The best beaches in Kihei, Maui are often overlooked due to the popularity of other nearby destinations. With over four miles of coastline and breathtaking views, the area is a hidden gem for those looking to escape from crowded beaches. This blog post will take you on a journey through some of the top beach locations in this beautiful part of Hawaii!
Kihei, Maui is located on the southern coast of Maui, Hawaii. This area is known to locals as “Kihei” but it’s also referred to as South Kihei or Lower Kīhei.
We have the 10 Best Beaches in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii listed below. Experience the sand and sun for yourself!
- 10 Best Beaches in Kihei, Maui
- Final Thought
- FAQs
- What’s the difference between a beach and a shoreline?
- How do I get to Charley Young Beach?
- How much does it cost to use the facilities and park at Kalepolepo Beach Park?
- How much does it cost to enter the fishpond?
- Is there food available onsite at any of these locations?
- Is it safe to swim in the ocean here? When should I go?
- How crowded are these beaches? Do I need to bring anything with me?
10 Best Beaches in Kihei, Maui
1. Mokapu Beach Park
Located at the south end of Kīhei, Mokapu Beach Park is a favorite for many locals and visitors. It’s known as one of the best surfing beaches on Maui, although surfboards are prohibited. The waves here can be strong, so swimmers should exercise caution.
Mokapu Beach Park has a lot to offer visitors with amenities including picnic tables and grills, restrooms, showers, lifeguards on duty during the summer months, parking lots and more!
One of Mokapu’s best features is its dark, volcanic sand that’s great for building castles and collecting seashells.
2. Kama’ole
Kama’ole I & II
These two beaches in Kihei are located right next to one another on the South Shore of Maui. Kama’ole Beach Park I is a popular spot with good swimming conditions year round. It’s also known for being a good place to spot sea turtles, so be sure to keep your eyes open! Kama’ole Beach Park II is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts with calm waters and clear visibility all year long.
Kama’ole I & II have amenities including picnic tables, grills, restrooms and showers.
Kama’ole Beach Park III
This third beach in the Kama’ole series is located on South Kihei Road next to the historic Puunoa Point Lighthouse. A popular destination for locals due to its calm conditions year round, swimming here should be safe all season long. The reef located just offshore is a popular spot for snorkeling, with easy access from the beach. Hiking and trails are also available near the beach.
Kama’ole Beach Park III has restrooms and showers, as well as picnic tables and grills for visitors to use during their visit.
3. Keawakapu
One of the most popular beaches in Kihei because it’s home to one of Maui’s best resorts, this stretch of coastline is hard to miss. You’ll find Keawakapu on South Kihei Road, just past mile marker (MM) 11. Swimming here should be safe year round due to its calm conditions and protected location between two points of land; however, some amount of rip currents are present in the area during certain weather patterns so swimmers should always exercise caution.
Keawakapu has a large grassy area with plenty of room for picnics, as well as restrooms and showers located near the resort’s beach front restaurant.
4. Kihei Cove Beach Park
Just south of Keawakapu Beach is Kihei Cove. This secluded little cove offers calm waters and is another favorite spot for snorkeling.
Kihei Cove Beach Park only has one small pavilion with picnic tables and grills available. The beach is a beautiful stretch of sand with white, silky sand perfect for sunbathing and swimming, as well as snorkeling or just relaxing. It’s also been dubbed a good spot to see sea turtles!
Kihei Cove Beach Park has restrooms and showers, but no running water so bring your own drinking water with you.
5. Papalaua Wayside Park
Located just north of the Kīhei town center, Papalaua Wayside Park is a small park offering beach access with calm conditions year round due to its protected location between two points of land. It’s also one of the best beaches in Kihei for spotting sea turtles!
There are no restrooms or showers, as well as picnic tables and grills, at Papalaua Wayside Park.
6. Mokulei’a Beach
Mokuleia Bay is a 45-acre Marine Life conservation district that offers good snorkeling when the ocean is calm during summer, but can be too rough in winter.
