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15 Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei (+ Snorkeling Spots)

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If you’re never been to Maui before, chances are Wailea is exactly what you think Maui will be like – manicured and lush, quiet and luxurious with gorgeous beaches and all the trappings of “vacationland.”

Yes, some of the most posh beach resorts in Hawaii are strung like jewels along the coast here, but it’s really all because of…the beaches. 

Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei

While all of the Hawaiian Islands have spectacular beaches, Maui is known for having the MOST. Unlike other islands where a lot of the best beaches are hard to find or don’t have the best swimming conditions, Maui beaches are plentiful, very accessible, and overall very good for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie boarding. 

And the beaches on Maui’s south side are some of the island’s best. This is the driest and sunniest part of the island so beach going conditions are ideal and from Kihei through Wailea down to Makena, the sandy beaches are almost continuous. 

Throw in some pretty magnificent snorkeling spots, plenty of water activities, and everything other kind of activity and amenity you could possibly want on vacation, and you’re never going to want to leave ; )

Here’s the rundown of what you’ll find in this post (in order):

  • Wailea beaches (including best snorkeling spots/walkable beaches/convenient parking, etc.)
  • Beaches & snorkeling spots south of Wailea (through Makena to the end of the road)
  • Kihei beaches 
  • Where to get snorkeling gear (& rent stand up paddle boards, etc.)

Before I get into specific beaches, here’s something to know: There are NO PRIVATE BEACHES IN HAWAII. Yep, even those gorgeous beaches flanked with swanky beach resorts are open to the public. If there are resorts (or homes) built in front of the beaches, they’re required by law to provide a public access point to the beach. But that doesn’t mean they’re always super easy to find ; ) 

Best Beaches in Wailea

These beaches aren’t ranked in any sort of “best to worst” order (like there’s a worst!) but I’m going to start with the northernmost beach in Wailea and work south towards Makena and the end of the road. 

Ulua & Mokapu Beach

Ulua Beach & Mokapu Beach sit at the north end of Wailea and of all of the “resort beaches” in Wailea, these are my favorites. 

They’re technically two beaches, but they share a parking lot and amenities and are pretty much connected. 

The snorkeling and diving here is great (a lot of diving companies take people right out from the beach). Ulua Beach (the beach to the north in front of the Andaz) is one of my favorite places to snorkel in Wailea. 

The reef is kind of protected and there are enough people from the resort taking advantage of the free snorkel gear that it always feels safe to me (I find safety in numbers in the ocean ; )

A good rule of thumb is to be finished snorkeling here by about 11 AM when it starts to get windy and the water gets choppy.

 

I also love this beach because it’s pretty long and there’s plenty of room to spread out. I think because the Andaz sits on Ulua Beach (the northern beach), most of the local beachgoers favor Mokapu Beach (the southern beach), but Ulua is actually a much longer beach and connects to Keawakapu Beach (you could walk all the way to Kihei on this beach!) and it’s one of the best beaches in Hawaii if you like long walks on the beach. 

Ulua/Mokapu is also the northern edge of the Wailea Beach Walk. This coastal trail runs all the way from here south to Polo Beach. So another good option if you like to walk!

To find Ulua/Mokapu…the public parking lot and beach access (where the restrooms/showers are) is off Wailea Alanui Drive between the Andaz and the Wailea Elua Village. It’s vaguely marked with an arrow on a black granite sign on the street but it’s just south of the driveway for the Andaz. 

Wailea Beach

Home to some of the island’ s most famous luxury beach resorts, Wailea is a laid back and lovely beach. 

The beach is wide, if not long, and the water is perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. 

The Four Seasons and the Grand Wailea both sit on Wailea Beach and while the Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott) isn’t beachfront, they also have chair and umbrella set up on Wailea Beach. Sometimes there’s an independent company renting out set ups for the day near the public entrance. 

If you’re looking for a deserted beach, this isn’t it but I personally never think it feels too crowded. There’s also a LOT of public parking available. 

The public parking lot and beach access for Wailea Beach is between the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons. Once you turn off Wailea Alanui Drive and go down the hill, you’ll see that there’s a second overflow parking area down there closer to the Grand Wailea. 

