Poʻolenalena Beach
A serene South Maui beach known for its golden sands, excellent snorkeling, and breathtaking sunsets, often visited by sea turtles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the magical sunset
Poʻolenalena Beach
Best Time
For the magical sunset
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene South Maui beach known for its golden sands, excellent snorkeling, and breathtaking sunsets, often visited by sea turtles.
"The golden hour at this beach is phenomenal. The beach itself was super clean, and it was rocky in some areas."
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
The sunset here is phenomenal and a must-see! Perfect for romantic moments or peaceful reflection.
🐢 Turtle Encounters
Several turtles were seen here! Look for them early morning or near rocky areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
Witness breathtaking golden hour hues paint the sky over the Pacific. A truly unforgettable romantic or peaceful moment.
Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for Hawaiian green sea turtles basking near the shore or gracefully swimming in the shallows.
Rocky Point Snorkeling
Explore vibrant underwater life by snorkeling around the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Golden Hour
Snorkel Smart, Respect Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
The sunset here is phenomenal and a must-see! Perfect for romantic moments or peaceful reflection.
🐢 Turtle Encounters
Several turtles were seen here! Look for them early morning or near rocky areas.
🤿 Snorkel the Rocks
Snorkeling is great off the north and south rocky points.
🌳 Natural Shade Spots
Arrive early for natural shade from trees, especially on the north end.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
The sunset here is phenomenal and a must-see! Perfect for romantic moments or peaceful reflection.
🐢 Turtle Encounters
Several turtles were seen here! Look for them early morning or near rocky areas.
🤿 Snorkel the Rocks
Snorkeling is great off the north and south rocky points.
🌳 Natural Shade Spots
Arrive early for natural shade from trees, especially on the north end.
🚫 Pack Out Trash
Some visitors noted the beach being trashed. Please help keep it clean!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Po'olenalena Beach is cherished for its beautiful sand, great swimming, and excellent snorkeling, especially around the rocky points where sea turtles are often spotted. Many visitors find it pleasantly uncrowded and appreciate the natural shade and stunning sunset views. However, some reviews mention issues with parties and litter, highlighting the need for visitors to be respectful and help maintain its pristine condition.
"Our family's favorite beach. Very pleasant, quiet beach with nice sand, great swimming, and snorkeling off of rocky points. Not crowded and some shade."
Brian Johnson
"Just a little over a year ago. I got proposed to! I will forever cherish this place in my heart! The golden hour at this beach is phenomenal. The beach itself was super clean, and it was rocky in some areas. Overall, this is the perfect place to relax, watch the sunset, get proposed to, or even married at!
Enjoy this beautiful place!"
Shelby Edwards
"I love this beach! Beautiful mountain/island on the horizon. If you are there early enough, there are several spots with natural shade by trees. More than a few turtles were seen while we were there. No facility to speak of."
S Y Kirby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Po'olenalena Beach is located in Kihei, South Maui. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors stay in Kihei and find it a convenient spot to explore.
Yes, there is parking available near the beach, though it can fill up during peak times. Consider arriving early, especially if you plan to visit during sunset.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Kihei and the surrounding areas of South Maui, including Po'olenalena Beach. Ride-sharing services are also available.
While public transport options exist in Maui, they may not be the most direct or convenient for reaching specific beaches like Po'olenalena. A car offers the most flexibility.
Po'olenalena Beach is situated between Keawakapu Beach and Makena Beach State Park. Look for signs or use GPS navigation to guide you to the parking areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Po'olenalena Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its beauty and amenities free of charge.
Public beaches in Hawaii are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times, but it's advisable to leave before it gets completely dark for safety.
No, tickets are not required for Po'olenalena Beach as it is a public access beach. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
While generally open, be aware of local regulations regarding noise levels and alcohol consumption. Some visitors have noted issues with parties and smoking.
Absolutely! Po'olenalena Beach is perfect for a day trip, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and enjoying the stunning sunset.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming in the calm waters, sunbathing on the nice sand, snorkeling around the rocky points, and watching the spectacular sunset. It's also a popular spot for proposals and weddings.
Yes, Po'olenalena Beach is known for its pleasant swimming conditions, with nice sand and generally calm waters, making it great for families.
According to visitor feedback, there are no significant facilities like restrooms or showers directly at Po'olenalena Beach. It's advisable to come prepared.
Compared to some other popular Maui beaches, Po'olenalena is often described as not crowded, offering a more peaceful experience, especially outside of peak sunset hours.
Many visitors have reported seeing sea turtles at Po'olenalena Beach, particularly in the early mornings or near the rocky areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' just before sunset is phenomenal for photography, offering breathtaking light and colors. Early mornings are also great for softer light and fewer crowds.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the ocean, beach, and horizon, as well as wildlife photos of sea turtles. It's also a popular spot for portraits and romantic couple shots.
The rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach provide interesting foreground elements for ocean shots. The expansive sandy areas are perfect for capturing the vastness of the Pacific.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing distant marine life like turtles.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local park rules. It's always best to check current regulations before flying a drone in any public area in Hawaii.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples and Romantics
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Snorkeling and Marine Life
While the sandy middle section of the beach is perfect for swimming, the rocky areas are where the underwater action is. Bring your snorkel gear and explore the vibrant ecosystem. The presence of turtles is a major draw for many visitors, adding an extra layer of magic to the beach experience. Always be respectful of their space and observe from a distance.
The Po'olenalena Sunset Experience
To make the most of the sunset, plan to arrive in the late afternoon. You might find natural shade from trees on the north end if you arrive early enough. While the beach itself is relatively undeveloped, the sheer beauty of the sunset transforms the atmosphere. It's a perfect time for quiet reflection, romantic strolls, or capturing stunning photographs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit