Maui Living!

South Maui Beaches

Ulua Beach

Ulua Beach sits directs in front of Elua Village Resort and just to the north of the Wailea Marriott.  Ulua and the adjacent Mokapu Beach share the same driveway, parking area, bathhouse, and outdoor showers.  As you face the ocean, Ulua Beach is on the left, and seems to be more popular than Mokapu Beach.  There is a lava outcropping at the north end of Ulua Beach, which makes for good snorkeling in the early morning hours.  Ulua is a great sandy, swimming, and boogie boarding beach and is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.  Ulua Beach is also the beginning of the famous "beach walk" which runs all the way from Ulua Beach to the Kealani Resort-about 3/4 of a mile. This is a paved walkway and is a fabulous walk anytime of day~but especially toward sunset.  Ulua Beach offers plenty of parking, restroom facilities, and outdoor showers. 

Cautions:

Monitor ocean conditions carefully.  Strong currents and high surf may occur at any time.  Rock hazards are present.  Obey all postings and warnings.  No lifeguard.

Keawakapu Beach

This is a beautiful beach with lots of sand on shore and in the water making for great swimming. Few tourists visit this beach as large homes front the beach area and make access more difficult to locate. Because this beach is located on Maui's driest coast, you are almost guaranteed of a sunny day here.

Services and Amenities

• No lifeguard

• Showers are located at the north entrance to the beach

• Sandy beach

• Good swimming

• Fair snorkeling and diving

• Occasional high surf

• Zack's Deli & General Store at entrance to the beach

Cautions:

Always monitor ocean conditions closely. Occasional high surf and strong currents may occur. Obey all warnings and postings. Use public access walkways and stay off of private property.

Big Beach...Maui's Prince of Beaches

Arguably the finest beach on the island of Maui, Big Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

One look at Makena and it's easy to see how this beach got its nickname. This is the largest beach in south Maui, with golden sands extending nearly 2/3 of a mile long and 100 yards wide. Visitors can swim or snorkel in these pristine waters, sunbathe on the expansive sand, or have lunch on a picnic table.

Big Beach is located past Wailea -- an area that tends to be less crowded than other parts of the island. Nestled in between two black-lava outcroppings, the beach offers much desired protection from the trade winds and provides great views of the islands of Molokini and Kahoolawe.

Driving Directions:

From Kihei, head south on Pi'ilani HWY toward Wailea Ike Dr (about 5 miles). Turn right on Wailea Ike Dr. Turn left on Wailea Alanui Dr, continue on Makena Alanui Dr about 2 1/2 miles to marked parking lot with large white boundary stones on left.

Polo Beach

This is a lovely sand and rock beach with clear water for swimming and excellent snorkeling. While in the water, be careful of the slippery rocks. The beach is long and wide with sand dunes located inland. The beach is fronted by the Kea Lani Resort.

Polo Beach's proximity to the Kea Lani Hotel affords beachgoers the opportunity to mingle with guests from the hotel and avail themselves of the hotel's excellent restaurants and bars.

Services and Amenities

• No lifeguard

• Restrooms

• Showers

• Picnic tables

• BBQ grills

• Sandy shoreline

• Grassy area, mini park

• Swimming, snorkeling, diving

• Large, paved parking lot

• Occasional high surf

Cautions:

Always monitor ocean conditions carefully. This area may have high surf and strong currents. Rock hazards are present. Observe all postings and warnings.

Kamaole Beach Parks

Kama'ole Park is divided into three distinct beach areas. Kama'ole I has the largest and loveliest beach of the three with fine white sand and great swimming conditions. There's even a grassy area at the south end for picnics and playing. Kama'ole II is located a little further south and the beach is a little smaller but has also has good swimming. Kama'ole III is very popular with the locals. The waves here are more consistent making it a great place for boogie boarding. The sandy beach is small but it has a large grassy area, perfect for kite flying, picnics, and relaxing.

Services and Amenities

• No lifeguards

• 3 separate beach areas

• Sandy beaches, grassy areas

• Restrooms

• Picnic tables

• Showers

• Good swimming

Cautions: Always monitor ocean conditions carefully. Possibility of high surf and strong currents at times. Obey all postings and warnings.