Polo Beach

One beach south from Wailea Beach, and the end (or the beginning depending on how you look at it) of the Wailea Beach Walk, Polo beach is a nice wide cove beach. 

The sand is golden and the water is perfect for swimming but it tends to get windy in the afternoons. 

The Fairmont Kea Lani sits on Polo Beach along with some condos. 

To find the public parking lot (where you’ll also find restrooms and showers) turn off of Wailea Alanui Drive just south of the Fairmont onto Kaukahi St. Drive down Kaukahi St until it ends and turn right into the parking lot. 

White Rock

Officially called Palauea Beach, this is a lesser-known Wailea beach more popular with locals since there are no resorts on it and therefore fewer crowds. 

The beach is gorgeous and perfect for swimming. 

To find it, turn just south of the Fairmont (same place as Polo Beach) but turn left at the end of Kaukahi St onto Makena Road. Drive a ways until you see cars parked on one side of the street and you’ve found it. You’ll have to park on the side of the street and find a path between the houses to get to the beach. Wear shoes because the kiawe thorns are brutal on the path. There aren’t any amenities here.

For all of you whale spotters…one February I was laying out on this beach with a bunch of friends and several whales came up and started breaching right off shore! We felt the ground moving before we even spotted them!

***Want to save major $$$ on a fancy beach resort? My favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free nights at some of the island’s most high end resorts. My go to hotel brand is Marriott so I use this Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card to rack up points for a lot of my trips to Hawaii. If you pay for your monthly expenses on the card and are responsible about paying it off every month, the points add up really fast. Plus, if you sign up through my link, you’ll get THREE bonus free nights to use. On Maui, use your points at some of my favorite Marriott properties like the Wailea Beach Resort, Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Westin Maui, and Sheraton Maui.

TURTLE TOWN

If you’ve done much research at all about snorkeling on Maui, you’ve probably heard about Turtle Town. There are some underground caves offshore in this area (plus a lot of algae that they feed on) that attract a large number of turtles so it’s pretty reliable to spot them swimming in the area. A lot of the Molokini snorkel boats make a stop offshore in the area for snorkelers, but if you know where to go you can snorkel in the area from the beach too. 

In general, “Turtle Town” is roughly the area of Makena Bay from Makena Landing Park (on the north end) to Maluaka Beach (on the south end). And the two best access points are at Makena Landing and Maluaka Beach. 

The turtles swim around so there’s always a good chance of spotting one wherever you are, but for the best odds you’re going to want to swim out away from shore a bit. 

It’s not necessarily unsafe and a lot of people snorkel in this area on their own, but I would recommend staying a little closer to shore than you see the people snorkeling on the boats maybe unless you have a paddleboard. I’m also generally a fan of wearing a flotation belt when you’re snorkeling (especially if you’re not on a tour), and of course making sure there’s somebody on the shore who is tracking where you are. 

If it were me, I would enter the water at Makena Landing and swim a bit south/away from the shore from there. It’s a fairly protected area and there’s often other snorkelers there. Also, you could sit and wait for a snorkel boat to pull up and swim over to check out what they’re looking at. 

Here are directions for getting to both Makena Landing and Maluaka Beach: 

Makena Landing

Drive south from Wailea (past the Fairmont Kea Lani) and Wailea Alanui Drive will turn into Makena Alanui Road. Take a right onto Makena Road just past the Makena Surf Resort and follow that road until you come to Makena Landing Beach Park. You’ll know it when you see the boat ramp. 

Maluaka Beach

If you’re driving south, turn right onto Makena road (you’ll see signs for the landing) and continue on until you see a parking lot on your left. The beach access is actually a few hundred feet past the parking lot on your right. There’s a drop off area right at the beach so you can unload everything and then send someone back to park if you think it’s too far to walk. 

Once on the beach, enter the water and snorkel north towards the rocks and reefs.

Besides looking for turtles, Maluaka Beach is a gorgeous beach to spend the day. They’ve been doing a ton of construction in the area (they’re turning the former Makena Beach and Golf Resort into some kind of vacation club owners resort), but if you want great snorkeling AND a fabulous sandy beach to hang out on, this is your spot. 

Big Beach

Also called Makena State Park, or sometimes Makena Beach, this is one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. It’s a long stretch of golden/white sand with beautiful blue water. There’s a strong shore break here (as the life guards will often remind you) so be careful when entering and exiting the water. 

At the far north end of Big Beach, there’s a rock formation you can climb up (the views are amazing!) and over to get to Little Beach which has the reputation for being a nude beach/party beach with locals. 

Before you reach the main parking lot for the State Park (at the north end), there’s a turn off for Oneuli Beach which is technically a black sand beach, but probably not the kind you’re thinking of. 

There are two parking lots at Makena State Park (and usually a few food trucks) and no restrooms or showers but there are porta-potties. 

In April 2021, entrance AND parking fees were introduced (although reservations are not required). $10/car to park plus $5/person (under 3 are free) to enter. Fees are paid at the pay station in the parking lot. 

I understand the reasoning for charging for parking and entry to some of the state parks in Hawaii, and I also understand that you might be hesitant to pay to go to a beach when there is an abundance of free beaches in the area. Totally get it. But I will say that Big Beach is hands down the most beautiful beach on Maui and I think climbing up the rocks at the north end to see the overlook is a don’t miss. But you decide. 

Secret Beach

Also called Pa’ako Beach, Secret Cove, and Makena Cove, this is where 98.9% of the weddings on Maui happen. Just kidding, but it seems like it sometimes. 

This tiny postage stamp of a beach is the first “shoreline access” sign you’ll see after you pass Big Beach headed south. There’s limited street parking in the area. 

It requires climbing down a little path to get to it, so it feels like a “secret” once you find it. Makena Cove is lovely (although very small) but the “secret beach” is actually around the corner to the right. You’ll need water shoes to climb along the lava rocks to get there but once you do, you’ll usually have it all to yourself. And from there you can keep making your way north and you’ll connect to the south end of Big Beach. 

Ahihi Kinau Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is one of my favorite spots in Maui. If you drive south from Wailea through Makena, the road eventually opens up so that you’re literally driving right by the water, passing the most inviting little coves with clear water, golden sand, and plenty of lava and coral formations. 

If you’re an inexperienced snorkeler, or you have small children, this is an ideal spot to get in the water. It’s super shallow and very protected from the ocean. It’s more like swimming in a man made lagoon but tropical fish, and even the occasional sea turtle, are very prevalent here. The only tricky part is parking. You’ll have to squeeze off the road somewhere (watch the signs!) but once you find a spot, you’ll be snorkeling just a dozen or so feet from your car!

La Perouse Bay & Lava Fields

I love a good scenic drive, and the drive down to the end of the road through Makena is one of my favorite parts of Maui. You’ll pass through some of Maui’s most high dollar real estate (rumor has it Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler has a place in Makena) where the road hugs the coast just feet from little coves and beaches before you drive through a lava field (from Maui’s most recent volcanic eruption) and end at La Perouse Bay.  

La Perouse Bay is usually a good spot to see spinner dolphins and you’ll find some ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites including heiaui (a temple/altar). It’s also the trailhead for the Hoapili Trail (the most accessible portion of the ancient King’s Highway that circumnavigated the island). 

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

Best Beaches in Kihei

Kamaole I, II, III

These three beaches in the heart of Kihei are some of the most popular on the island. There are no big resorts or hotels on these beaches but they’re a stones throw from about a gazillion condos plus a lot of locals live in Kihei so that accounts for a lot of their popularity. They’re all very accessible (you can see them from the road), have decent parking, have pretty good amenities, and they’re right across the street from plenty of restaurants. The sand at all three is golden and the water is good for swimming. All three beaches have life guards. 

Kam I has a small parking lot at the entrance as well as overflow parking in a dirt lot across the street next to the Texaco. The northern end of Kam I is also called Charlie Young Beach and it’s a favorite with locals because it’s usually less crowded than the main part of the beach (farther from the lifeguards, etc.). There’s parking and a pathway down to Charlie Young Beach on Kaiau St. The best snorkeling around the Kam beaches is up at Charlie Young Beach around the rocks. 

Kam II has the trickiest parking. It’s mostly street parking so it’s a beach that’s more popular with people within walking distance. 

Kam III has the most parking and best amenities of all three Kam beaches. In addition to restrooms and showers, there’s a full playground and a huge lawn with plenty of shade that attracts a lot of locals. It can get crowded on the weekends and holidays, but it also has the most parking available.  

While they’re three distinct beaches, they’re actually all connected. One of my favorite things is to start either at Kam I or Kam II and walk from beach to beach. Each beach is connected with a little path (you don’t need to use the sidewalk up by the road) and there’s a public right of way across the lawn at the Royal Mauian. It’s a fun little scenic walk. 

Keawakapu Beach

This long stretch of sand bridges Kihei and Wailea. The Mana Kai Resort (5 Palms Restaurant) sits at the north end of the beach and there’s a public parking lot and access on Kilohana Drive (also a shower). It’s a long beach and it’s mostly fronted by houses so it never feels very crowded. This beach is perfect for sunset strolls. It also has some nice lava beds perfect for beach combing. The beach is so long that it actually connects to Mokapu (where the Andaz Maui sits) on the south end. 

Where to Rent Snorkeling Gear/SUP, etc. 

Snorkeling excursions will supply you with gear (mask, snorkel, and fins) but you’ll need to bring sunscreen and a towel.

If you’re interested in buying a set, Costco usually has pretty nice sets at a reasonable price. But if you buy a set, please take it back home with you. Snorkeling gear isn’t the kind of thing that most visitors like to pass along. Leaving boogie boards, chairs, umbrellas, etc. is usually welcomed at condos and by people staying at resorts. But nobody wants your used snorkel gear so if you leave it behind there’s a good chance it will end up in the landfill. 

If you’re looking to rent gear for the duration of your trip, try Boss Frog or Snorkel Bob’s. They have several locations on the island and will include a mesh bag for your gear. Their rentals usually start as cheap as a couple of dollars a day, but they have more high end options too if you’re a more experienced snorkeler/diver (better quality than what you can buy at Costco/Walmart/Target). 

If you’re staying at a resort, most will rent gear by the hour or half hour and some include an hour or two a day in their resort fee. 

Each resort in Wailea has rentals for paddle boards and snorkel gear plus usually some different tour options to get you out and enjoying life on and under the water. 

Most resorts also offer rides in outrigger canoes (sometimes they’re complimentary for hotel guests if you sign up in advance). 

And even if you’re not staying at one of the resorts, you’ll still be able to rent gear from the different vendors. 

I’ll drop some photos below from different vendors at the resorts along the beach walk. 

Want to read more? Don’t miss some of my most popular (and favorite) posts about Maui:

If you’re trying to figure out where to stay, you’re going to want to read up on Wailea vs Kaanapali to decide on which side of the island and then My Favorite Hotels on Maui and Where to Find Condos on Maui for specific recommendations.

If you’re looking at staying in Wailea (South Maui), I’ve got a TON of posts. Start with All of the Wailea Resorts Ranked and then read reviews for Four Seasons Maui, Andaz Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani, and Wailea Beach Resort plus comparison for Four Seasons vs Andaz Maui and Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort. And I’ve got info on the, the Best Restaurants in Wailea, the Best Breakfast in Wailea & Kihei, the Best Luaus in Wailea

If you’re trying to put together an itinerary full of the best things to do on Maui, take a look at my best 4 Day Maui Itinerary and My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary, plus roundups of Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui, Things to Do Upcountry, the Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei, My Favorite Things to Do in South Maui, and a full review of Mama’s Fish House (my favorite restaurant in Hawaii). 

And last but not least tips for some of Maui’s best adventures like Road to Hana Tips, Driving the Backside of the Road to Hana, Tips for Sunrise at Haleakala National Park, Where to See Turtles on Maui, Snorkeling Molokini Crater, and Whale Watching. And everything you need to know BEFORE you go to Maui

 

Sav

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