Maluaka Beach Makena
A serene South Maui beach known for its soft sands, clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and frequent sea turtle sightings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime turtle time
Maluaka Beach Makena
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime turtle time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene South Maui beach known for its soft sands, clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and frequent sea turtle sightings.
"Beautiful almost private beach with soft white sand and great snorkeling."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Limited spots at drop-off. Park a block up near the church for restrooms & easy beach access.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
See turtles & seals? Keep your distance! They're protected.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Turtle Encounters
Near the reefs
Snorkel alongside majestic sea turtles in clear waters. A truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Tranquil Beach Vibe
Entire beach
Enjoy soft sands, calm waters, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the usual tourist hustle.
Sunset Views
West-facing shore
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the Pacific Ocean. Perfect for romantic evenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Turtle Spotting & Snorkeling Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Limited spots at drop-off. Park a block up near the church for restrooms & easy beach access.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
See turtles & seals? Keep your distance! They're protected.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Essential
Reefs teem with life. Bring your own snorkel or rent nearby for great underwater views.
☀️ Shade & Amenities
Trees offer shade. South entrance has restrooms & showers. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Limited spots at drop-off. Park a block up near the church for restrooms & easy beach access.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
See turtles & seals? Keep your distance! They're protected.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Essential
Reefs teem with life. Bring your own snorkel or rent nearby for great underwater views.
☀️ Shade & Amenities
Trees offer shade. South entrance has restrooms & showers.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for beach weddings & portraits, especially at sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maluaka Beach is praised as a beautiful, less crowded alternative to nearby hotspots, offering excellent snorkeling with frequent sea turtle sightings. Visitors appreciate the soft sand, calm waters, and sunset views, though parking can be challenging. The south entrance provides convenient amenities like restrooms and showers.
"Very cool little beach. Not nearly as crowded as other beaches nearby. Offers great snorkeling, sunbathing and some shade is also available. Only 4 parking spots at drop off point. However there is public parking a block up the hill across from the church with public restrooms. Its a very short 1 min walk to beach. Its best to drop your stuff at the drip spot, park car and walk down. Sandy beach is 50 yards from drop spot. Aloha!"
Shaun Dietz
"Beautiful almost private beach. There are 2 entrances to the beach. North side has limited street parking and drop off point. South side has parking and walkway to the beach. Also Restroom and Showers located on the south side. North and south side are connected via walkway of the hotel. Great place to watch sunset. Soft white sand all throughout. Snorkeling reefs on the north side."
Naman Pandey
"Great beach for snorkeling. There's always a big chance of seeing a bunch of turtles 🐢🐢
A Hawaiian monk seal was resting on the shore!
Also, nice view to the west side of Maui, Molokini crater and Lanai island."
Tiago Silva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maluaka Beach is located in South Maui, just south of Wailea. Access is typically via Makena Road. There are two main access points: a north entrance with limited street parking and a drop-off loop, and a south entrance with a dedicated parking lot, restrooms, and showers.
Parking at Maluaka Beach is limited, especially at the direct beach access points. Many visitors recommend parking a block up the hill across from the church, which offers public parking and restrooms, and is a short walk to the beach.
While direct public transport to Maluaka Beach might be limited, you can likely take a bus to the Wailea or Kihei area and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to reach the beach. Check local Maui bus schedules for routes near South Maui.
Yes, Maluaka Beach is generally easy to find if you are heading south from Wailea. Look for signs indicating beach access. The south entrance is often recommended for its amenities and parking.
To make carrying beach gear easier, many visitors suggest dropping your equipment at the beach's drop-off point first, then parking your car in the nearby public parking lot before walking back down to the sand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Maluaka Beach is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free for all visitors.
Maluaka Beach is a public access area and is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times, but it's advisable to leave before dark for safety.
There are no entrance fees for Maluaka Beach itself. Parking is also free, though spots can be limited.
Absolutely! Maluaka Beach is a popular spot for beach weddings and portraits due to its beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere.
While the beach itself is not officially closed at night, it is generally recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to avoid any potential issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Maluaka Beach is fantastic for snorkeling, especially for spotting sea turtles and colorful fish. It's also great for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the serene environment. +1
Yes, Maluaka Beach is highly recommended for snorkeling. The reefs are home to abundant marine life, including a good chance of seeing sea turtles.
Maluaka Beach is one of the top spots on Maui for seeing sea turtles. Visitors frequently report sightings while snorkeling or simply relaxing on the beach.
Yes, the south entrance of Maluaka Beach provides access to public restrooms and showers, which is very convenient for visitors.
Compared to some other popular Maui beaches, Maluaka Beach is often described as less crowded and more serene, especially during weekdays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food vendors directly on Maluaka Beach. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks or dine in nearby Wailea or Kihei.
Yes, Maluaka Beach has picnic tables available, particularly near the south entrance, making it a great spot for a beach picnic.
The closest dining options are in the Wailea resort area, which offers a range of upscale restaurants, or in Kihei, which has more casual eateries and local spots.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour before sunset offers stunning light for photography at Maluaka Beach. The soft morning light is also excellent for capturing the serene beauty of the beach.
Maluaka Beach is a popular location for beach portraits due to its soft sand, clear waters, and beautiful sunsets. The natural scenery provides a gorgeous backdrop.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check current FAA and Maui County rules regarding drone operation in public beach areas.
Expect soft white sand, turquoise waters, views of neighboring islands like Molokini and Lanai, and often, sea turtles. Sunsets are particularly dramatic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The south entrance provides convenient access to restrooms and showers, which are essential when traveling with little ones. Plus, the chance to spot sea turtles is an exciting educational experience for kids! 🐠 Snorkelers and Wildlife Enthusiasts
📸 Couples and Photographers
The beach's serene atmosphere and picturesque scenery make it a popular choice for wedding photography and engagement shoots. The soft sand and gentle waves create a tranquil ambiance perfect for capturing beautiful memories. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Marine Life Encounters at Maluaka Beach
When snorkeling, the reefs off Maluaka Beach are home to a variety of colorful fish. The clear, calm waters make it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced snorkelers to explore the underwater ecosystem. Remember to always maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife, as they are protected species. Avoid touching or feeding them to ensure their well-being and preserve their natural habitat.
Beyond turtles and fish, the waters around Maluaka Beach are also part of the migratory paths for humpback whales during the winter months (roughly December to May). While Maluaka Beach itself isn't a primary whale-watching spot from shore, tours often depart from nearby areas, and you might catch a glimpse of breaching whales from a distance.
Planning Your Visit: Parking and Amenities
For those seeking convenience, the south entrance of Maluaka Beach is often preferred. It provides a dedicated parking area and direct access to essential amenities, including restrooms and outdoor showers. These facilities are invaluable for rinsing off sand and saltwater after a day of swimming and snorkeling.
+1The beach itself offers a mix of soft, white sand and some grassy, shady areas provided by trees, which can be a welcome respite from the Hawaiian sun.
This makes it comfortable for families and individuals looking for both sunbathing and shaded relaxation spots. The connection between the north and south sides via a hotel walkway also allows for easy exploration of the entire stretch of sand. Maluaka Beach for Photography and Events
Beyond sunsets, the beach's natural beauty makes it a sought-after spot for beach weddings and portraits. The soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and the backdrop of neighboring islands like Molokini and Lanai create a picturesque setting for any special occasion. Photographers often utilize the natural light and the serene environment to capture stunning images.
+1While drone photography can enhance shots, it's crucial to be aware of and adhere to any local regulations regarding drone usage in public areas. Always prioritize safety and respect for other beachgoers and the environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit