South Maui is home to many of Maui’s most beautiful beaches, stretching from North Kihei through Wailea to Makena. Each beach has its own character, amenities, and conditions. This guide provides a detailed look at the major south side beaches: descriptions, available facilities, safety tips, parking, and the best activities to enjoy.
Sugar Beach (North Kīhei)
Stretching five miles between Kīhei and Māʻalaea, Sugar Beach is perfect for morning walks and paddleboarding. By the afternoon, strong tradewinds and the right direction make it ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. This undeveloped beach has a secluded feel, bordering the Keālia Pond Wildlife Refuge. Snorkeling is better further south, but the shoreline is excellent for a quiet retreat.
- Amenities: Limited; portable toilets and showers at Haycraft Beach Park and near Kīhei Canoe Club. No lifeguards.
- Parking: Free at Haycraft Beach Park, Kīhei Canoe Club, and Keālia Boardwalk.
- Stay: Sugar Beach Resort is located directly on Sugar Beach, offering miles of sandy shoreline.
Kalama Beach Park – The Cove (Kīhei)
The best beginner surf spot in South Maui, The Cove has gentle, mostly sandy-bottom waves, making it perfect for surfing and paddleboarding lessons. The surrounding Kalama Park has a skatepark, sports courts, and playgrounds, making it great for families.
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and nearby surf shops. No lifeguards.
- Parking: Limited roadside spots; additional spaces in Kalama Park lot.
Charley Young Beach (Kīhei)
Located at the north end of Kama‘ole I, this scenic, quiet cove is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The rocky outcrops provide some casual snorkeling opportunities, and the sunsets here are stunning. It’s a less crowded alternative to the Kama‘ole beaches.
- Amenities: Shower, trash bins, toilet. Full facilities at Kama‘ole I.
- Parking: Small lot off Kaiau Place; additional parking at Kama‘ole I.
- Stay: Kamaole Nalu Resort is within walking distance to Charley Young Beach.
Kama‘ole Beach Parks I, II & III (Kīhei)
The Kama‘ole Beaches offer soft sand, clear water, and family-friendly amenities. Kama‘ole I is the largest, great for swimming and snorkeling. Kama‘ole II has easy access and a long stretch of sand. Kama‘ole III is the rockiest, but it’s got a huge grassy park for picnics.
Back Camera
- Amenities: Lifeguards (all three beaches), restrooms, showers, BBQ grills, picnic tables.
- Parking: Lots at Kama‘ole I & III; street parking for Kama‘ole II.
Keawakapu Beach (Kīhei/Wailea border)
A long, peaceful beach with soft sand, calm waters, and great snorkeling at the north end. It’s a quieter alternative to Wailea’s main beaches, though the area in front of the Mana Kai can get busy.
- Amenities: Showers, restrooms, snorkel rentals at Mana Kai Resort.
- Parking: Three small lots with short walking paths to the beach.
- Stay: Mana Kai Maui Resort is situated right in front of Keawakapu Beach, allowing guests direct beach access.
Ulua Beach (Wailea)
A top snorkeling and scuba beach, Ulua has a small, sandy cove with an easy entry for beginners. It’s a popular scuba training spot with a turtle cleaning station at the second reef. Mornings are calm, but afternoons bring stronger currents.
- Amenities: Showers, restrooms, and a paved walkway connecting to Mokapu Beach.
- Parking: Small lot near the Wailea Beach Walk; fills up early.
- Stay: Wailea Elua Village offers beachfront access to Ulua Beach, providing guests with beautifully landscaped surroundings and proximity to this serene spot.
Mokapu Beach (Wailea)
Adjacent to Ulua Beach, Mokapu is a quiet sandy beach that fronts the Andaz Maui Resort. It’s a great spot for sunbathing and swimming, with good snorkeling near the rocky ends.
- Amenities: Shared showers and restrooms with Ulua Beach. No lifeguards.
- Parking: Small shared lot for Ulua and Mokapu; fills up early.
Wailea Beach (Wailea)
A large, resort-fronted beach with soft sand, gentle waves, and luxury amenities nearby. It’s great for swimming and sunbathing, but crowds are common due to the adjacent Four Seasons and Grand Wailea resorts.
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas. No lifeguards.
- Parking: Public lot off Wailea Alanui Dr; short walk to the beach.
- Stay: Wailea Elua Village provides easy access to Wailea Beach.
Polo Beach (Wailea/Mākena border)
A quiet, family-friendly beach in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani and Polo Beach Club, with good snorkeling along the lava rocks. It’s less crowded than Wailea Beach but still offers resort-like scenery.
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, BBQ grills. No lifeguards.
- Parking: Small lot at the end of Kaukahi St; easy access to the beach.
Palauea Beach (White Rock) (Mākena)
A secluded, undeveloped beach with powdery white sand and great snorkeling near the rocky ends. It’s mostly frequented by locals and those looking for a peaceful spot.
- Amenities: No restrooms, showers, or lifeguards.
- Parking: Roadside parking along Mākena Rd; access via foot trails.
Po‘olenalena Beach (Mākena)
A long, uncrowded beach with golden sand and good snorkeling near the rocky ends. Popular for sunbathing and sunset views.
- Amenities: Portable toilet, shower. No lifeguard.
- Parking: Small dirt lot with short paths to the beach.
Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town) (Mākena)
Known as Turtle Town, Maluaka Beach is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles. The sandy shoreline makes it great for swimming, and it’s usually less crowded than nearby beaches.
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables. No lifeguards.
- Parking: Small lot with additional roadside spaces nearby.
Mākena Beach State Park (Big Beach & Little Beach) (Mākena)
Big Beach is one of Maui’s largest and most scenic beaches, famous for its powerful shorebreak waves, great for bodyboarding, but dangerous for inexperienced swimmers. Just over the hill, Little Beach is a smaller, clothing-optional cove known for its Sunday drum circles.
- Amenities: Portable toilets, picnic tables, showers. Lifeguards at Big Beach.
- Parking: Large paid lots with easy access.
Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach (Mākena)
A secluded black sand beach, Oneʻuli is best for snorkeling and diving rather than lounging, as the sand is coarse and rocky. The offshore reef attracts marine life, making it a good snorkeling spot for experienced swimmers.
- Amenities: No restrooms, showers, or lifeguards.
- Parking: Small dirt lot with a short walk to the beach.
