South Maui's Best 5 Beaches

Maui's Best Beaches

If you’re heading to Kihei, Wailea, or Makena, then chances are that hitting the beaches is at the top of your priority list. There are many incredible things to do on the island and sights to see but these Maui beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. From serene spots with beautiful sunsets to great waves for water sports, the beaches of South Maui have it all! Read on to learn about the top 5 South Maui Beaches that you will want to visit during your time here.

Big Beach

Big Beach Makena

Big Beach is possibly the most beautiful beach in South Maui if not the entire island. It is located in Makena Beach State Park and is known officially by the names Makena Beach and Oneloa Beach. Its white sands extend to almost two-thirds of a mile long, making it one of the largest, widest, and most underdeveloped beaches in Maui. The area is divided into two beaches, with Big Beach being the most well-known and Little Beach being known for its clothing-optional approach and Sunday evening festivities.

Big Beach is just south of Wailea and near the Makena Beach and Golf Resort. Along the shoreline, this stunning natural landscape provides a secluded space for relaxation and enjoyment; with breathtaking views of the islands of Molokini and Kahoolawe.

Snorkelers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike, all flock to Big Beach, however, it’s important to note that the water has a rather significant on-shore break that can be dangerous. At high surf time, rip tides are brutal and it might be best to steer clear of the water.

Overall though, this is an iconic Hawaiian beach with everything you can ask for. Never too crowded, simply beautiful, Big Beach is not to be missed!

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Kamaole I

Kamaole One Beach Maui

The Kamaole Beach parks consist of three different beaches; however, the Kamaole 1 is the longest and largest of the three and one of the top five South Maui beaches. With its picturesque white sands and crescent-shaped beach, this area is often considered to be the best spot in Maui for ocean swimming. At a third of a mile long, its calm waters make for the perfect place to take a dip your toes into the Pacific.

Snorkeling is decent in this area but more so towards the rocky end of the beach. The sand dunes that separate the beach from the road, keep the area enclosed. For families who need a grassy spot to play and picnic, this can be found towards the south end of Kamaole 1. A wonderful long term residential condo complex sits just across the road from Kamaole 1, the Ke Alii Ocean Villas are one of Kihei's best communities. 

Kamaole 1 truly has something for the whole family!

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Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 1 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 2 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 3 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 4 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 5 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 6 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 7 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 8 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 9 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 10 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 11 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 12 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 13 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 14 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 15 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 16 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 17 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 18 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 19 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 20 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 21 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 22 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 23 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 24 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 25 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 26 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 27 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 28 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 29 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 30 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 31 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 32 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 33 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 34 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 35 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 36 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 37 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 38 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 39 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 40 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 41 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 42 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 43 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 44 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 45 of 46 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7 46 of 46

$1,525,000

↓ $150,000

Kapalua Golf Villas 19T6-7

500 Kapalua Dr 19t6-7, Kapalua

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,344 SqFt Residential MLS® # 408441

Days on Market: 244

Island Sotheby's International Realty(L) Cell: 808-283-4922

Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 1 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 2 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 3 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 4 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 5 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 6 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 7 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 8 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 9 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 10 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 11 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 12 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 13 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 14 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 15 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 16 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 17 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 18 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 19 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 20 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 21 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 22 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 23 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 24 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 25 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 26 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 27 of 28 Listing Image for 2475 Kaupakalua Rd 28 of 28

$1,375,000

↓ $321,000

Haiku

2475 Kaupakalua Rd, Haiku

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,608 SqFt Residential MLS® # 408424

Days on Market: 245

Island Sotheby's Int'l Rlty(W) Cell: 808-385-6564

Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 1 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 2 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 3 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 4 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 5 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 6 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 7 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 8 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 9 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 10 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 11 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 12 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 13 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 14 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 15 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 16 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 17 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 18 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 19 of 20 Listing Image for 103 Ka Ikena Loop 20 of 20

$1,479,000

↓ $21,000

Ke'alohilani at Kehalani

103 Ka Ikena Loop, Wailuku

4 Beds 3.5 Baths 1,907 SqFt Residential MLS® # 408421

Days on Market: 245

Keller Williams Realty Maui-Ka Cell: 808-870-0674

Short Term Rental
Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 1 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 2 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 3 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 4 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 5 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 6 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 7 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 8 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 9 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 10 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 11 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 12 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 13 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 14 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 15 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 16 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 17 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 18 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 19 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 20 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 21 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 22 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 23 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 24 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 25 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 26 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 27 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 28 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 29 of 30 Listing Image for 500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6 30 of 30

$1,285,000

↓ $56,000

Kapalua Golf Villas 20P 5-6

500 Kapalua Dr 20p 5-6, Kapalua

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,344 SqFt Residential MLS® # 408414

Days on Market: 246

Coldwell Banker Island Prop-KP Cell: 808-457-0604

Evan Harlow Maui Realtor
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Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 1 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 2 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 3 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 4 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 5 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 6 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 7 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 8 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 9 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 10 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 11 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 12 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 13 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 14 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 15 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 16 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 17 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 18 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 19 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 20 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 21 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 22 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 23 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 24 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 25 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 26 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 27 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 28 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 29 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 30 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 31 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 32 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 33 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 34 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 35 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 36 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 37 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 38 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 39 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 40 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 41 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 42 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 43 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 44 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 45 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 46 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 47 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 48 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 49 of 50 Listing Image for 2777 S Kihei Rd G207 50 of 50

$1,150,000

Maui Kamaole G207

2777 S Kihei Rd G207, Kihei

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,052 SqFt Residential MLS® # 408408

Days on Market: 246

Coldwell Banker Island Prop(S) Cell: 808-344-0180

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$899,999

↓ $85,001

Kihei Beach 603

36 S Kihei Rd 603, Kihei

1 Bed 1 Bath 732 SqFt Residential MLS® # 408407

Days on Market: 246

Island Sotheby's International Realty(L) Cell: 808-495-6236

Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 1 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 2 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 3 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 4 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 5 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 6 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 7 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 8 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 9 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 10 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 11 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 12 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 13 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 14 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 15 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 16 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 17 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 18 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 19 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 20 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 21 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 22 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 23 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 24 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 25 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 26 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 27 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 28 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 29 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 30 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 31 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 32 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 33 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 34 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 35 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 36 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 37 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 38 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 39 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 40 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 41 of 42 Listing Image for 4067 S Paua Way 42 of 42

$1,745,000

↓ $50,000

Kapalani Estates

4067 S Paua Way, Napili/Kahana/Honokowai

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,492 SqFt Residential MLS® # 408392

Days on Market: 248

Island Sotheby's International Realty(L) Cell: 808-283-4922

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Keawakapu Beach

Right between Wailea and Kihei is the stunning Keawakapu Beach. At about 1200 yards long, its good swimming conditions, fine sand, and large size along with a lack of crowds, make it one of the top 5 best beaches in South Maui. If you're staying at the Mana Kai, you'll have a perfect view of this beach from your lanai.

One of the best things about this beach is that it is harder to find due to the luxurious residential area that hides it. This makes for an exclusive feel and a perfect place to relax in privacy. Swimming here is good but it does depend on the tide. During high surf and big swells, it becomes rather dangerous due to the lack of an offshore coral reef. So be sure to be careful and be aware of the tide.

There is however a rather unique feature about Keawakapu Beach there is an underwater man-made reef that consists of old cars, tires, and concrete. This was made in 1962 to protect the shoreline and provide shelter for fish. Divers have been known to enjoy this unique dive spot.

For a unique beach with an intimate feel, Keawakapu Beach is a true find and certainly one of the best things to do in Wailea. 

Ulua Beach

Ulua Beach Maui

Ulua Beach is a sandy beach located between two rocky points right in front of the Wailea Elua condo complex. The water here attracts many different types of people. At high surf, the waves are higher and stronger than at the other local beaches and this attracts the bodyboarders. However, when the water is calm the snorkeling and diving are excellent. The corals and fish are spectacular and make for stunning underwater living art. If you are a beginner to intermediate level snorkeler, Ulua Beach is a great place to learn and improve your skills. The lovely Wailea Fairway Estates are just across the street.

The rocky north end of the beach is the perfect place to see the fish and the corals. Also, “Ulua” is the name of Hawaii’s most popular game fish, which explains why this is such a great spot to find them.

For an activity-filled beach that will keep you busy and having fun, Ulua Beach is the place to be!

Po'olenalena Beach

Po'olenalena Beach in South Maui

Po'olenalena Beach is also known as Paipu Beach and for many years was only known to locals. With its long, sandy beach, lack of crowds, and spectacular views, it has often been the location of choice for sunset weddings. It's located right in front of the popular Makena Surf condos. 

Like many locations in Maui, the name Po'olenalena refers to something local. In this case, it is the Hawaiian word for “yellow head”. Which refers to the landmark yellow rock on the nearby golf course. 

Po'olenalena, with its gently sloping sandy shores, is a perfect beach for swimming or taking the kids to play. There are lava rocks at the end of the beach which provide a haven for fish and coral and make for a sweet snorkeling spot.

Welcome Back To Maui!

Maui is filled with beaches but narrowing down which ones to visit can be a challenge. Most people are looking for a good combination of stunning scenery and fun activities when they choose a beach.

That’s why this list of the Top 5 South Maui Beaches is based on natural beauty, size, crowds, or lack thereof, and of course the options to enjoy the sand and surf in as many ways as possible. Everything you need to make it a perfect beach day in South Maui!  

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