Things to do in Kihei

Brian Pilcher

From Brian Pilcher's guidebook

Great surf and snorkel beach, "We visited many beaches on Maui and Oahu this month, and Kamaole II was our favorite. Our condo was located on the north end of this beach, so not near the lifeguard stand and public access. But it's the same sand and a short distance from the public access to the beach. The sand is fine and beautiful, and there are very few rocks on the beach. We saw sea turtles and fish when we snorkeled, and our son had fun with the boogie board when the waves were higher. Many people did paddle boarding, especially in the morning when water was calmer. Such a lovely spot."

Amy

From Amy's guidebook

Beautiful white sand beach just across the street. Great snorkeling at either end of the beach. You can see turtles, fish, eels, octopus and manta rays. Grab some cocktails in unbreakable cups and watch the sunset. Keep your eyes open for the green flash. Bring your binoculars to see whales in the winter

Midway Vacations

From Midway Vacations's guidebook

Kamaole Beach Park II is lively and popular with both locals and visitors. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying water activities, thanks to its gentle waves. The grassy area is smaller than Kamaole I, but still perfect for a picnic or a game of frisbee. This beach has more people around, giving it a fun, social vibe, and it’s a convenient spot if you want a mix of activity and relaxation.

Brian Pilcher

From Brian Pilcher's guidebook

Stretching over a mile long and 100 feet wide from sand to shore, Big Beach is—as its name suggests—one of the largest beaches on the island. It's also one of the most stunning, sheltered by low black lava cliffs and blessed with cool emerald waters and ultra fine silver sand. Added bonus: thanks to its tucked-away location in the lush, 165-acre Mākena State Park, it's a more peaceful alternative to the resort-studded beaches in Lahaina and Ka'anapali.

Trevor

From Trevor's guidebook

If you want to see Hawaii as is was before people arrived, this is the beach to visit; there is absolutely no development on this beach. This beach is called Big Beach for a reason, it’s about 100 feet wide and stretches for miles. Very hazardous shore break, be careful if you dare to go in. Makena is about a 1 hour drive from Kaanapali, so plan to visit this beach when you are planning a day trip to Wailea. It’s about 1 mile past the Makena resort. I understand that there is now a $5 charge to park. The shore break here is VERY hazardous and spinal injuries occur regularly - be very careful if you enter the surf.

Courtney

From Courtney's guidebook

Also known as "Big Beach." The beach and water is beautiful! Please note there is a strong undertow and shore break here so I wouldn't recommend swimming or boogie boarding unless you are a strong swimmer. There are lifeguards here most of the time.

Brian Pilcher

From Brian Pilcher's guidebook

The coastline along Makena State Park is fabulous for its pristine nature with no resorts or development. The people here seem so laid back and friendly in this more rural part of Maui. They charge $10 to park at 3 lots but you can also just park along the Makena Road. There are magnificent photo ops here of the turquoise, green and bluish waters against cloud strewn skies where the sun sets to the west of Big Beach, the golden, sandy 3,000 ft stretch of sand is the longest beach in Hawaii. The beach is 100 ft wide and backed with shade trees and two lifeguard stations. A short ways from the south end of Big Beach is Secret Cove a spectacular little secluded beach. The trail to Little Beach in Makena State Park is at the northend of Big Beach at the foot of the cinder cone Puu Olai. Highly recommend a visit to Makena State Park and you will not be disappointed with its shoreline and backdrop mountainous beauty with cactus plants permeating the dry, rain shadow southwest side of Maui.

John

From John's guidebook

One of Hawaii's largest and prettiest beaches. "Big Beach" is a favorite spot to watch for whales and take in the turquoise waters. Note: Be careful in the water as Big Beach typically has a dangerous shore break.

Michelle

From Michelle's guidebook

Located on the south coast, Makena Beach is a secluded and picturesque beach with white sand and clear waters. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting sea turtles. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and picnic tables

Sarah

From Sarah's guidebook

Super scenic spot with small beach. Lots of kayak tours go out from here. Amazing snorkeling. Turtle spot at far end of parking lot- walk through trees tiny path to see where they sunbathe, just keep your distance and stay off their little beach.

Bill

From Bill's guidebook

If there are big waves at Kam 1, you shouldn’t be snorkeling at all, except maybe Makena LANDING, not beach, not State Park, but Landing, is a great alternative. It’s 14 minutes drive south and is one of the most beautiful places on Maui. It’s a cove, and large waves rarely make it in. It’s also known as Turtle Town when going on a boat for snorkel tours. There’s a secluded little beach where turtles pull out of the ocean to snooze safely located at the far end of the parking lot, once there, you can’t miss it. Trees and rocks make it challenging to walk to in one minute, but most folks will be able to handle it. From the elevated land above the water, you will see turtles coming and going if you spend even just a little time there. Don’t enter the water from the bluffs, use the smooth sandy beach and save your feet and the ecosystems that thrive on the rocks. You can do a guided kayak/snorkel tour at Makena Landing.

Julisa

From Julisa's guidebook

This is also known as "turtle town." Parking is tight, but it is a great spot for seeing bigger schools of fish. It is also the spot for kayaking.