When one fantasizes about Maui, alluring images of pristine, golden sand beaches, shimmering sunsets, and vibrant coral reefs permeate the imagination. Amazingly, all of those fantasies are common, everyday realities on Maui! The Valley Isle is filled with a diverse array of beaches, from the windswept North Shore to the postcard sand of West Maui and all of the hidden coves in between. All beaches in Hawaii are public, so resorts and multi-million dollar homeowners have to accommodate public access to the shore. For us, we love the accessibility and calm waters of the South Maui beaches. Here are our favorites based on months of cruising up and down South Kihei and Makena Road.
Keawakapu Beach – South Maui’s hidden gem
Nestled on the border of Kihei and Wailea, Keawakapu Beach is an idyllic setting for an afternoon stroll, refreshing swim, and soaking in those stunning Maui sunsets. The beach offers views of the windmills of West Maui, the volcanic crater of Molokini, and the uninhabited island of Kaho’olawe. In Hawaiian, Keawakapu loosely translates into “forbidden cove”, although the only thing mysterious is that from the road, the beach is concealed by residential homes.
There’s a distinctly low-key, relaxed vibe here, with residents walking their dogs in the sand and families riding their boogie boards. Keawakapu is where we go for swimming, for its gentle waves, water clarity, and soft sand. Despite its prime location, it is uncrowded and holds a secluded feel as you meander along its long and narrow shores. Perfect for a romantic walk with your loved one, and a real hidden gem in South Maui!
Local Tip: park along the southern tip in the small parking lot where South Kihei Road ends. This stretch of beach is quieter than the northern tip where the Mana Kai Resort is.
Po’olenalena Beach – a local favorite for lazy lounging
Situated south of the mega-Wailea resorts, Po’olenalena Beach is a favorite among locals to gather for the day. Blessed with huge swaths of golden sand, this is an ideal spot to prop your umbrellas and lay down your coolers. Frequent sights include families barbecuing on the beach to couples posing for their picturesque engagement shots. Grab some beach reading, frosty beverages, and comfortable seating to soak in the sun here!
Local Tip: facing the beach, head towards the right to follow a trail by the rocks leading to a “Hidden Beach” behind. This is a gorgeous secret cove for an even more private beach experience. Fair warning for the modest: given the privacy here, the Hidden Beach is alternatively known for where people let everything hang in their birthday suits.
Maluaka Beach – for close encounters with amazing sea creatures
Nicknamed “Turtle Town” for the prevalence of Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) along both the northern and southern ends, Maluaka Beach is a fantastic beach for relaxed snorkeling. In the water, we’ve come across the aforementioned honu, sting rays, yellow tang, colorful schools of butterflyfish, and a host of other sea creatures that we can’t identify. For us, the tides feel choppier than other South Maui beaches, but don’t let that deter you from hopping in!
The honu are sacred local creatures, as turtles are known for their longevity, wisdom, and persistence. The Hawaiian green sea turtle is the only remaining indigenous reptile in Hawaii, and has been on the Endangered Species List since 1978. Consider this a magical experience when you see one in person, on land or in the sea, and respect the majesty of these beautiful creatures!
Kamaole III Beach Park – for the best sunset perch
Located adjacent to South Kihei Road, the Kamaole III Beach Park is an expansive grassy area where locals come an hour before sunset to set up their beach chairs, grab a drink, and enjoy the finest sunset in South Maui. The three Kamaole Beaches stretching from the ABC Store at Alanui Ke Ali’i to the Kihei Boat Ramp are great, with easy parking access, lifeguards on duty, and plenty of facilities. Only downside to the accessibility is that they can get a little crowded (for Maui standards), given that they’re located right across the street from many large condo properties. Regardless, there’s a reason why they are popular, and this park will provide the most Instagram-worthy sunset pics.
Honorable Mention – Sugar Beach
Stretching miles from Ma’alaea to North Kihei, this narrow, winding beach is the longest beach on Maui. Wherever you are on Sugar Beach, you’re granted sweeping, panoramic views of either West or South Maui. Easily accessible from the road, we like stopping here for a quick jaunt along the ocean. Sugar Beach is a popular local spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers, and if you’re here during the winter months, somewhere you can see a humpback whale from the shore!
Tourist Tip: Enjoy a delicious shaved ice from the legendary Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice Stand, and take your tasty treat across the street to eat at Sugar Beach. We can’t exactly call this spot local, given it’s a favorite of guidebooks everywhere, but it does live up to the hype. Our recommendation is the Lilikoi + Mango flavors, with an addition of Roselani’s gourmet macademia nut ice cream.
Wandering Maui 