Kamaole Beach
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Kamaole Beach Park Kihei Maui

4.7
·1k reviews·Kihei, United States

A trio of beautiful beaches in Kihei, Maui, offering calm waters, abundant sea turtles, and stunning sunset views. Perfect for families and relaxation...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings (7 AM)

Calm waters & turtle sightings

CrowdLow
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Kamaole Beach

Kamaole Beach Park Kihei Maui

Best Time

Early mornings (7 AM)

Calm waters & turtle sightings

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A trio of beautiful beaches in Kihei, Maui, offering calm waters, abundant sea turtles, and stunning sunset views. Perfect for families and relaxation.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Great beach to stand up paddle out from. Recommend going super early to avoid the wind."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐢 Early Bird Gets the Turtle

Visit before 7 AM for the best chance to see sea turtles and enjoy calm waters. :turtle:

☀️ Bring Your Own Shade

There's no natural shade, so pack an umbrella or canopy for comfort. :umbrella:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea Turtle Encounters

Sea Turtle Encounters

Along the rocky points

Spot graceful sea turtles in the clear, shallow waters, especially when paddleboarding or snorkeling near the rocks.

Reddit
Spectacular Sunsets

Spectacular Sunsets

Entire beach

Witness breathtaking sunset views as the sky paints vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean.

Reddit
Snorkeling Adventures

Snorkeling Adventures

Around the points

Explore vibrant coral and diverse marine life in the clear, calm waters, perfect for snorkelers of all levels.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Turtle Sightings

For the best chance to see sea turtles and enjoy calmer waters, head to Kamaole Beach Park early in the morning, ideally by 7 AM. This avoids the afternoon winds and larger crowds, making it ideal for families and paddleboarding. Reddit

Pack Smart for a Perfect Beach Day

While Kamaole Beach Parks offer amenities like lifeguards and restrooms, shade and seating are limited. Bring your own chairs, umbrellas, and snacks. Across the street, you'll find stores for essentials and treats. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings (7 AM)
Why
Calm waters & turtle sightings
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons (pre-sunset)
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mokapu Beach 🏝️ Maui, Hawaii 🏖️ • • • #hawaii #maui #wailea #andaz #mokapubeach #southmaui #kihei #makena #palmtrees #vacation #tropical #island #paradise #beach #hotel #resort #tourism #beauty #art #photography #andazmaui #hyatt #travel #explore #nature #pacific #calm #relaxing #therapy #peaceful #Summer #ocean #aloha #oceanview #sounds #beachvibes #beachwalker
@adams_adventures_
5.9K likes • 91.1K views

🐢 Early Bird Gets the Turtle

Visit before 7 AM for the best chance to see sea turtles and enjoy calm waters. Reddit :turtle:

☀️ Bring Your Own Shade

There's no natural shade, so pack an umbrella or canopy for comfort. Reddit :umbrella:

Kamaole Beach Park III is an absolute gem for snorkeling on Maui! With its calm, clear waters and easy beach access, it’s the perfect spot to dive into an underwater world full of colorful fish, friendly sea turtles, and maybe even a surprise visit from a ray or two. For the best experience, swing by The Snorkel Store before you hit the beach! They’ve got top-notch snorkel sets with comfy dry-mou...
thesnorkelstore
567 likes • 30.6K views
Beautiful Kamaole Beach Park II - Kam 2 Kihei, Maui Hawaii #bestbeaches #kihei #maui #hawaii #sandtastictravels
sandtastictravels
4 likes • 144 views

🦤 Kid-Friendly Fun

Soft sand and shallow waters make it perfect for families with young children. Reddit :child:

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Crowds gather an hour before sunset for stunning views. Reddit :city_sunset:

Experience Kamaole Beach Park III, the southernmost treasure in Kihei! 🌊 With ample parking and a spacious grassy area, it’s a fantastic spot for a beach day. Access the beautiful 1.5-mile shoreline, perfect for boogie boarding and snorkeling. Kids will enjoy the swingset, while picnic tables and BBQ grills set the stage for a delightful meal by the water. Take in breathtaking views and be sure t...
maui_coast_hotel
595 likes • 11.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐢 Early Bird Gets the Turtle

Visit before 7 AM for the best chance to see sea turtles and enjoy calm waters. Reddit :turtle:

☀️ Bring Your Own Shade

There's no natural shade, so pack an umbrella or canopy for comfort. Reddit :umbrella:

🦤 Kid-Friendly Fun

Soft sand and shallow waters make it perfect for families with young children. Reddit :child:

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Crowds gather an hour before sunset for stunning views. Reddit :city_sunset:

🚿 Rinse Off Sand

Outdoor showers are available at the top of the stairs to wash off sand. Reddit :shower:

🚗 Easy Parking

Parking is generally easy to find, especially if you arrive early. Instagram :car:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kamaole Beach Park is highly praised for its family-friendly atmosphere, clear waters, and abundant sea turtle sightings. Visitors love the easy access, soft sand, and stunning sunset views. Some find the stairs hot and sandy, and note the lack of natural shade, recommending visitors bring their own supplies.

"Great beach to stand up paddle out from. Recommend going super early to avoid the wind. 7am is a good time. If you hug the rocks and have a seat on your board you’re bound to see some turtles. Water is so clear and shallow you can see the coral and all its details. Not a very crowded beach even on weekends. 10/10 recommend and very kid friendly"

Cailin Smart

"Sunsets are the best here. Has shower to wash off sand at the top before going down. Stairs are full of sand which is hot so be prepared for that to burn. Couple of picnic tables and small waves. Water is better than kam II. Across from a store that sells drinks and food and a mini shopping center. No shade or chairs. Being your own eveything. Will see a few turtles here and there."

Cya Vsqz

"Loved this beach, easily found parking and very accessible. In the morning, the sand and water were perfect for us and our 3 year old. Wind picks up making the water rougher in the afternoon. There is a shower and washroom by the parking lot."

Justin Taite

What People Like

Great for sea turtles
Calm, clear water
Beautiful sunsets

What People Dislike

Hot, sandy stairs
No natural shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kamaole Beach Park is easily accessible in Kihei, Maui. It's a string of three parks (I, II, and III) located along South Kihei Road. Many visitors find it convenient to drive and park at one of the designated lots. Instagram Some accommodations, like those near the Royal Mauian, are even within walking distance. Instagram+1

Yes, ample parking is available at all three Kamaole Beach Parks. Arriving early, especially before 7 AM, can ensure you get a good spot, particularly during peak seasons. InstagramReddit

Depending on your hotel's location in Kihei, walking to Kamaole Beach Park is often feasible. For instance, some condos are just a short stroll away from Kamaole III. Instagram It's always a good idea to check the proximity from your specific accommodation. Instagram

The Kamaole Beach Parks are located in close proximity to each other along the coast. You can easily walk between them, or if you've driven, you can move your car to a different park's parking lot. Instagram

While specific bus routes can vary, Maui's public bus system (Maui Bus) does service the Kihei area. It's advisable to check the latest Maui Bus schedules for routes that stop near South Kihei Road. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Kamaole Beach Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Access to the beach and its facilities is free for all visitors. Instagram

Kamaole Beach Parks are generally open from sunrise to sunset. There are no strict closing times posted, but it's recommended to leave before it gets too dark for safety. Instagram

No advance booking or tickets are required for Kamaole Beach Park as it is a public beach. You can visit anytime during daylight hours. Instagram

Generally, you can bring standard beach items like towels, chairs, umbrellas, and coolers. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of local regulations regarding alcohol consumption and noise levels. Instagram

Absolutely! Kamaole Beach Park is perfect for a short visit or a full day. You can easily enjoy a few hours swimming, sunbathing, or watching the sunset. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Kamaole Beach Park is great for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, boogie boarding, and simply relaxing on the soft sand. The calm waters are ideal for families. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, Kamaole Beach Park offers good snorkeling, especially around the rocky points. You can see colorful fish and sometimes sea turtles. InstagramReddit

Yes, lifeguards are on duty at Kamaole Beach Park, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers and beachgoers. Reddit

Amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. However, there is no shade or seating provided, so bring your own. InstagramReddit

It can get moderately crowded, especially during sunset hours and weekends. Visiting in the early morning or on weekdays can offer a less crowded experience. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly within Kamaole Beach Park. However, there are stores and a mini shopping center directly across South Kihei Road that offer food, drinks, and shaved ice. Reddit

Yes, Kamaole Beach Park has picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a beach picnic. You can also use the BBQ grills if you plan to cook. Instagram

Across the street from the beach, you can find a store selling drinks, snacks, and even floating toys or snorkeling gear. There are also various restaurants and eateries in the Kihei area. Reddit

While not a permanent fixture, food trucks can sometimes be found in the Kihei area. It's worth checking local listings or asking around upon arrival for any current food truck presence. Instagram

Given the proximity to shops and the availability of picnic tables, bringing your own food is a great option for a relaxed beach picnic. Alternatively, you can easily grab something from across the street. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings also provide calmer seas and fewer people. Instagram+1

The entire stretch of beach offers stunning ocean views. The rocky points are great for capturing sea turtles, and the wide sandy shores are perfect for landscape shots. Instagram+1

Yes, you can photograph sea turtles, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. Early mornings are often the best time to spot them. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to federal and local regulations. It's crucial to check current FAA guidelines and any specific Maui County ordinances regarding drone operation in public parks and over beaches. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing wildlife like sea turtles from a distance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kamaole Beach Park is a top choice for families visiting Maui. The calm, shallow waters make it safe and enjoyable for young children to splash and play. Reddit Kamaole I, in particular, is often recommended for its gentle waves and nearby grassy area, perfect for picnics and letting kids run around. Instagram All three parks have lifeguards on duty, providing peace of mind for parents. Reddit Don't forget to bring sand toys, as the soft sand is ideal for building castles. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Kamaole Beach Park is an excellent free activity for budget-conscious travelers. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and spectacular sunset views without any cost. Reddit Pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to save money on dining out, utilizing the available picnic tables. InstagramReddit Renting snorkeling gear from a local shop across the street can be more affordable than organized tours, allowing you to explore the underwater world on your own terms. Reddit

🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts

For those eager to spot marine life, Kamaole Beach Park is a prime location, especially for sea turtle sightings. Reddit Visiting in the early morning offers the best chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, often near the rocky areas. Reddit The clear, shallow waters also make it a great spot for snorkeling, where you can observe a variety of colorful fish and coral formations. Instagram Remember to observe wildlife responsibly and maintain a safe distance. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Kamaole Beach Trio

Kamaole Beach Park is actually a series of three distinct beach parks: Kamaole I, II, and III, all located along South Kihei Road. Each offers a slightly different vibe and amenities, but all share the beautiful sandy shores and clear waters of South Maui. Kamaole I is known for its calm waters and is a favorite for families with young children, offering a grassy area for picnics. Instagram+1 Kamaole II is a popular spot for boogie boarding and has good snorkeling around its points. Instagram Kamaole III, the southernmost of the three, boasts ample parking, a playground for kids, and a spacious grassy area perfect for relaxing or enjoying a meal. Instagram+1

All three parks provide essential facilities like restrooms, freshwater showers, and lifeguards, making them convenient for a full day of enjoyment. InstagramReddit The consistent presence of sea turtles, particularly in the calmer morning hours, is a major draw for all three locations. Reddit Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to swim, a place to catch some waves, or simply a beautiful location to watch the sunset, one of the Kamaole beaches is sure to fit the bill. Instagram+1

When choosing between them, consider what you prioritize. For families with very young children, Kamaole I's gentle waters and grassy area might be ideal. Instagram If snorkeling is your main goal, the points at Kamaole II and III are worth exploring. Instagram+1 And for easy access and amenities, Kamaole III is a strong contender. Instagram Regardless of your choice, you're guaranteed a quintessential Maui beach experience. Instagram

Snorkeling and Wildlife at Kamaole

Kamaole Beach Park is a fantastic spot for snorkeling, particularly for beginners and families. The waters are generally clear and shallow, especially in the mornings, making it easy to spot marine life. Reddit The best snorkeling is typically found around the rocky outcroppings at the ends of each beach. Here, you can discover vibrant coral formations and a variety of tropical fish. Instagram Keep an eye out for parrotfish, butterflyfish, and triggerfish, among others. Instagram

A major highlight for many visitors is the chance to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) in their natural habitat. Reddit These gentle creatures are often seen grazing on the algae near the rocks. The best time to spot them is in the early morning when the water is calm and less disturbed. Reddit Remember to always maintain a respectful distance from the turtles and avoid touching or feeding them. Reddit Other marine life you might encounter includes various types of reef fish and occasionally rays. Instagram

For the best snorkeling experience, consider renting gear from a local shop in Kihei. Reddit Some shops even offer tips on the best spots within Kamaole Beach Park. Instagram While the visibility can vary depending on ocean conditions, Kamaole Beach Park consistently offers a rewarding underwater experience for those looking to connect with Maui's marine ecosystem. InstagramReddit

Sunset Magic and Beachfront Bliss

The Kamaole Beach Parks are renowned for their spectacular sunset views, making them a popular destination as the day winds down. As the sun begins its descent, the sky often transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, reflecting beautifully on the calm ocean surface. InstagramReddit This daily spectacle draws a crowd, with many visitors gathering an hour before sunset to secure a good vantage point. Reddit

Beyond the sunset, the beaches themselves offer a serene beachfront experience. The soft, golden sand is perfect for lounging, and the gentle waves are ideal for a relaxing dip or a bit of boogie boarding. InstagramReddit The presence of lifeguards adds a sense of security, allowing visitors to fully unwind. Reddit Many visitors appreciate the convenience of having stores and amenities just across the street, making it easy to grab snacks or essentials for a perfect evening. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a family-friendly spot to enjoy the end of the day, or simply a beautiful place to reflect, the Kamaole Beach Parks deliver. The combination of stunning natural beauty, accessible amenities, and the magical sunset makes it a must-visit on any Maui itinerary. Instagram+1

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