Launiupoko Beach Park
A family-friendly beach park with a protected cove for toddlers and gentle waves for beginner surfers, featuring picnic areas and scenic sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Launiupoko Beach Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly beach park with a protected cove for toddlers and gentle waves for beginner surfers, featuring picnic areas and scenic sunset views.
"Perfect for babies and toddlers when the weather is nice, with shallow water near the rocks for hours of fun!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills up fast! Aim for early morning or weekdays for easier access.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach can be rocky in places; water shoes offer comfort and protection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Protected Cove
Natural pool enclosed by lava rock
A safe, shallow haven perfect for babies and toddlers to splash and play without worry.
Beginner Surf Breaks
Ocean side of the park
Gentle waves make this an ideal spot for learning to surf or longboard.
Grassy Picnic Areas
Lush lawns with shade
Spacious areas with picnic tables and grills, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm: Best for Families & Beginners
Respectful Visits & Local Impact
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills up fast! Aim for early morning or weekdays for easier access.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach can be rocky in places; water shoes offer comfort and protection.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the grassy areas with tables and grills for a relaxed meal.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Mellow waves are perfect for learning to surf or longboard. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills up fast! Aim for early morning or weekdays for easier access.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach can be rocky in places; water shoes offer comfort and protection.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the grassy areas with tables and grills for a relaxed meal.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Mellow waves are perfect for learning to surf or longboard.
👶 Toddler-Friendly Cove
The lava rock pool is a safe, shallow play area for little ones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Launiupoko Beach Park is highly praised as a family-friendly destination with a safe, shallow cove perfect for young children and gentle waves ideal for beginner surfers. Visitors appreciate the ample grassy areas for picnics and the beautiful sunset views. While parking can be challenging and some facilities have been closed, the overall experience is considered relaxing and enjoyable.
"This place has a little inlet that is PERFECT for babies or toddlers when the weather is nice. The water was shallow near the rocks so my kid run in the beach for hours lol. Sunset was nice and there is plenty of space to lay out or picnic. Parking can be tough during certain times if the day so make sure to get there at a reasonable time. Highly recommend and then afterwards visit the restaurants that are opening back up near Front street in Lahaina
#LahainaStrong"
M. Wong
"Launiupoko Beach Park is a peaceful spot, ideal for families and beginner surfers. The beach has clear, warm water and a shallow area protected by rocks, making it great for kids. There are plenty of picnic tables and shade from beautiful trees. The park offers bathrooms, showers, and a small parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. It's a bit rocky, so water shoes are helpful. A wonderful, relaxing place to enjoy the ocean without the crowds."
Shane Perry
"Not a bad little beach, limited parking, but cars are close to beach so decent security. Good waves for body surfing."
Steve Schipper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Launiupoko Beach Park is located on the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30) on Maui's west side, between Ma'alaea and Lahaina. It's easily accessible by car, with a small parking lot available.
Yes, Launiupoko Beach Park is conveniently located just about 10 minutes from downtown Lahaina, making it an easy stop before or after exploring the town.
There is a small parking lot at the park. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak times. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
While public transportation options exist on Maui, they may not offer direct or convenient access to Launiupoko Beach Park. Renting a car is generally the most practical way to reach this location.
Absolutely! Launiupoko Beach Park is perfect for a relaxing day trip, offering swimming, picnicking, and beginner surfing opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Launiupoko Beach Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its amenities free of charge.
Launiupoko Beach Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's a public park, so there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best to visit during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required to visit Launiupoko Beach Park. It's a public space, so you can simply show up. However, booking a luau in Lahaina might be recommended if you plan to attend one. +1
As a public beach park, there are generally no specific entry restrictions. However, always be mindful of park rules and regulations, and respect the local environment.
Picnic tables and grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's advisable to arrive early, especially if you plan to use these facilities during busy periods.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming in the protected cove, beginner surfing and longboarding, picnicking, relaxing on the grassy areas, and watching the sunset.
Yes, it's excellent for kids! The natural lava rock pool creates a shallow, calm wading area perfect for toddlers and babies. +1
The park offers bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills. However, some facilities like bathrooms and showers have been closed at times, so it's good to check current conditions.
Definitely! Launiupoko is known for its mellow waves, making it a popular spot for beginner surfers and longboarders.
The beach has a mix of sand and rocky areas. Water shoes are recommended for comfort, especially when walking near the lava rock formations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Launiupoko Beach Park. However, there are picnic tables and grills available for you to bring your own food.
You'll find a variety of dining options in nearby Lahaina town, which is a short drive away. Many restaurants are reopening and offer diverse cuisines.
Yes, the park is equipped with grills, making it a great spot for a barbecue. Remember to bring your own charcoal and cooking utensils.
Yes, there are grocery stores in Lahaina where you can purchase supplies for a picnic or barbecue.
Local Hawaiian cuisine, fresh seafood, and diverse international flavors are popular in the Lahaina area. Many places offer vegetarian options too.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the protected cove, surfers catching waves, palm trees against the ocean, and the beautiful sunset. The park offers a classic Hawaiian beach aesthetic.
Absolutely! The west-facing location provides breathtaking sunset views over the ocean, making it a prime spot for photographers.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
The lava rock wall forming the protected cove is a distinctive feature. The expansive banyan tree in Lahaina, though not in the park itself, is a significant historical landmark nearby.
Drone usage regulations can vary and are subject to change. It's essential to check current FAA and local Maui County rules regarding drone operation in public parks and coastal areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the cove, the gentle waves are also suitable for older children to try bodyboarding or beginner surfing. Remember to bring water shoes as the beach can be a bit rocky. Arriving early is key to securing a good spot and parking, especially if you're bringing a lot of gear for the family. It’s a truly family-friendly beach experience that many reviewers highly recommend.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surfers & Longboarders
+2Many visitors praise the park for its beginner-friendly surf breaks. It’s a place where you can focus on learning the fundamentals of surfing or enjoy a relaxed ride on a longboard. The beach's layout and wave characteristics contribute to a positive learning experience, making it a popular choice for surf schools and individuals alike.
Relaxed Beachgoers
The park's amenities, like picnic tables and grills, encourage a leisurely day. You can pack a lunch, enjoy the scenic views, and soak in the laid-back Hawaiian atmosphere. It’s a spot that offers tranquility without being completely isolated, providing a perfect balance for a relaxing beach day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at Launiupoko
Many visitors rave about how their children could play for hours in the calm waters. The park's amenities, including bathrooms and showers (though sometimes closed, as noted by some reviewers), add to the convenience for families. It’s a place where you can easily spend a whole afternoon enjoying the sun, sand, and sea with your kids, creating lasting memories.
Surfing for Beginners
+2Local surfers and visitors alike appreciate the park's suitability for funboard and longboard surfing. The waves here are generally not too powerful, allowing for longer rides and more practice time. It’s common to see a mix of beginners and more experienced longboarders enjoying the conditions. The accessibility and gentle nature of the surf make Launiupoko a go-to spot for anyone wanting to try surfing in a beautiful Hawaiian setting.
Community and Resilience
Some posts emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses that are reopening and understanding the ongoing recovery efforts. Visiting places like Launiupoko Beach Park can be a way to experience the beauty of Maui while being conscious of the local situation. The park itself, with its long history and community use, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the island.
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Social
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