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South Maui Region
Location: South Maui
It's rare to find an unoccupied beach in south Maui, but that's just what is likely to happen when you visit Po'olenalena (also known as Paipu Beach, Pepeiaolepo Beach, Love Beach, Keauhou Beach or Makena Surf Beach). Po'olenalena is excellent for swimming since its sandy shores slope gently into the water. The lava rocks at each end of the beach make for great snorkeling - but please remember, do not touch or step on the coral or feed the fish. These things disrupt the natural balance of this delicate habitat.
Both entrances to the beach have paved parking lots. The first is just past Wailea Gold Club Drive on Makena Alanui south of Wailea. The second entrance is less than a mile down the road and is much smaller but has showers. There is no lifeguard on duty.
It's rare to find an unoccupied beach in south Maui, but that's just what is likely to happen when you visit Po'olenalena (also known as Paipu Beach, Pepeiaolepo Beach, Love Beach, Keauhou Beach or Makena Surf Beach). Po'olenalena is excellent for swimming since its sandy shores slope gently into the water. The lava rocks at each end of the beach make for great snorkeling - but please remember, do not touch or step on the coral or feed the fish. These things disrupt the natural balance of this delicate habitat.
Both entrances to the beach have paved parking lots. The first is just past Wailea Gold Club Drive on Makena Alanui south of Wailea. The second entrance is less than a mile down the road and is much smaller but has showers. There is no lifeguard on duty.
Location: South Maui
Also known as Oneloa Beach (its true Hawaiian name) or Makena Beach*, Big Beach is probably one of the prettiest beaches on Mau‘i, certainly south Mau‘i. It is nearly 2/3 mile long and over 100 feet wide. The gorgeous sand and pristine waters attract snorkelers, swimmers and sunbathers. As with most beaches on Mau‘i, pay attention to the rip tides. Enter the water where the locals are; they know what they are doing. You can also get great views of Molokini and Kaho‘olawe.
If you look to your right you will notice a large hill. This is 360-foot Pu’u Ola’i, the legendary spot of a violent eruption before the one in 1790. Because of its location near the ocean, the pressure from the cool water and hot flowing lava built up massive pressure, resulting in a powerful explosion that propelled lava high into the air. The lava eventually fell and formed Pu’u Ola’i. Porta potties and picnic tables are available. Makena Beach is accessible via a short road at mile marker 4 on Makena Alanui Road and another access just past mile marker 4 in South Maui. Big Beach is connected on the right by a small path over the hill and lava to Little Beach which is a favorite spot for nude sunbathers.
*Makena Beach is actually just north of Oneloa (Big) Beach, but the name has seemingly stuck and the beach is often referred to by this name as well.
Also known as Oneloa Beach (its true Hawaiian name) or Makena Beach*, Big Beach is probably one of the prettiest beaches on Mau‘i, certainly south Mau‘i. It is nearly 2/3 mile long and over 100 feet wide. The gorgeous sand and pristine waters attract snorkelers, swimmers and sunbathers. As with most beaches on Mau‘i, pay attention to the rip tides. Enter the water where the locals are; they know what they are doing. You can also get great views of Molokini and Kaho‘olawe.
If you look to your right you will notice a large hill. This is 360-foot Pu’u Ola’i, the legendary spot of a violent eruption before the one in 1790. Because of its location near the ocean, the pressure from the cool water and hot flowing lava built up massive pressure, resulting in a powerful explosion that propelled lava high into the air. The lava eventually fell and formed Pu’u Ola’i. Porta potties and picnic tables are available. Makena Beach is accessible via a short road at mile marker 4 on Makena Alanui Road and another access just past mile marker 4 in South Maui. Big Beach is connected on the right by a small path over the hill and lava to Little Beach which is a favorite spot for nude sunbathers.
*Makena Beach is actually just north of Oneloa (Big) Beach, but the name has seemingly stuck and the beach is often referred to by this name as well.
Location: South Maui
This underused but beautiful beach is located on Makena Alanui Road in South Maui right next to Makena Beach. Oneuli means "dark sands" which aptly describes the beach's salt and pepper mixture of black and white sand. After years of abuse from the ocean waves, the nearby Pu'u Ola'i Cinder Cone's deposits were ground into black sand and washed up on the beach. Combine that with crushed seashells and you have a lovely mixture.
One of the highlights of this beach is the snorkeling. A large lava shelf off shore makes swimming conditions not ideal, but the coral-filled bay makes up for it. This is a favorite location for honu (green sea turtles) and occasionally manta rays and small sharks. The best locations for snorkeling and scuba diving are at the north end of the beach following the length of the beach. During calm seas you may be able to snorkel all the way around the cinder cone, but be mindful of currents and come up to check if you are still on track. This is also a good place to launch a kayak.
This underused but beautiful beach is located on Makena Alanui Road in South Maui right next to Makena Beach. Oneuli means "dark sands" which aptly describes the beach's salt and pepper mixture of black and white sand. After years of abuse from the ocean waves, the nearby Pu'u Ola'i Cinder Cone's deposits were ground into black sand and washed up on the beach. Combine that with crushed seashells and you have a lovely mixture.
One of the highlights of this beach is the snorkeling. A large lava shelf off shore makes swimming conditions not ideal, but the coral-filled bay makes up for it. This is a favorite location for honu (green sea turtles) and occasionally manta rays and small sharks. The best locations for snorkeling and scuba diving are at the north end of the beach following the length of the beach. During calm seas you may be able to snorkel all the way around the cinder cone, but be mindful of currents and come up to check if you are still on track. This is also a good place to launch a kayak.
Location: South Maui
Little Beach in South Maui is the unofficial place to relax and bare it all. Even with the clothing-optional reputation, Little Beach, which is adjacent to Makena (Big) Beach, is often as packed as it's larger brother. This is a good spot to body surf as well as swim and snorkel when the surf is calm.
If the surf is high, the waves can really pound you, so stay out of the water. If you do enter, watch where the locals go because they know the terrain. There is a strong off shore current that should be avoided by inexperienced swimmers. Theft is generally not a problem at this beach, but your car parked at Makena Beach is. Don't leave anything valuable in your car (even the trunk). Sometimes long term "campers" in tents set up shop on this beach which can be an unpleasant experience. There are no facilities.
Little Beach in South Maui is the unofficial place to relax and bare it all. Even with the clothing-optional reputation, Little Beach, which is adjacent to Makena (Big) Beach, is often as packed as it's larger brother. This is a good spot to body surf as well as swim and snorkel when the surf is calm.
If the surf is high, the waves can really pound you, so stay out of the water. If you do enter, watch where the locals go because they know the terrain. There is a strong off shore current that should be avoided by inexperienced swimmers. Theft is generally not a problem at this beach, but your car parked at Makena Beach is. Don't leave anything valuable in your car (even the trunk). Sometimes long term "campers" in tents set up shop on this beach which can be an unpleasant experience. There are no facilities.
Location: South Maui
This protected bay makes it a haven for fish of all kinds and an excellent spot for snorkeling, but the area has become another victim of popular guidebooks.
Ahihi Kina'u is actually a natural area reserve, not a recreational park. Many of the hikes are over treacherous, barren, hot and remote a'a lava and through sensitive land of historical and ecological nature. As a result there has been a lot of damage to archaeological sites. The fragile anchialine pools, home to unique species of brine shrimp endemic to Maui, have been threatened by visitors who have actually swam in them, leaving behind their sunscreen on the water.
The bay is relatively shallow, less than 15 feet, or about 100 feet from shore. The bay gradually gets deeper, but not more than about 25 or 35 feet. Snorkeling off to the left (east) shows off the extensive coral formations. There are sand trenches and shallow caves in convoluted canyons near the shore. A little further out, where the coral has fewer deep cuts, are numerous Hawaiian Green Sea turtles. Please do NOT touch any of the turtles, as you can deliver infections to them through human-touch. Large tarpon have been seen, often being mistaken for a small shark.
When the waves come directly into the bay it is too dangerous to snorkel. The bay is very shallow and there are large rocks all over the place. The current isn't too bad until you get way outside the bay. Parking is a bit far away from the bay, so do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended.
That all said, we advise people show some aloha and skip this location.
This protected bay makes it a haven for fish of all kinds and an excellent spot for snorkeling, but the area has become another victim of popular guidebooks.
Ahihi Kina'u is actually a natural area reserve, not a recreational park. Many of the hikes are over treacherous, barren, hot and remote a'a lava and through sensitive land of historical and ecological nature. As a result there has been a lot of damage to archaeological sites. The fragile anchialine pools, home to unique species of brine shrimp endemic to Maui, have been threatened by visitors who have actually swam in them, leaving behind their sunscreen on the water.
The bay is relatively shallow, less than 15 feet, or about 100 feet from shore. The bay gradually gets deeper, but not more than about 25 or 35 feet. Snorkeling off to the left (east) shows off the extensive coral formations. There are sand trenches and shallow caves in convoluted canyons near the shore. A little further out, where the coral has fewer deep cuts, are numerous Hawaiian Green Sea turtles. Please do NOT touch any of the turtles, as you can deliver infections to them through human-touch. Large tarpon have been seen, often being mistaken for a small shark.
When the waves come directly into the bay it is too dangerous to snorkel. The bay is very shallow and there are large rocks all over the place. The current isn't too bad until you get way outside the bay. Parking is a bit far away from the bay, so do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended.
That all said, we advise people show some aloha and skip this location.
Location: South Maui
Haleakala’s last display can be seen on Mau‘i’s southeast shore at La Perouse Bay. Scientists estimate that in 1790 Haleakala erupted to form the jagged lava rock coastline. Now there is a monument and ruins of Hawaiian natives who made their home on the sharp a’a lava rock.
La Perouse is the end of the road, literally, in south Mau‘i. It is located at mile marker 7 at the very end of Makena Alanui Road. From Kihei take Piilani Hwy south to Wailea. Turn right on Wailea Iki road and bear left on to Wailea Alanui Road which turns into Makena Alanui. Look carefully around you as you drive between mile markers 5.5 and 7. On either side you should see fields of a’a littering the landscape.
Haleakala’s last display can be seen on Mau‘i’s southeast shore at La Perouse Bay. Scientists estimate that in 1790 Haleakala erupted to form the jagged lava rock coastline. Now there is a monument and ruins of Hawaiian natives who made their home on the sharp a’a lava rock.
La Perouse is the end of the road, literally, in south Mau‘i. It is located at mile marker 7 at the very end of Makena Alanui Road. From Kihei take Piilani Hwy south to Wailea. Turn right on Wailea Iki road and bear left on to Wailea Alanui Road which turns into Makena Alanui. Look carefully around you as you drive between mile markers 5.5 and 7. On either side you should see fields of a’a littering the landscape.
Location: South Maui
Palauea, means "lazy" which is exactly how you'll want to be once you reach this lovely south Maui beach. Located off Makena Road, this medium sized beach is underused. The snorkeling and scuba are excellent here. Rock formations on either side of the beach are good snorkeling spots while the south end of the beach with all its rock formations is best for diving. Since Palauea is a recessed bay, it does not get as windy as some other south Maui beaches.
There are no facilities or life guard at this beach. If the waves are pounding, stay out of the bay. Never leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach.
Palauea, means "lazy" which is exactly how you'll want to be once you reach this lovely south Maui beach. Located off Makena Road, this medium sized beach is underused. The snorkeling and scuba are excellent here. Rock formations on either side of the beach are good snorkeling spots while the south end of the beach with all its rock formations is best for diving. Since Palauea is a recessed bay, it does not get as windy as some other south Maui beaches.
There are no facilities or life guard at this beach. If the waves are pounding, stay out of the bay. Never leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach.
Location: South Maui
Shady, sandy and safe for the kids - Maluaka seems like the ideal Maui beach. This beach fronts the Maui Prince Hotel off Makena Road in South Maui.
At the south end of the beach, there is excellent snorkeling, and good diving a bit further out. At the north end of the beach there is decent snorkeling, but it is a bit shallow for diving.
As with most beach in the islands, if the surf is crashing, stay out of the water. Rip tides and strong currents pose a genuine threat. There is no full time lifeguard. Parking is just past the Maui Prince Hotel. Do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach. There is a second parking lot near the Keawala'i Church but it is kind of isolated. The showers and restrooms are at the parking lot across the street from the church.
Shady, sandy and safe for the kids - Maluaka seems like the ideal Maui beach. This beach fronts the Maui Prince Hotel off Makena Road in South Maui.
At the south end of the beach, there is excellent snorkeling, and good diving a bit further out. At the north end of the beach there is decent snorkeling, but it is a bit shallow for diving.
As with most beach in the islands, if the surf is crashing, stay out of the water. Rip tides and strong currents pose a genuine threat. There is no full time lifeguard. Parking is just past the Maui Prince Hotel. Do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach. There is a second parking lot near the Keawala'i Church but it is kind of isolated. The showers and restrooms are at the parking lot across the street from the church.
Location: South Maui
Charley Young Beach is a sheltered 3-mile park at the north end of Kamaole I Beach in Kihei. You can dig your toes into the abundance of soft sand at this beach and enjoy the protection from the wind. There is no lifeguard on duty, but there are portable toilets and showers. Parking can be difficult, but the great swimming and surfing are worth the extra effort.
Located at the north end of Kamaole I Beach on South Kihei Road.
Charley Young Beach is a sheltered 3-mile park at the north end of Kamaole I Beach in Kihei. You can dig your toes into the abundance of soft sand at this beach and enjoy the protection from the wind. There is no lifeguard on duty, but there are portable toilets and showers. Parking can be difficult, but the great swimming and surfing are worth the extra effort.
Located at the north end of Kamaole I Beach on South Kihei Road.
Location: South Maui
This small beach is not often used, but just as respectable as some of the others in Wailea. Located behind the Kea Lani Beach Hotel and the Polo Beach Club, it was named after the club. The water is more shallow than most beaches here and has some slippery rocks, but it still offers a good experience. The beach has restrooms, a shower, picnic tables and BBQ grills. Snorkeling can also be good.
Whale watching at this beach during the humpback whale season is good. There is an excellent view of Molokini with Kaho'olawe behind it, and of course, the channel where the whales like to swim.
Weather is really the only issue on this beach. When the trade winds pick up in the afternoon, a strong current can develop off shore. The parking lot is fairly safe, but don't leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach.
This small beach is not often used, but just as respectable as some of the others in Wailea. Located behind the Kea Lani Beach Hotel and the Polo Beach Club, it was named after the club. The water is more shallow than most beaches here and has some slippery rocks, but it still offers a good experience. The beach has restrooms, a shower, picnic tables and BBQ grills. Snorkeling can also be good.
Whale watching at this beach during the humpback whale season is good. There is an excellent view of Molokini with Kaho'olawe behind it, and of course, the channel where the whales like to swim.
Weather is really the only issue on this beach. When the trade winds pick up in the afternoon, a strong current can develop off shore. The parking lot is fairly safe, but don't leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach.
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