Best South Maui Beaches
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WARNING: Entering the ocean can be hazardous under any condition.
Please read the County of Maui Ocean Safety Guide for more information. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Please be aware that you must stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from sea turtles and at least 50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals (which are known to attack if you get too close). South Maui Beaches, Beach Parks, and Coastal Walks (from North to South) Sugar Beach: This is a beautiful place to take a morning walk before the wind kicks up. It’s a four-mile secluded stretch of beach that is rarely crowded, with lots of room to spread out. It starts at Haycraft Park in Ma’alaea and extends all the way down to North Kihei. There are no showers or bathrooms available. Kealia Coastal Boardwalk: A long boardwalk along Sugar Beach and a wildlife preserve. It’s best to go in the morning before the winds kick up. There are no showers or bathrooms available. Kalepolepo Fishpond: Historic Kalepolepo Fishpond and Beach Park in North Kihei is perfect for families with small children. A quiet beach and ideal for watching giant honu (green sea turtles) bask in the sun on the rocks of the fishpond. Since it’s an enclosed fishpond, the water only gets a few feet deep, so it’s much safer than being out in the open water. It’s best to visit early in the morning before the wind picks up. While there, take time to visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center. Kalama Park: This is a large oceanside park with lots to do. There is a small sandy beach at the south end of the park near the Cove surf spot and a second beach accessible by the middle parking lot off South Kihei Road and Keala Place. There are lots of open grassy areas and a lovely shaded playground. A long, paved walking path is great for morning or sunset walks, where you are almost always guaranteed to see turtles if you keep your eye on the water. It’s also great for whale watching during whale season. There’s also a skateboard park and a skating rink where you can rent skates. On Friday nights, they play music, and it’s a fun hangout spot for the local kids. It’s also right across the street from Kalama Village if you get hungry. Showers and bathrooms are available. The Cove: The best beginner surf spot in Maui. There is a small sandy beach where smaller kids can play while other family members take surf lessons. If you are a beginner, we strongly recommend you take lessons. Showers and bathrooms are available. Charley Young Beach: Located at the north end of Kamaole Beach I. There is a parking lot on South Kihei Road and Kaiau Place. From the parking lot, walk down to the end of Kaiau Place. If you have a wagon full of kids and beach gear, take the paved path on the left side down to the beach. There are also stairs that lead down to the beach. There is lots of shade and good snorkeling on the right side of the beach. There is a shower and a port-o-potty. Grassy Picnic Area: If you go to the right (facing the ocean), you will see a large open grassy area that looks like private land. This is actually state land and open to the public (all coastline in Hawaii is open to the public). It’s a perfect place for picnics, to let the kids run around, and to watch the sunset. Secret Coves: Keep walking along this grassy area until it slopes down in front of a 4-story condo complex. You will find several little openings to hidden little coves with shallow tidepools. There is also a lovely little private sandy beach to the right. Kamaole Beach Park I: Charley Young Beach turns into Kamaole Beach Park I or Kam I, as the locals call it, as you head south. There is a little beach park with picnic tables and a volleyball court, and it’s across from the ABC store if you want to grab a snack. Auntie Snorkel is also across the street if you want to rent a SUP. There is good snorkeling at the left end (south) of the beach around the point. Showers and bathrooms are available. Kamaole Beach II: The next beach past Kam I is Kamaole Beach II. It’s across from Fred’s. This is a small beach park with picnic tables, a lovely beach, and excellent snorkeling on either end toward the rocky points. Showers and bathrooms are available here. Kamaole Beach III: This is the next beach continuing south past Kam II. It’s a fabulous beach park to spend the whole day. There are many grassy areas and shade, making it perfect for picnics. There are also swings for kids. On the far left side (south end), there is a small cove that is semi-protected from the waves and is better suited for small children. The beach in the middle is fun for boogie boarding but a little rougher for small children. There is excellent snorkeling on the far right side near the lava rocks. This is where many locals go, especially on the weekends, so it can get a little crowded. Showers and bathrooms are available. Keawakapu Beach: There are three entrances to Keawakapu Beach. The first one you come to is in front of the Mana Kai Resort. Of the three, this is the best place for kids. It has a nice big grassy area, tidepools, and a deli. You can also rent SUP and kayaks here but only do so early in the morning before the winds kick up. There is also great snorkeling to the right of the point. There is a shower and a port-o-potty. The second entrance is hidden between homes at the corner of Kilohana and South Kihei Road. There is a parking lot on the left side. Use the crosswalk and walk across to the path to the beach. There is a shower but no bathrooms. The third entrance is at the end of South Kihei Road. This is a beautiful spot and is usually less crowded than the others. There is good snorkeling on the left side of the beach toward the point. Shower and port-o-potty. Wailea Beach Path: This beautiful 1.8-mile paved path takes you along the Wailea coastline, passing beautiful beaches and several of Wailea’s luxury resorts where you can stop for breakfast. The Whale’s Tail at the Wailea Beach Resort is the perfect spot to take a break, grab a drink or snack, and soak up the views. Start at the Ulua Beach Parking Lot and go left (south), or park at the Polo Beach Parking Lot and head north. Mokapu Beach: A beautiful sandy beach located in front of the Andaz Resort. Park at the Ulua Beach Parking Lot and walk to the right (north). There is good snorkeling at either end. It’s also a fun bodyboarding and surf spot in summer. There are showers and bathrooms available. Ulua Beach: This beautiful sandy beach is a popular scuba and snorkeling spot. Park at the Ulua Beach Parking Lot and walk to the left (south). If you stay to the right (north side) of the beach, the trees provide shade and block the afternoon tradewinds. Showers and bathrooms are available here. Wailea Beach: A beautiful stretch of beach in front of the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea Resorts. It tends to get less windy here, so it is a better bet if you are heading out late or doing an afternoon beach day. If you have time, take a walk through the grounds and lobby of the Grand Wailea. It’s a beautiful resort. There’s also a snack bar in front of the Four Seasons and a little Café in the Grand Wailea if you get hungry. They have showers and bathrooms. Palauea Beach: (aka White Rock Beach): A beautiful hidden cove with a soft white sandy beach tucked between luxury oceanfront estates. It’s less windy here than on other beaches in the afternoons. There’s excellent snorkeling on the left side of the beach. DO NOT snorkel alone here (or anywhere)! Be aware there are no showers. You will see cars parked on the side of the road and an opening through the trees to the beach. Enter at the opening near the porta-potty. Po’olenalena Beach A favorite local beach. This is a beautiful long sandy beach with lots of shade. To the right is a little trail leading to a secluded, clothing-optional beach. There’s great snorkeling on the right side. There are no showers here. Maluaka Beach: You can park at either the north end or the south end. Both require a little walk from the parking lot. To part at the north end,yYou will pass by the beautiful Keawalai Church, and the beach parking lot will be on your left. Walk south down the road to access the beach. The south entrance is a little tricky to find, but it’s worth it. Once parked at the lot at the top, you’ll walk down a paved path to the beautiful overlook and beach. This side has a lovely shaded grassy area that is perfect for picnics. Both sides have good snorkeling. Showers and bathrooms are available. Oneuli Beach (aka Black Sand Beach): Right before you get to the large cone-shaped hill in Makena, you will see a small dirt road on the right side that leads to this beach. Not much of a beach and not really good for swimming, but it can have good snorkeling when the wind and waters are calm. It’s worth a stop to take some pictures. There are no showers or bathrooms. Makena State Park (Big Beach): One of Maui’s most famous beaches—it’s pictured in every calendar of Hawaii. This is a long white beautiful sandy beach. Although beautiful to hang out at, DO NOT let your kids or anyone who is not a very strong swimmer go in the ocean here. The waters are very rough, with powerful rip currents and extremely strong shore breaks. Once you walk down the trail to the beach, you will see a steep trail leading up the side of the hill on the right that offers a great view/photo of Big Beach below it. This trail leads to clothing-optional Little Beach, a beautiful little cove with great bodyboarding but not suitable for children! Port-o-potty, no showers. There is also a second parking lot past the first one that tends to be less crowded. Please be aware that Makena State Park is now subject to paid parking. Park visitors can pay for parking upon arrival at the parking kiosks or online. If you don’t want to pay for parking, you can pass this lot, and you will see cars parked on the side of the road at what locals call Thirds (the third entrance to Big Beach). This beach is mostly used by locals. Insider Tip: On the road to Big Beach, you will pass several coconut and fresh fruit stands. Always ask how much something costs BEFORE you buy it. We have heard the vendors charge tourists as much as $32 for a couple of coconuts and cut-up mango, while locals pay much less. Pa’ako Beach (Aka Secret Beach or Wedding Beach): This is a must-see beach, but it is hard to find. A small entryway in a large lava rock wall leads to this beautiful little beach and cove. It’s featured in Hawaii calendars and many photographs in galleries throughout the island. There are no facilities, and the water is usually rough. But it’s a great place to hang out for a while and take some beautiful pictures. The sunlight in the morning is best. In the late afternoon, you might catch the start of a sunset wedding. Lava Fields to La Perouse Bay: If you continue south, you will drive right through a lava field to what seems like the end of the world—or at least the end of the road in South Maui. Please be aware that the road is a bit rocky and can be rough on small or compact cars. When you get to the end of the road, turn right to the shoreline to the parking lot that leads to beautiful Le Perouse Bay. You can hike a shoreline trail that passes a small blowhole and leads to a small sandy beach, but there are sharp lava rocks along the route, and it can get very hot and windy. Bring lots of water and sunblock. It’s not a great hike for small children. |