Kalepolepo Beach Park
A tranquil beach park in Kihei, Maui, known for its calm waters, abundant sea turtles, and stunning sunsets. Ideal for families and wildlife lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful
Kalepolepo Beach Park
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil beach park in Kihei, Maui, known for its calm waters, abundant sea turtles, and stunning sunsets. Ideal for families and wildlife lovers.
"This was our favourite beach. Best place to bring our little one."
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Maintain a 20-foot distance from sea turtles. They are protected, and touching them can result in fines.
🅿️ Limited Parking
Parking is scarce; arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 689 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Turtle Sanctuary
Along the lava rock wall
Witness green sea turtles basking and resting in their protected sanctuary. A truly magical wildlife encounter!
Ancient Fish Pond
Eastern edge of the beach
Explore the centuries-old fish pond, a fascinating glimpse into Hawaiian history and sustainable practices.
Golden Hour Sunsets
The entire beach
Experience breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm: Best for Wading & Wildlife
Sunset Strolls & Local Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Maintain a 20-foot distance from sea turtles. They are protected, and touching them can result in fines. +1
🅿️ Limited Parking
Parking is scarce; arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🚶♀️ Sunset Walks
Enjoy leisurely sunset strolls along the golden sand beach.
🐠 Calm Waters for Wading
Ideal for non-swimmers and kids due to shallow, protected waters. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Maintain a 20-foot distance from sea turtles. They are protected, and touching them can result in fines. +1
🅿️ Limited Parking
Parking is scarce; arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🚶♀️ Sunset Walks
Enjoy leisurely sunset strolls along the golden sand beach.
🐠 Calm Waters for Wading
Ideal for non-swimmers and kids due to shallow, protected waters. +1
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Grassy areas are perfect for picnics with ocean views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kalepolepo Beach Park is cherished for its calm, shallow waters, making it perfect for families and non-swimmers. Visitors rave about the frequent sightings of sea turtles and the beautiful sunset views. While parking is limited and the beach can get busy, its peaceful atmosphere and historical fish pond offer a unique and memorable experience.
"Visited Kalaopepo beach park in May 2024 with my partner when we stayed in Kihie. Its beautiful beach park area, golden sand beach nice grassy area for pic-nics, with superb views of west Maui and the other islands. The beach isn't usually busy so parking shouldn't be an issue, there is showers and porta potty's. The Kalepolepo beach park makes for lovely walks specially at sunset. Its also not far from eateries and shops in Kihie and other beach parks in the Kihie area. The sea was calm when we were there so good for kids snorkeling etc, saw locals fishing and wind surfing. There is a chance you may see green sea turtles, find seashell. I highly recommend visiting Kalepolepo beach park even if it's just for a sunset walk. Steve and Jacqui fae Fife."
steven clegg
"This was our favourite beach. Best place to bring our little one. It's a sheltered beach with soft sand, a grassy picnic area and we saw sea turtles up close, many fish (up to a foot long), and crabs. Even on windy days it's pretty calm. There is a shower to rinse off and a porta potty in the parking lot.
Parking is very limited and some people will make their own spots so it can get tight. We went by 9am and it was still pretty quiet.
The entrance is easy to miss as you're driving along."
Justin Taite
"Great little beach with shallow water with a lava rock wall around the water area that creates a little sanctuary for sea turtles. Lots of turtles swim in to sun themselves and rest, safe from sharks. Fun to bring kids and see several turtles. Best time is usually around sunset. You'll see close to a dozen usually. Just make sure and stay 20 feet away from them."
Mike Ashcraft
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kalepolepo Beach Park is located in North Kihei, just past Charley Young Beach. It's easily accessible by car, with signs indicating the entrance. Many visitors staying in Kihei find it a convenient spot for a short drive or even a longer walk.
While specific bus routes might vary, the Maui Bus system generally serves the Kihei area. It's advisable to check the latest Maui Bus schedules for routes that pass near North Kihei for public transport options.
The entrance can be easy to miss when driving along the coast. Keep an eye out for signs for Kalepolepo Beach Park, especially if you're heading north from central Kihei.
Yes, Kalepolepo Beach Park is conveniently located near other Kihei beaches and eateries. It's a short drive to popular spots like Kihei Cafe and Monkeypod, and close to other beach parks.
Depending on your location in Kihei, a walk to Kalepolepo Beach Park is feasible, especially if you're staying in the northern part of Kihei. It offers a pleasant coastal walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kalepolepo Beach Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for all visitors.
As a public park, Kalepolepo Beach Park is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no strict closing times posted, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is required to visit Kalepolepo Beach Park. It's a public space, so you can visit spontaneously.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on bringing food and drinks for personal consumption. However, it's always good practice to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
Kalepolepo Beach Park is known for its calm, shallow waters, making it excellent for wading, snorkeling, and for families with children. It's not typically a beach for strong swimmers or surfers due to its protected nature. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy wading, snorkeling, wildlife viewing (especially sea turtles), picnicking, sunset watching, and leisurely walks. Some locals also engage in fishing and windsurfing. +1
Yes, there are porta-potties and showers available at Kalepolepo Beach Park for rinsing off after your beach time. +1
The park is generally not as crowded as some of Maui's more famous beaches, especially if you visit in the morning. However, it can get busier in the late afternoon, particularly around sunset. +1
Kalepolepo is famous for its green sea turtles that come to rest and sunbathe. You might also spot various fish and crabs in the shallow waters. +2
Absolutely! The calm, shallow, and protected waters make it a favorite for families with young children who want to play safely in the ocean.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Kalepolepo Beach Park. However, it's very close to Kihei, which offers a wide array of dining options, from food trucks to sit-down restaurants.
Nearby Kihei boasts popular spots like Kihei Cafe for breakfast and lunch, South Maui Fish Co. for seafood, and 808 Deli for sandwiches. Monkeypod in Wailea is also a well-regarded option. 
Yes, the park has grassy areas perfect for picnics. You can bring your own food and enjoy a meal with ocean views.
Yes, there are several grocery stores and markets in Kihei where you can purchase supplies for a picnic. Costco is also an option if you're looking for bulk items.
The Kihei area offers diverse culinary experiences, including fresh seafood, local Hawaiian dishes like poke and acai bowls, and casual American fare. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. The calm waters and potential for sea turtle sightings also provide unique photo opportunities.
Popular subjects include the sea turtles, the ancient fish pond, the serene ocean views, and the vibrant sunsets. The park's natural beauty and wildlife offer plenty of photographic inspiration. +1
The entire stretch of the beach offers lovely views. The area around the lava rock wall where turtles often gather, and the edge near the fish pond, are particularly photogenic. +1
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local park rules. It's always best to check current regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife when operating a drone.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, a polarizing filter for reducing glare on the water, and a tripod for sunset shots would be beneficial. A waterproof camera or phone case is also a good idea for capturing close-ups of the water.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit