Sunset over Lana'i
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Poʻolenalena Beach

4.7
·196 reviews·Kihei, United States

A serene South Maui beach known for its golden sands, excellent snorkeling, and breathtaking sunsets, often visited by sea turtles.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

For the magical sunset

CrowdMedium
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Sunset over Lana'i

Poʻolenalena Beach

Best Time

Late afternoon

For the magical sunset

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene South Maui beach known for its golden sands, excellent snorkeling, and breathtaking sunsets, often visited by sea turtles.

4.7
(196 reviews)

"The golden hour at this beach is phenomenal. The beach itself was super clean, and it was rocky in some areas."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 197 reviews

Type

Beach

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Witness breathtaking golden hour hues paint the sky over the Pacific. A truly unforgettable romantic or peaceful moment.

Turtle Spotting

Turtle Spotting

Keep an eye out for Hawaiian green sea turtles basking near the shore or gracefully swimming in the shallows.

Rocky Point Snorkeling

Rocky Point Snorkeling

Explore vibrant underwater life by snorkeling around the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Golden Hour

Po'olenalena Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets. Plan your visit for the late afternoon to witness the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors. It's a truly magical experience that many visitors cherish.

Snorkel Smart, Respect Nature

While snorkeling is a highlight, remember to be mindful of the marine life. Stick to rocky points for the best views and avoid touching coral. Early mornings often offer calmer waters and better visibility for spotting turtles.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
For the magical sunset
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Calm waters for snorkeling
Crowd
Low

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

🌅 Golden Hour Magic

The sunset here is phenomenal and a must-see! Perfect for romantic moments or peaceful reflection. Reddit

🐢 Turtle Encounters

Several turtles were seen here! Look for them early morning or near rocky areas. Reddit

Maui, Hawaii 📍🧡🌞🌸 @Twin Tour Golf #maui #hawaii #vacation #kihei #beach #sunset
@isabelladory_
1.5K likes • 67.7K views
Maui Sunshine after the rain Waipulani Park #maui #kihei #mauirainbow #hawaii #foryou #foryourpage #yourpage #magicalmaui #hawaiirainbow #wonderland #kiheihawaii #sunshineandrain #brilliantcolors #mauisunset #hawaiisunset #sunset #mauibeach #beachsunset #kiheisunset #fyp
@ccarrieb
1.2K likes • 24.9K views

🤿 Snorkel the Rocks

Snorkeling is great off the north and south rocky points. Reddit

🌳 Natural Shade Spots

Arrive early for natural shade from trees, especially on the north end. Reddit

Exploring South Maui: Kihei, Wailea, Makena & La Perouse Bay | Things to do in Maui Hawaii - Welcome to South Maui! In this video, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the island’s most beautiful spots, starting in lively Kihei, with its golden beaches, food trucks, and laid‑back vibe, before heading to Wailea for luxury resorts, world‑class snorkeling at Ulua Beach, and the scenic Wailea B...
@hawaiiwalkingtours
908 likes • 19.8K views

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. Reddit

🐢 Turtle Encounters

Several turtles were seen here! Look for them early morning or near rocky areas. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel the Rocks

Snorkeling is great off the north and south rocky points. Reddit

🌳 Natural Shade Spots

Arrive early for natural shade from trees, especially on the north end. Reddit

🚫 Pack Out Trash

Some visitors noted the beach being trashed. Please help keep it clean! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(196 reviews)

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

Beautiful sunsets
Good for snorkeling
Not crowded

What People Dislike

Occasional parties
Lack of facilities
Litter concerns

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

No, tickets are not required for Po'olenalena Beach as it is a public access beach. You can visit anytime during daylight hours. TikTok

While generally open, be aware of local regulations regarding noise levels and alcohol consumption. Some visitors have noted issues with parties and smoking. Reddit

Absolutely! Po'olenalena Beach is perfect for a day trip, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and enjoying the stunning sunset. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

Yes, Po'olenalena Beach is known for its pleasant swimming conditions, with nice sand and generally calm waters, making it great for families. Reddit

According to visitor feedback, there are no significant facilities like restrooms or showers directly at Po'olenalena Beach. It's advisable to come prepared. Reddit

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. Reddit

Many visitors have reported seeing sea turtles at Po'olenalena Beach, particularly in the early mornings or near the rocky areas. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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