Early morning on Keawakapu Beach. Next to Mana Kai Resort.
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Keawakapu Beach Kihei

4.8
·973 reviews·Kihei, United States

A stunning stretch of golden sand between Kihei and Wailea, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and breathtaking sunsets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Calm waters for swimming

CrowdLow
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Early morning on Keawakapu Beach. Next to Mana Kai Resort.

Keawakapu Beach Kihei

Best Time

Morning

Calm waters for swimming

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning stretch of golden sand between Kihei and Wailea, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and breathtaking sunsets.

4.8
(973 reviews)

"Keawakapu Beach is a gem with soft sand, clear waters, and fewer crowds than other Maui beaches."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Parking Access

There are two parking lots with easy beach access, but they fill up fast! Arrive early.

🐢 Snorkel with Turtles

Look for sea turtles near the rocks for an amazing snorkeling experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Golden Sands and Calm Waters

Golden Sands and Calm Waters

Keawakapu Beach

Experience the incredibly smooth, soft sand and gentle waves perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Reddit
Snorkeling Adventures

Snorkeling Adventures

Rocky outcrops

Discover vibrant marine life and sea turtles while snorkeling near the beach's interesting rock formations.

Reddit
Spectacular Sunsets

Spectacular Sunsets

Keawakapu Beach

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Arrive Early for Prime Spots

Keawakapu Beach is a popular spot, especially for its smooth sand and calm waters. Parking can be limited, so arriving early is key to securing a good spot and enjoying the beach without the crowds. Reddit

Pack for Comfort and Exploration

While Keawakapu Beach offers beautiful smooth sand and grassy areas, remember to bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas. Consider water shoes for exploring rocky outcrops for snorkeling. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Calm waters for swimming
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Stunning sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The best and affordable way to stay in Maui! #traveltip #hawaii #mauihawaii #airbnbfinds #vacationrental
@kaganbrooks
24.8K likes • 871.5K views

🚗 Easy Parking Access

There are two parking lots with easy beach access, but they fill up fast! Arrive early. Reddit

🐢 Snorkel with Turtles

Look for sea turtles near the rocks for an amazing snorkeling experience. Reddit

Mokapu Beach 🏝️ Maui, Hawaii 🏖️ • • • #hawaii #maui #wailea #andaz #mokapubeach #southmaui #kihei #makena #palmtrees #vacation #tropical #island #paradise #beach #hotel #resort #tourism #beauty #art #photography #andazmaui #hyatt #travel #explore #nature #pacific #calm #relaxing #therapy #peaceful #Summer #ocean #aloha #oceanview #sounds #beachvibes #beachwalker
@adams_adventures_
5.9K likes • 91.1K views
Keawakapu Beach, Kihei Tuesday afternoon outlook 💨🌤️🏝️🤙🏽 #kihei #maui #waves #tuesday #hawaii #wind #surf #surffoiling #wailea #foilsurfing #wingfoiling #foilsurf #windsurfing #kitesurfing #wingfoil #tuesdaymotivation #kitefoiling #wingfoil #surffoiling #tuesdayvibes #windsurffoil #kitefoiling #keawakapubeach #tuesdaythoughts #hydrofoil surfing #surffoil #surfing #hydrofoiling #kiteboarding #foil...
mauibenjamin
2 likes • 346 views

🚶‍♀️ Long Beach Walks

Enjoy peaceful strolls along the 0.7-mile stretch of beautiful, wide sand. Instagram

☀️ Grassy Relaxation

Beyond the sand, find comfortable grassy areas perfect for lounging. Reddit

Let’s take a walk down to Keawakapu Beach’s south entrance! 🌴 Keawakapu Beach stretches along South Maui, right on the border of Kihei and Wailea, with its golden sands and calm, Let’s take a walk down to Keawakapu Beach’s south entrance! 🌴 Keawakapu Beach stretches along South Maui, right on the border of Kihei and Wailea, with its golden sands and calm, turquoise waters sparkling under the s...
russellscottsnyder
53 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Parking Access

There are two parking lots with easy beach access, but they fill up fast! Arrive early. Reddit

🐢 Snorkel with Turtles

Look for sea turtles near the rocks for an amazing snorkeling experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Long Beach Walks

