Which beachfront maua condo offers the safest swimming? A/C is a major plus.

The Kamaole beaches in Kihei offer safe swimming and snorkeling. The northerly swell that can plague other areas is blocked by west Maui and Lanai.

FYI, there was a shark attack reported last year in the Kihei area, as were other attacks throughout Hawaii.

We still continue swimming and snorkeling there anyway.
Link:http://www.scubaradio.com/gsaf/gsaf2003.cfm

I recall an attack by a suspected tiger shark at Cove Park, well north of the famous Kihei beaches, the Kams. Might have been connected to murky water, endemnic to Cove Park. The water is clearer just south. Also recall an attack reported by a frequent poster, up north, above Kapalua. More danger from drowning than the fishes.

We snorkeled Ahi'i Cove, Kihei, Molokini, etc. last year and picked up the local newspaper as we boarded our departure flight to learn of the surfer girl who lost an arm to a shark off Kaua'i.
You know, it's been a year since then, and the incredibly courageous Bethany Hamilton has been back to surfing in competions for months. Hats off to her, folks.

Reply to TripleDelay,

Likewise, we were sitting in the HNL lounge for our return flight to the mainland when we were surprised to read the newspaper about the attack after swimming in Hawaii hours before

Shark attacks happen primarily in murky water.

If the water is cloudy -- whether from wild surf conditions or recent rain runoff or just because that's how the water is in that particular location -- STAY OUTTA THE WATER.

And we were just chatting with a friend who surfs daily here on Kaua`i -- who pointed out that lkocals never wear anything sparkly into the water...but visitors go in with bright watches, rings, bracelets. To sharks, this is interesting...and they'll come close to have a look...or a taste!

Why don't sharks attack clowns in the water?
Because they taste funny.

I keep waiting for someone to throw the punchline on this one.

Is there such a thing as safe swimming? You can drown in a couple of inches of water. Shark attacks happen everywhere.

I agree drowning poses the most serious risk, and that a shark attack could possibly occur anywhere, however if you check the link provided above for shark attacks, Florida and Hawaii far exceed other states (California, Texas, South Carolina) in frequency of attacks for 2003.

Perhaps the frequency is related to more numbers of people being in the warmer water for longer periods of time year round

ttt

This photo says it all:

http://www.ilovebacon.com/110405/c.shtml