Mokuleia Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii. It’s also known as Slaughterhouse beach, which was named after an old slaughterhouse that once operated near this area back when it still had more industry on Oahu island rather than just Honolulu County . The water here has a strong red color due to its iron content and lifeguards are present at any time during open swim hours if you want them too!
7. Oneuli Beach
With a trail leading up to its cinder cone, the only red sand beach off Wailea Alanui Drive in southern Kihei is known for fine-grain sand mixed with dark minerals. From here you can see that this island’s unique coloration comes from eroded lava rocks mixed into ash and volcanic ash over time as well.
A trip to the ocean is like nothing else because there’s no such thing as too far in this world. You can go snorkeling and scuba diving, but be aware that during swells large waves could make it treacherous for your swimming skills or even leaving shore!
8. Charley Young Beach
Located just a few miles south of Kihei town center, Charley Young Beach features excellent snorkeling conditions as well as calm waters that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing!
The waves are always a challenge, but there is something special about those days when you can spend time with family and enjoy some boogie boarding.
The sand is fine and soft, making it a perfect place to take walks or run in the heat of day. The impressive length (600 yards) makes this beach one-of-a kind among others with shorter ones.
This beach does not have any bathrooms or showers. In addition to this there is no running water on site either so bring your own drinking water!
9. Chang’s Beach
The small beach near Kalama Park is a favorite among Maui locals, especially when the South Swell favors surfing.
Summer is one of the best seasons to check out this place, even if you’re not a surfer. The waves are calmer and more consistent during these warmer days!
10. Kalepolepo Beach Park
Located on South Kihei Road just before the intersection of Kūki’o Avenue, Kalepolepo Beach Park is a small shaded park featuring excellent swimming conditions year round due to its protected location. The beach has showers and restrooms available for use as well!
Be sure not to leave behind any valuables or you could be looking at a bad time! The water is still calm during most swells, but the waves are always unpredictable.
The fishpond is a motherlode—a real treasure trove of fresh water sporty Ko’ie’ies that can be enjoyed by visitors, but it’s also off limits to those who don’t have the know-how.
The ancient fishpond of the Hawaiian people is still visible today, not only because it’s one their most treasured cultural sites but also due to its ongoing use by fishermen who rely on this water source.
Final Thought
The beaches in Kihei are great for anyone who loves to swim, snorkel, or just soak up some sun. From the iconic Kalama Beach Park to smaller gems like Pua’a Kahe Point and Kealia Pond, there is something for everyone when it comes to these beautiful Maui beaches.
The ocean is crystal clear and the sand feels like velvet under your feet. There’s no better way to spend a day than exploring these gorgeous beaches in Kihei, Hawaii with family or friends! What are you waiting for? Pack up your swimsuit and head on over to one of these 10 beautiful locations today. You won’t regret it!
FAQs
What’s the difference between a beach and a shoreline?
A beach is where sand accumulates from wave action whereas a shoreline is a transition area. The line that separates these two areas marks the high tide point of water, which changes depending on certain weather conditions such as wind or tides!
How do I get to Charley Young Beach?
Take the Pi’ilani Hwy to South Kihei Road, turn left onto Kūki’o Avenue and follow until you reach Charley Young Rd. Turn right here! The beach is on your right side shortly after turning onto this road.
How much does it cost to use the facilities and park at Kalepolepo Beach Park?
The price of admission varies by beach but costs $0.50 per person or free for those under 13 years old.
How much does it cost to enter the fishpond?
The price is $0.25 for adults and free for children under 13 years old.
Is there food available onsite at any of these locations?
No, but most beaches have nearby restaurants that you can visit before or after your trip! You could even stop at the fishpond on your way out for a fresh fish meal.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean here? When should I go?
Yes, the ocean is safe to swim year-round. The best time of day for swimming varies depending on which beach you are visiting.
How crowded are these beaches? Do I need to bring anything with me?
The beaches vary in terms of how many people visit them on any given day. Some areas like Charley Young Beach or Kealia Pond can be very isolated, while some may find it difficult to park at Kalama Park during busy times!
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