Mokapu Beach
Mokapu Beach offers beautiful sandy shores, excellent snorkeling at its south end, and stunning sunset views, adjacent to luxury resorts in Wailea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters for swimming
Mokapu Beach
Best Time
Calmer waters for swimming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mokapu Beach offers beautiful sandy shores, excellent snorkeling at its south end, and stunning sunset views, adjacent to luxury resorts in Wailea.
"Beautiful beach that is well maintained, with clear center great for kids and good snorkeling at the south end."
🌊 Respect the Ocean
Be aware of powerful waves and shore breaks. Lifeguards are on duty, but always swim with caution.
🤿 Snorkel the South
The south end near Ulua Beach is ideal for snorkeling, offering clear waters and marine life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mokapu Beach Shoreline
Wailea, Maui
Expansive sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, leisurely strolls, and enjoying the vibrant Hawaiian atmosphere.
Snorkeling at the South End
South end near Ulua Beach
Discover underwater wonders in clear waters, teeming with marine life, especially near the rocky point.
Wailea Beach Path
Coastal path connecting beaches
A scenic 1.6-mile walk offering breathtaking ocean views and access to multiple stunning beaches.
Sunset Spectacles
Mokapu Beach
Witness unforgettable sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Waves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Respect the Ocean
Be aware of powerful waves and shore breaks. Lifeguards are on duty, but always swim with caution.
🤿 Snorkel the South
The south end near Ulua Beach is ideal for snorkeling, offering clear waters and marine life.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Path
Enjoy the Wailea Beach Path for scenic walks connecting Mokapu to other beautiful beaches.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Mokapu Beach offers stunning sunset views, perfect for a romantic evening or peaceful reflection.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Respect the Ocean
Be aware of powerful waves and shore breaks. Lifeguards are on duty, but always swim with caution.
🤿 Snorkel the South
The south end near Ulua Beach is ideal for snorkeling, offering clear waters and marine life.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Path
Enjoy the Wailea Beach Path for scenic walks connecting Mokapu to other beautiful beaches.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Mokapu Beach offers stunning sunset views, perfect for a romantic evening or peaceful reflection.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be found along the side of the road near Makena Beach, with clear openings to access the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mokapu Beach is praised for its beautiful sandy shores, stunning sunset views, and convenient access from nearby resorts. While generally lovely, some visitors note the presence of rocks in the water and can experience windy conditions or large waves, making the center of the beach less ideal for very young children. The south end, however, is a highlight for snorkeling.
"Nice beach with fine sand outside of the Andaz Resort. Rocks on the side but clear center which was great for kids, however, the waves were big enough I was happy the kids had life vests on."
Jackie Acker Garland (Chicago Photo Mom)
"A beautiful beach to relax, and enjoy the great vibes of this island. Any time of the day is good due to great weather. Sunsets are beautiful as well. Night walking on the beach was amazing under bright moonlight and star gazing."
jay bagade
"Beautiful but windy, lots of rocks in the water"
T A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mokapu Beach is located in Wailea, South Maui. You can access it by driving and parking along the side of the road near Makena Beach, looking for openings in the wall. It's also accessible via the Wailea Beach Path, which connects it to other nearby beaches like Ulua Beach.
Parking is typically available along the roadside near the beach. Look for designated openings or areas where others have parked.
Yes, many resorts in Wailea, such as the Andaz Maui, offer direct or very close access to Mokapu Beach. 
Absolutely! Mokapu Beach is one of the four beautiful beaches along the scenic 1.6-mile Wailea Beach Path.
Exploring South Maui, including Kihei, Wailea, and Makena, offers a variety of beautiful spots. The Wailea Beach Path is a great way to see multiple beaches.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mokapu Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its beauty freely.
Beaches in Hawaii are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times, but it's advisable to leave before dark for safety.
While generally open, always be mindful of ocean conditions and any posted advisories from lifeguards.
No advance booking is required to visit Mokapu Beach as it is a public beach.
While the beach itself is public, the adjacent Andaz Maui resort sometimes hosts events like 'The Feast at Mokapu'. It's best to check their website for current offerings. [^seo_keywords]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mokapu Beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views. The south end is also a popular spot for snorkeling.
The center of the beach is generally good for swimming, but be aware that waves can be large and powerful, especially near the shore break. [^reviews]
The south end of Mokapu Beach, near the rocky point shared with Ulua Beach, is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in South Maui due to its clear waters and marine life. [^reviews]
Yes, lifeguards are typically present at Mokapu Beach, providing an added layer of safety for beachgoers.
Mokapu Beach can get busy, especially as it's a popular walking beach for residents and visitors. It's also adjacent to luxury resorts. [^reviews]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Mokapu Beach itself doesn't have direct dining facilities, the adjacent Andaz Maui resort offers dining options, including 'The Feast at Mokapu'. [^seo_keywords]
The Wailea area has numerous dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. For top-notch food, consider exploring restaurants in Wailea or nearby Kihei.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Remember to pack out all trash.
Yes, 'The Feast at Mokapu' is an event or dining experience offered at the Andaz Maui resort, located right on Mokapu Beach. [^seo_keywords]
For local eats, consider exploring the food trucks in Kihei or checking out restaurants recommended for their delicious food in the Wailea and Makena areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire stretch of Mokapu Beach offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Wailea Beach Path also provides scenic backdrops.
Absolutely! Mokapu Beach is renowned for its stunning sunset views, making it a prime location for photographers.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the beach and ocean, close-ups of palm trees, and vibrant sunset colors. The rocky point at the south end also offers unique compositions.
Many visitors highlight the beauty of the beach itself, the Wailea Beach Path, and the sunset views. The area near the rocky point for snorkeling also presents interesting underwater photo possibilities.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The south end of the beach, near the rocky point, is excellent for snorkeling and can be a fun activity for older children who are comfortable in the water.
💑 Couples and Romantic Getaways
+1 Staying at a nearby luxury resort like the Andaz Maui can further enhance the romantic experience with its upscale amenities and direct beach access. Enjoying a leisurely walk along the Wailea Beach Path hand-in-hand, with the sound of the waves and the ocean breeze, is another idyllic activity.
The beach itself provides a serene environment for sunbathing and relaxation, allowing couples to unwind and connect amidst the tropical paradise. 🚶♀️ Active Travelers and Beach Walkers
You can easily spend hours exploring the path and hopping between Mokapu, Ulua, Wailea, and Polo beaches. If you enjoy water activities, the snorkeling opportunities at the south end of Mokapu Beach are a great way to get some exercise while exploring the underwater world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wailea Beach Path
This path is perfect for a leisurely morning stroll, a brisk afternoon walk, or a romantic sunset excursion. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning ocean vistas, lush tropical landscaping, and opportunities to stop and relax at any of the beaches it passes. Many visitors recommend this path for its accessibility and the sheer beauty it offers. You can easily access it from various points along the Wailea coastline, including from resorts like the Andaz Maui.
It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse coastal scenery of Wailea without needing a car, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the island's natural splendor. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, a chance to admire the coastline, or a convenient way to hop between beaches, the Wailea Beach Path is a must-do. It provides a unique perspective of the area and is a highlight for many visitors exploring South Maui.
Snorkeling and Marine Life at Mokapu Beach
It's important to note that the ocean conditions at Mokapu Beach can vary. While the center of the beach might be suitable for swimming, the waves can be large and powerful, especially near the shore break.
For those seeking a more protected snorkeling experience, nearby Ahihi Cove is also mentioned as an excellent spot, particularly for beginners, offering shallow waters that feel like swimming in a natural aquarium.
Resort Access and Amenities
+1 This proximity means that guests of these resorts often have direct or very easy access to the beach, sometimes just a short walk from their rooms. +1For guests staying at the Andaz Maui, Mokapu Beach is literally at their doorstep, offering a seamless transition from resort relaxation to beach enjoyment.
+1 This makes it an attractive option for travelers seeking a blend of upscale amenities and natural beach beauty. The resorts also provide a convenient base for exploring other attractions in the Wailea area. While the beach itself is public, the presence of these resorts enhances the overall experience by offering nearby dining options, such as 'The Feast at Mokapu' at the Andaz Maui, and a generally well-maintained environment. [^seo_keywords]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit