VISIT KIHEI, THE SUNNYSIDE
OF MAUI,
WITH 22 MILES OF BEACH
There are 22 miles of sun-drenched coastline between Maalaea Bay and Makena. Although all beaches in Hawaii are public, approximately 10 miles of Kihei’s coastline are developed parks situated on the prime swimming beaches, the hotels purchased the other fine beaches. The recreational opportunities in kihei are remarkable. Since Kihei is located in Haleakala’s rain shadow, this south coast is further protected from most of the big swells that help strip the beaches of sand in other parts of Maui. While most other parts of Maui have cloud cover, Kihei is usually untouched by clouds and rain. The beaches are normally calm until 11:00 a.m. Therefore, snorkeling is perfect the earlier you go.
Starting at Maalaea and ending at Makena, the south Maui beaches we highly recommend are as follows:
MAI POINA’OE IA’U – This is the perfect wind surfers’ beach. Also called “Memorial Park,” in honor of America’s veterans, this park is located on the stretch of beach known as Ohukai, at the extreme north end of Kihei. When the “trades” are brisk, expect a lot of windsurfers. There is a pavilion and restrooms, but no showers.
KALEPOLEPO – A walled fishpond remains here, making this beach an ideal spot for small children to swim with shallow water and very few waves. There are grills, tables, showers, and a portable toilet.
KALAMA – This is the largest, most developed of the South Kihei beach parks. It contains 36 acres of pavilions, kitchen facilities available for parties, four tennis courts (two lighted), a lighted basketball court, soccer field, lighted softball field, horseshoe pits, showers, restrooms, a playground and breakwater popular with local fisherman.
CHARLEY YOUNG BEACH *OUR BEACH* - Cross the bridge from Kalama and discover the walkway leading down to this beach popular with bodysurfers. There are showers here as well. This is directly in front of the Maui Vista – not seen from the street, so it gets fewer visitors – and has some snorkeling spots too!
KAMA’OLE I – Just south of Charley Young’s Beach is the first of the three Kama’ole beaches, the most heavily used beach in Kihei. Swimming and sunbathing are popular here. There is usually little or no wind and the wide beach quickly drops off shore to overhead depths. Often there is enough shore break for excellent bodysurfing and boogie boarding. Surfing and windsurfing are prohibited at main beaches. The rocky points at the north and south ends are good for snorkeling. There are grills, tables, restrooms, showers and shade trees, as well as a sand volleyball court.
KAMA’OLE II – The facilities are similar to that of Kama’ole I, but less crowded.
KAMA’OLE III – Just down from the other Kama’ole beaches, this is the smallest of the three, but it seems to have better boogie boarding waves. This beach as well has great facilities, plus playground equipment for the children.
KEAWAKAPU – Here the state has created an artificial reef and because of this, there is a sizable fish population. This makes this a superb location for snorkeling. It is a long beach with the public access almost hidden, the parking lot is across Kihei road. Again, this is an area with excellent swimming and bodysurfing, and it is the last beach before the Wailea district beaches.
MOKAPU – Heading south, this is the first of the five beaches that are part of the Wailea Resort complex. This is a short, wide pocket of perfect sand that is also great for just about any use you desire. However, snorkeling is not particularly good here. In our opinion, the best is next door continuing south.
ULUA – A very long, wide, perfect sandy beach that has tremendous snorkeling. Go early to get parking. You can park at the Rennaisance and walk down, if the two lots are full. The reef runs out over a quarter mile with an abundance of reef life. The water is generally clear and calm during the morning hours. Around 11:00 a.m. the tradewinds begin, but the snorkeling is still great. There is excellent bodysurfing, but virtually no undertow. Besides the normal shower and restroom facilities, Ulua has a large grassy knoll that has Ironwood shade trees. If you don’t bring your cooler of food, there is the Renaissance to the right (facing the ocean) or the Aston Wailea to the left. This is an excellent spot for beginning diving and night dives – easy entry. Don’t forget your dive flag – the “law” in Maui. I regularly see turtles here if I venture out – actually saw one early a.m. under a shelf no more than 50 feet from shore!
WAILEA and POLO – These Wailea beaches are again excellent. They are just to the south of the beaches described above. We feel a warning is needed for Polo Beach as there can be strong currents and undertow here. Please se fins when swimming far out.
PO’OLENALENA – Commonly referred to as “Chang’s Beach” to the local folks, has no facilities, no paved parking lot, yet is beautiful and peaceful. Incredible swimming and excellent fishing off the rocks to the north.
MAKENA LANDING – Just before reaching the Maui Prince Hotel on the old Makena Road, there are three Makena beaches. Makena Landing, with paved access, restrooms and showers. This unique place has the most authentic snorkeling. Because this area has not yet been spoiled by hundreds of snorkelers feeing the reef fish bread, you have a rare chance to see true reef fish and reef life. The law prohibits boats from anchoring in the reef, therefore it is a reef that is not damaged by overuse. Great place to venture out for turtles. “Turtle town” is off the point about a quarter mile – you will see the snorkel boats there. With fins it’s an easy swim. Just before Makena’s landing is FIVE GRAVES – a great entry point for a dive. Last time I dove there (7 a.m.) there were four turtles just beyond the mouth of the opening. Usually enter at Five Graves and dive (or you can snorkel) around the point and get out at Makena’s landing.
MAKENA BAY – Located between the Maui Prince and the old church, this swimming beach features showers and restrooms.
ONELOA (Makena/Big Beach) – Oneloa means “long sand.” The name is apt since Big Beach is 3,300 feet long and over 100 feet wide! There are facilities and the beach remains extremely popular because every possible beach activity can be enjoyed here. The south end of the beach can have waves over 20 feet, so watch out if you enjoy boy surfing. There is tremendous pressure pulling you out, and you must be able to withstand several large waves crashing down upon you as you dive beneath the surface to swim back to shore. These large wave conditions are naturally seasonal and prone to high surf warnings for the entire island. However, please be careful if the waves are this large. This beach is located just south of the large cylinder cone visible at the point beyond the Maui Prince Hotel. Little Beach is next to this….where often there is nude bathing….
AHIHI-KINAU RESERVE – On calm days excellent snorkeling for novices. Great scuba diving in the bay.
FISHBOWL – This takes a hike of a half mile across lava, but is an excellent snorkeling spot.
LA PEROUSE BAY – Site of the last lava flow on Maui. The trail is rocky, wear hiking shoes. Water entries and exits are hazardous-rugged coast. I’ve seen a pod of dolphins about 7:15 a.m. here. Wish I had been in the water already!!
MAUI BEST RECOMMENDATIONS
SNORKELING AT MOLOKINI
Shop around for good pricing to Molokini. The Pacific Whale Foundation has some reasonable prices. Their cruise includes continental breakfast, snorkel gear, free use of underwater camera, optical masks, fish guides, lunch, beverages, special “Coral Reef Ecology Experience” and fresh water showers. The water is clearest here because of the lava crater bottom.
SAILING/WINDSURFING
New Waves Wind Surfing Rentals and lessons located in Wailea near the Renaissance Wailea Resort, 1-1/2 hour classes 9 or 11 a.m. $55 per class (prices subject to change) Rentals vary. Hobie Cat Rentals available also starting at $40. Surfing lessons available out of Lahaina. (I have seen free surfing lessons offered at beach across from Foodland at Kihei)
LUAUs
The old Lahaina Luau and the Wailea Resort Maui are most authentic. These award winning Luaus are the only two located on the oceanfront.
SIGHT SEEING
HALEAKALA CRATER is only a 2-hour drive away. The view is outstanding from this 10,000 ft. volcano, but call the observatory first to check times and temperature. It’s high up there, so bring a sweater, it’s usually cold. Weather information: 871-5054. Excellent hiking trails too.
HOOKIPA – North shore windsurfing – world renowned. Stop for a while and watch on your way to Hana.
HANA – green and lush…a long, winding road (617 curves) with multiple waterfalls. An all-day trip. Please pack a lunch because there are few restaurants and it can be somewhat pricey with the lack of choices. The Seven Sacred Pools are after Hana. It might be easier to continue on the road and go home the back way so you can see the harsh “moonscape” lava flow. The road is more straight and the scenery unusual. Besides, you will pass through Tadeshi winery (great champagne) on the way. It takes you back on the Haleakala Road down to Kahalui.
IAO NEEDLE – in Wailuku. Very picturesque and green.