Mokuleia Bay Slaughterhouse Beach
A tranquil, uncrowded hidden gem on Maui, known for its crystal clear waters and unique wildlife encounters like monk seals and chickens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, best visibility
Mokuleia Bay Slaughterhouse Beach
Best Time
Calm waters, best visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, uncrowded hidden gem on Maui, known for its crystal clear waters and unique wildlife encounters like monk seals and chickens.
"This is a 5-star beach for all three in the summer: wind, surf and water clarity."
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe monk seals and chickens from afar. Never feed them to preserve their natural behavior.
☀️ Summer is Best
For calm waters and excellent visibility, summer offers the ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Mokuleia Bay
Experience pristine, clear waters ideal for swimming and observing marine life. A true hidden gem.
Monk Seal Sightings
Slaughterhouse Beach shoreline
Keep an eye out for the rare Hawaiian monk seal basking on the sand. A truly special encounter.
Abundant Wild Chickens
Throughout the beach area
Charming wild chickens roam freely, adding a unique, lively atmosphere to this serene beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Respect Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe monk seals and chickens from afar. Never feed them to preserve their natural behavior.
☀️ Summer is Best
For calm waters and excellent visibility, summer offers the ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
🚗 Arrive Early
Beat the minimal crowds and secure a prime spot by arriving earlier in the day.
🤿 Snorkeling Potential
While snorkeling is described as 'ok,' the clear waters can still offer glimpses of marine life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe monk seals and chickens from afar. Never feed them to preserve their natural behavior.
☀️ Summer is Best
For calm waters and excellent visibility, summer offers the ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
🚗 Arrive Early
Beat the minimal crowds and secure a prime spot by arriving earlier in the day.
🤿 Snorkeling Potential
While snorkeling is described as 'ok,' the clear waters can still offer glimpses of marine life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mokuleia Bay is lauded as a peaceful, uncrowded 'hidden gem' with exceptionally clear waters, perfect for a serene beach day. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to see wildlife like monk seals and chickens in a tranquil setting, though snorkeling is considered only 'ok'.
"Hidden gem. Not crowded and water was crystal clear. We got a visit from a monk seal too 🦭 first time I’ve seen roosters at the beach."
Jennifer Lynn
"Like all beaches on Maui, the time of year you visit affects the wind, surf and water clarity. This is a 5-star beach for all three in the summer."
Maureen Brock
"Beautiful and not crowded. Snorkeling was ok,"
Arthur Murga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mokuleia Bay is located on the west side of Maui, near Kapalua. Access is typically via a short walk from the parking area. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common method.
Yes, there is a parking area available, though it can fill up during peak times. Arriving early is recommended to ensure a spot.
It's considered a bit of a hidden gem. Look for signs for Mokuleia Bay or Slaughterhouse Beach. The drive itself offers scenic views of the Maui coastline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mokuleia Bay is a public beach and does not require any admission tickets. Entry is free for all visitors.
As a natural beach, Mokuleia Bay does not have set opening or closing hours. It is accessible during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The bay is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Snorkeling is possible, and it's a prime spot for wildlife viewing, especially monk seals and chickens.
Reviews suggest snorkeling is 'ok' here. While not as renowned as some other Maui spots, the clear waters can still offer a pleasant experience for observing marine life.
Typically, natural beaches like Mokuleia Bay have limited facilities. It's advisable to come prepared with your own water and essentials.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, a towel, and your camera. If you plan to snorkel, bring your gear.
Compared to other Maui beaches, Mokuleia Bay is generally not crowded, making it a peaceful retreat. Arriving early can ensure you have the beach mostly to yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful lighting for photography. The golden hour can create stunning shots of the bay and its surroundings.
Capture the clear turquoise waters, the unique rock formations, the resident wild chickens, and if you're lucky, a Hawaiian monk seal. The serene atmosphere also makes for great landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters at Mokuleia Bay
Adding to the bay's charm are the abundant wild chickens that roam freely across the beach and surrounding areas. These colorful birds are a common sight in many parts of Hawaii and add a lively, almost tropical soundtrack to your visit. While they are accustomed to human presence, it's still best to admire them from a distance and avoid feeding them to maintain their natural foraging habits. Their presence is a testament to the bay's relatively untouched and natural environment.
Understanding the Name: Slaughterhouse Beach
Despite the name, visitors consistently describe Mokuleia Bay as a hidden gem with crystal clear waters and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. The reviews highlight its serene beauty and the opportunity for quiet relaxation. The clear waters are particularly appealing, offering good visibility for those who enjoy swimming or a casual snorkel. The lack of crowds is a significant draw, providing a more intimate beach experience compared to some of Maui's more popular destinations.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit