of body parts. Having said that the ocean can be enjoyed relatively risk free if you follow some simple rules:

Never swim alone,
Stay close to shore,
Look before you leap,
Avoid dirty/low visibility water.
Follow the directions of lifeguards,
Never turn your back on the ocean,
Stay out of the water after heavy rain.
Don't swim after sunset or before sunrise,
Avoid fishermen, skin divers, nets and fishing boats.
Comply with posted restrictions, and beach closed signs.

Hawaii Lifeguard's Rip Poster