Enjoy peaceful strolls along the 0.7-mile stretch of beautiful, wide sand. Instagram

☀️ Grassy Relaxation

Beyond the sand, find comfortable grassy areas perfect for lounging. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Keawakapu is a prime spot for watching the sun dip below the horizon. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(973 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Keawakapu Beach is widely praised for its exceptionally smooth sand, clear waters, and suitability for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors appreciate the beautiful scenery, stunning sunsets, and the availability of grassy areas for relaxation. While parking and restroom facilities can be a drawback, the overall experience is highly positive, making it a gem for a relaxed beach day. Reddit

"This beach was recommended by several staff from our hotel. The beach is beautiful with its very smooth sand. It’s a little tricky navigating from the parking lot while carrying beach chairs and umbrellas. The place was crowded when we visited, I can see why there why the place is popular with swimmers."

Susanna SS

"Smooth sand (virtually no rocks). Grassy area next to the sand for even more comfortable seating. Beautiful water, great temperature. Waves were pleasant. Free parking/access. This beach was "just right" for us."

Benjamin Colsten

"Keawakapu Beach is a gem with soft sand, clear waters, and fewer crowds than other Maui beaches. It’s great for swimming, snorkeling near the rocky outcrops, and long walks along the shore. Sunsets here are stunning, and morning visits offer calm waters. Limited parking means arriving early is best. There are showers but no public restrooms. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot perfect for a relaxed beach day."

Shane Perry

What People Like

Smooth, soft sand
Calm waters for swimming
Beautiful sunset views

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Restroom availability

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Keawakapu Beach is conveniently located on the border of Kihei and Wailea. You can access it via South Kihei Road, with three main beach access points: near the Mana Kai Resort, at Kilohana Drive, and at the end of South Kihei Road. Instagram Driving from other parts of Maui is common, with travel times varying. TikTok

Yes, Keawakapu Beach has two parking lots, offering easy access to the shore. However, these lots can fill up quickly, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

While direct bus routes to Keawakapu Beach might be limited, Kihei is accessible by bus from other parts of Maui. You can take the bus to Kihei and then potentially walk or take a short ride to the beach. TikTok

From Kahului Airport (OGG), the most convenient way to reach Keawakapu Beach is by rental car, which takes about 25-30 minutes. Alternatively, ride-sharing services or pre-booked shuttles are available. TikTok

The beach has parking lots and generally easy access to the sand. However, navigating from the parking lot with beach gear can be a bit tricky, and the sand itself can be soft. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Keawakapu Beach offers free public access and parking, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for enjoying Maui's coastline. Reddit

Keawakapu Beach is a public beach and is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times, but it's advisable to leave before dark for safety. TikTok

No, tickets are not required for Keawakapu Beach as it is a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours. Reddit

While generally open, it's always a good idea to check local advisories for any temporary closures or restrictions due to weather or ocean conditions, as seen after storms. Instagram

Public beaches are typically not lit at night, and it's recommended to leave before dark for safety reasons. Enjoy the beach during daylight hours. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Keawakapu Beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling near the rocky areas, sunbathing on its smooth sand, and taking long, scenic walks along the shore. InstagramReddit It's also a popular spot for water sports like wing foiling. Instagram

Yes, Keawakapu Beach is known for its calm waters and smooth sand, making it excellent for swimming. Reddit The waves are generally pleasant, though conditions can vary. Reddit

The sand at Keawakapu Beach is exceptionally smooth and soft, with virtually no rocks, providing a comfortable surface for lounging and walking. Reddit

While there are showers available for rinsing off, public restrooms are not consistently maintained or available at Keawakapu Beach. Reddit

Keawakapu Beach can get crowded, especially during peak hours and seasons, but it's often less crowded than some other popular Maui beaches. Arriving early helps avoid the busiest times. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography at Keawakapu Beach. TikTok

Capture the expansive golden sands, the clear turquoise waters, the rocky outcrops perfect for framing shots, and of course, the stunning sunset views. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check current FAA and local Maui guidelines before flying a drone to ensure compliance. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. TikTok

Look for opportunities to photograph sea turtles near the shore, surfers or foilers on the water, and the unique textures of the sand and rocks. InstagramReddit

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