Kamaole Beach Park
Maui Beaches
Welcome to Kihei’s Best-Kept Secret, Kama'ole Beach Park! Stretch your legs and enjoy the ocean, sea life, and sunsets from the sandy stretches of Kamaole Beaches I, II, and III. Whether you want to see sea turtles and coral reefs, ride the waves, breathe the warm Hawaiian air as you BBQ, or feel the sun on your back, our friendly beach guide will help you do it without worries.
These beaches are a great place to spend a day. They offer beautiful views, unmatched accessibility, facilities, and an environment for a beach outing.
Overview of Kamaole Beach Park
Frequently called by their shortened nicknames (“Kam I,” “Kam II,” and “Kam III”), all three beaches encompass white sand and blue waters. A series of jagged rock formations separates these sandy areas. The first two beaches (Kamaole 1 and Kamaole 2) are the largest and are considered some of the best beaches in Maui for swimming. The third (Kamaole 3) is the smallest and features water most compatible with bodyboarding. While that may not be suitable for the little ones, the third beach boasts a large grassy park perfect for a picnic. You'll find the best snorkeling at the rockiest points. As one of the best snorkeling in Kihei, you’ll likely see the best marine life by the rocky coves.
Directions to Kamaole Beach Park
Kamaole I, II, and III beaches sit consecutively along South Kihei Road. The beaches are within walking distance of each other. Large signs identify each one. Kama'ole Park is located in the town of Kihei and is divided into three distinct beach areas.
To reach Kama'ole Park, take Hwy 31, Piilani Hwy until you reach the Alanui Ke Ali'i traffic light intersection. From there, bear toward the ocean. Continue down this road until it crosses South Kihei Road. Turn left and follow South Kihei Road for less than a mile. Soon you will encounter the beach signs. From there, bear toward the ocean. When driving south on Kihei Road, turn right into the parking lot for Kamaole I Beach Park, located at the center of the beach. Alternatively, you can parallel park on South Kihei Road, closest to Kamaole II or III.
Essential Tips for a Great Kamaole Beach Park Visit
Watch for the large rocks jutting from the ocean when swimming at Kam III. Additionally, unlike Kam I and Kam II, the waves at Kam III are rougher, especially for young children. Thus, pay special attention when swimming there. Kam III is quite popular with the locals, so weekends and holidays can get especially busy.
Kamaole Beach Park Amenities
This family-friendly beach supplies many amenities, including:
- Shopping areas, restaurants, and grocery stores within walking distance
- Condos and hotels close to the shores
- Public restrooms and showers
- Barbecue grills
- Picnic tables and benches
- Grassy area at the south end for picnics and playing.
- Lifeguards on duty
- A raised volleyball net (Kam 1)
- Parking lot
- Playground
- Parking space along Kihei Rd
- Two drinking fountains (Kam 2)
- ADA-accessible ramps from the beach parking to the beach shores (Kam 2)
Family Activities at Kamaole Beach Park
Kamaole Beach Parks offer families many advantages not always found at other Maui beaches—like consistently calm waters and convenient amenities. The large parking area, picnic tables, playground, and shady, grassy lawns create an atmosphere perfect for family fun. Enjoy the sights and sounds of
- Children playing on the grassy area
- Splashing in the mellow water
- Adults sunbathing or lounging
- Watching whales
- Snorkeling to glimpse colorful fish and coral.
All these factors make Kamaole Beach Park quintessential.
Kama'ole I
The three are the most extensive and excellent beaches with fine white sand and great swimming conditions. This is the magical point where Maui's southern coast starts to really throw out all the stops, so to speak, as the sand here is simply remarkable- similar to that found further south in Wailea and Makena. This crescent-shaped slice of paradise is about one-third of a mile long and sits adjacent to Charley Young Beach.
Activities: Bodysurfers should check out the nice shore breaks here. Snorkelers and swimmers will appreciate the ocean's white-sandy bottom. Beach volleyball is a fun game, and you can take lovely long strolls from your accommodation if you stay nearby.
Kama'ole II
Located a little further south along South Kihei Road, you'll find Kama'ole II, the middle child of the Kamaole Beaches Park siblings. This beach is similar to Kama'ole I, but it is a tad smaller, at just under a third of a mile long from end to end.
Activities: This beach has its best snorkeling at the rocks that frame both ends of the beach. In comparison, swimmers will enjoy the entire length of its nice sandy bottom. Families will also enjoy swimming, picnicking, paddle boarding, and bodyboarding.
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Kama'ole III
In thinking of these beaches as siblings, let's call Kama'ole III the family's black sheep. The beach is beautiful, but it differs from I and II. First, it is much smaller, and this beach is only a little over a hundred yards long. Second, it has rocky areas along with several parts of the beach. Waves crash onto the rocks, sending vast water splashes into the air and making for an excellent show!
Activities: Families and groups can picnic, fly kites, or relax on the grassy expanse. A new playground provides entertainment for children. For boogie-boarding, the break can get quite large during south swells. Follow the coastal trail on the beach's southern end for bird-watchers to witness native u'au kani (wedge-tailed shearwaters) nesting in their coastal dunes.
Nearby Attractions and Sights
Maui Ocean Center: A trip to the newly renovated Sanctuary Visitor Center, located in Kīhei on Maui's south shore, will allow visitors to learn about Hawaiian's efforts to protect humpback whales, monk seals, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and coral reefs.
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge: Kealia Pond is a wildlife enthusiast. Bird watchers and nature lovers will discover great wonders at this coastal natural wetland & bird sanctuary in Kīhei. Coots, stilts, ducks, and black-crowned night herons make Kealia Pond their home. A visitor center & tranquil boardwalk with wildlife views ensure a beautiful time.
Kihei Kalama Village: Unwind in Kihei Kalama Village, where the pace slows to a tropical grove, and the breeze tingles the skin. From breakfast to dinner, find 14 restaurants featuring a variety of international and local cuisines. You can also purchase great souvenirs, arts and crafts, and handcrafted gifts from cool vendors.
Snorkel Trip to Molokini Crater: Molokini's partially submerged volcanic crater forms a small islet between Maui and Kaho'olawe. The crater is home to a protected, diverse ecosystem, including about 250 marine species. Molokini Crater's clear, cobalt-blue waters are brimming with exotic and colorful marine animals. Snorkelers are sure to enjoy spotting interesting sealife like bluefin trevally, yellow tangs, black triggerfish, raccoon butterflyfish, Moorish idols, parrotfish, and even manta rays. You can catch a snorkeling tour from Makena, Kihei, and Maalaea Harbor. We strongly recommend not leaving this area without experiencing Kihei snorkeling, especially Molokini Crater.
