The Maui Local Guidebook
🌺 Kamaole Beach Park III
A Full Day of Maui Fun
Just south of Kamaole Beach Park II, Kamaole Beach Park III is a favorite for a full day of beachside relaxation and family fun. With spacious grassy areas, plenty of shade, picnic spots, and children’s swings, it’s an easy place to settle in and enjoy the day.
✨ Guest Favorites
- 🌴 Shaded grassy areas perfect for picnics
- 👧 Swings and family-friendly spaces
- 🌊 Sheltered cove at the southern end, ideal for little ones
- 🏄 Fun waves for boogie boarding
- 🤿 Excellent snorkeling near the lava rocks on the northern end
- 🚿 Showers and restrooms available
Local Tip: Kamaole III is especially popular with locals on weekends, so arriving earlier can help you enjoy a more relaxed beach experience. 🌺🌊
🌺 Keawakapu Beach
A Relaxed Family-Friendly Escape
The first of three entrances to Keawakapu Beach, this access point is located in front of the Mana Kai Resort and is especially convenient for families. Enjoy a spacious grassy area, gentle tide pools, and a nearby deli for easy snacks and refreshments.
✨ Guest Favorites
- 🌴 Large grassy area with plenty of space to relax
- 👨👩👧👦 Great for families and little ones
- 🌊 Tide pools to explore
- 🏄 SUP and kayak rentals available
- 🤿 Excellent snorkeling to the right of the point
- 🚿 Outdoor shower and restroom facilities
Local Tip: For the calmest conditions, plan SUP or kayak adventures early in the morning before the afternoon winds arrive. 🌺🌊
🌺 Mōkapu Beach
A Beautiful South Maui Escape
Mōkapu Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located in front of the Andaz Resort, with clear waters and excellent snorkeling.
📍 Parking & Directions
Park at the Ulua Beach public parking lot. From the parking area, walk toward Ulua Beach, then follow the shoreline north (to the right) toward Mōkapu Beach.
✨ Guest Highlights
- 🤿 Great snorkeling at both ends of the beach
- 🏄 Fun bodyboarding and surfing during summer
- 🚿 Showers and restrooms available
Local Tip: Arrive early for calmer conditions and a more peaceful beach experience. 🌊🌺
🌺 Palauea Beach
A Secluded South Maui Gem
Also known as White Rock Beach, Palauea is a beautiful hidden cove with soft white sand, tucked between stunning oceanfront estates. It’s often more sheltered from afternoon winds, making it a peaceful spot to relax.
📍 Parking & Directions
Look for cars parked along the roadside and an opening through the trees. Enter the beach through the opening near the porta-potty.
✨ Guest Highlights
- 🤿 Excellent snorkeling along the left side
- 🌴 Peaceful, less windy setting
- 🏖️ Soft white sandy beach
- 🚫 No showers available
Local Tip: Never snorkel alone. Always use the buddy system and check ocean conditions before entering the water. 🌊
🌺 Maluaka Beach
A Beautiful South Maui Favorite
Maluaka Beach offers soft sand, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling, with two convenient access points at the north and south ends.
📍 Parking & Directions
North Entrance: Pass the beautiful Keawalai Church. The beach parking lot will be on your left. Walk south along the road to reach the beach.
South Entrance: Follow signs for the southern beach parking area. From the lot, take the paved pathway downhill to a scenic overlook and the beach.
✨ Guest Highlights
- 🤿 Great snorkeling from both ends
- 🌴 Shaded grassy area—perfect for a picnic
- 🌊 Beautiful coastal views
- 🚿 Showers and restrooms available
Local Tip: Allow a few extra minutes for the walk from either parking area—it’s well worth it for this beautiful beach. 🌺
🌺 Oneuli Beach
Maui’s Unique Black Sand Shoreline
Also known as Black Sand Beach, Oneuli Beach is a rugged and scenic coastal spot near Makena, perfect for a quick stop and memorable photos.
📍 Parking & Directions
Just before reaching the large cone-shaped hill in Makena, look for a small dirt road on the right leading toward the beach.
✨ Guest Highlights
- 🖤 Distinctive dark volcanic sand
- 📸 Beautiful and unique photo spot
- 🤿 Snorkeling can be enjoyable when conditions are calm
- 🌊 Best suited for sightseeing rather than swimming
- 🚫 No showers or restrooms
Local Tip: Check ocean conditions before entering the water, as this area can be rough and is not ideal for swimming. 🌺
🌺 Makena State Park
Maui’s Iconic Big Beach
One of Maui’s most famous beaches, Big Beach is known for its expansive white sand and stunning coastal scenery.
- 🏖️ Beautiful, spacious white-sand beach
- 📸 Scenic viewpoint overlooking Big Beach
- 🌊 Very strong shore break and rip currents—swimming is not recommended for children or weak swimmers
- 🥾 Trail access to Little Beach and scenic viewpoints
- 🚻 Port-a-potties available; no showers
Local Tip: Enjoy the scenery from shore and always check ocean conditions before entering the water. 🌺
🌺 Secret Cove Beach
A Hidden Maui Gem
Tucked behind a lava rock wall, this charming little cove is a favorite for beautiful scenery and memorable photos.
- 📸 Iconic Maui photo spot
- 🌅 Best morning light for photography
- 💍 Beautiful setting for sunset weddings
- 🌊 Water can be rough—use caution
- 🚫 No facilities available
Local Tip: Look for the small opening in the lava rock wall. Visit in the morning for the best light and a peaceful experience. 🌺
🌺 La Perouse Bay
A Rugged South Maui Adventure
Journey south through Maui’s dramatic lava fields to La Perouse Bay, where the road ends at a breathtaking volcanic coastline.
- 🌋 Stunning lava-field scenery
- 🥾 Shoreline trail with a blowhole and small sandy beach
- 🚗 Rocky road—drive carefully, especially in compact cars
- ☀️ Hot, windy conditions along the trail
- 💧 Bring plenty of water and sun protection
- 👨👩👧 Not recommended for young children
Local Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and take your time exploring this spectacular corner of South Maui. 🌺
🌺 Maui Ocean Center
A Fun & Educational Family Experience
A wonderful stop for families, the Maui Ocean Center features engaging marine-life exhibits and interactive experiences that adults will enjoy too.
- 🐠 Interactive exhibits for kids
- 🌊 Learn about Hawaii’s fascinating marine life
- 🔎 Fun treasure hunt for children
- 🛍️ Browse the gift shop
Local Tip: Allow a few hours to explore at a relaxed pace. For more Maui recommendations, check out Island Spree Maui for local tips on activities, tours, beaches, snorkeling, restaurants, and more.
🌺 Cove Park
A Perfect Spot for Beginner Surfers
Cove Park is one of Maui’s favorite spots for beginner surfing, with gentle conditions that make it a great place to learn and enjoy the water.
- 🏄 Beginner-friendly surf spot
- 🌊 Small-group surf lessons available nearby
- 🌺 Personalized surf experiences with local instructors
- 🤙 Great way to experience Maui’s surf culture
Local Tip: For more island inspiration, visit Island Spree Maui for recommendations on activities, tours, beaches, snorkeling, restaurants, and more. 🌴
🏄 Maui Waveriders Kihei
Learn to Surf in South Maui
Located directly across from Cove Park, Maui Waveriders offers small-group surf lessons in one of Maui’s most popular beginner-friendly surf areas.
- 🏄 Small-group lessons
- 🌊 Great for first-time surfers
- 🌺 Convenient South Maui location
Local Tip: Book a morning lesson for typically calmer conditions and a memorable Maui experience.
🌺 Kihei Kalama Village
Shop, Dine & Enjoy the Local Vibe
A lively little shopping village in the heart of Kihei, perfect for browsing souvenir shops, boutiques, and casual local eateries.
- 🛍️ Souvenirs & boutique shopping
- ☕ Breakfast at Kihei Caffe
- 🌮 Casual dining & island-inspired bites
- 🍹 Happy hour and local nightlife
- 🌴 Relaxed outdoor island atmosphere
Local Tip: Stop by for breakfast, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or grab a drink and soak up the Maui sunshine. 🌺
🌺 The Shops at Wailea
Upscale Shopping & Island Elegance
A beautifully designed open-air shopping destination featuring upscale boutiques, art galleries, and exceptional dining in the heart of Wailea.
- 🛍️ Luxury shopping & boutiques
- 🎨 Art galleries
- 🍽️ Elegant dining
- 🌴 Beautiful open-air setting
Local Tip: A lovely place to spend a relaxed afternoon browsing, dining, and enjoying the Wailea atmosphere. ✨
🌺 South Maui Gardens
A Taste of Local Maui
A vibrant tropical garden setting filled with delicious local food and relaxed island vibes. Start your morning with breakfast and coffee, then return later for food-truck favorites for lunch or dinner.
- ☕ Breakfast & coffee
- 🌮 Food trucks for lunch & dinner
- 🌴 Beautiful garden atmosphere
- 🍽️ Local favorites to explore
Local Tip: Try Thai Mee Up, Howz It Eh, or Blue Door Bakery & Pizza Kitchen for a memorable local bite. 🌺
🌺 Maui Food Trucks of Kihei
Casual Local Eats
Located behind Azeka Shopping Center, this casual food-truck spot is a convenient place to grab a quick, delicious meal while exploring Kihei.
- 🌮 Variety of local food trucks
- ☕ Coffee & refreshing treats
- 🍧 Shave ice
- 🪑 Casual outdoor seating
Local Favorites: Try Suns Out Buns Out, Da Nani Pirates, Bling Bing Shave Ice, or Kraken Coffee.
Local Tip: It can get quite warm around lunchtime, so consider visiting later in the afternoon for a more comfortable experience. 🌴
🌺 Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman – Wailea
Upscale Dining with Island Spirit
A favorite among locals and visitors, Monkeypod Kitchen offers an upscale-casual atmosphere, creative cocktails, delicious dining, and live music—perfect for a fun evening in Wailea.
- 🍽️ Upscale-casual dining
- 🍹 Excellent drink menu
- 🎶 Live music
- 🌴 Relaxed, lively island atmosphere
Local Tip: A wonderful choice for a memorable dinner with a fun Maui vibe. 🌺
🍣 Koiso Sushi Bar
An Intimate Sushi Experience
A tiny, highly sought-after sushi bar known for its exceptional sushi and intimate atmosphere. With only about 12 seats, reservations are essential and advance planning is recommended.
- 🍣 Exceptional sushi
- 🥢 Intimate, quiet setting
- 📅 Reservations required
- 👨👩👧 Best suited for adult sushi enthusiasts
- 📍 Located in Dolphin Plaza
Local Tip: This is a destination for serious sushi lovers—reserve well in advance for the full experience. 🌺
🌺 Maui Brewing Co.
Craft Beer, Great Food & Island Vibes
Visit the flagship location of Hawaii’s largest craft brewery for a fun, family-friendly experience with open-air dining, spacious garden seating, and a lively beer garden.
- 🍽️ Full-service restaurant & bar
- 🌴 Indoor, outdoor & garden seating
- 🎲 Family-friendly games
- 🌺 Relaxed island atmosphere
Local Tip: A great spot for a casual meal and a fun afternoon or evening with the family.
🌺 Mama’s Fish House
An Iconic Maui Dining Experience
A legendary Maui favorite known for its fresh, locally caught seafood, beautiful beachfront setting, and warm island hospitality. Perfect for a special lunch or memorable dinner.
- 🐟 Fresh, locally caught seafood
- 🌊 Beautiful oceanfront setting
- 🌺 Signature Maui dining experience
- 🍹 Tropical cocktails & island-inspired flavors
Local Tip: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for sunset dining. ✨