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Wahikuli Wayside Park

4.7
·821 reviews·Lahaina, United States

A waterfront public park in Lahaina offering picnic spots, outdoor showers, and a scenic coastal path.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday afternoons

Quiet and calm beach vibes

CrowdLow
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Glass bottom boat.

Wahikuli Wayside Park

Best Time

Thursday afternoons

Quiet and calm beach vibes

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A waterfront public park in Lahaina offering picnic spots, outdoor showers, and a scenic coastal path.

4.7
(821 reviews)

"This was a great park with a nice walk by the ocean. It is a great place for a picnic."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 Respectful Beach Etiquette

Be mindful of the community's recovery. Check advisories before visiting and tread lightly.

👟 Coastal Running Path

Run north from the park past resorts for scenic ocean views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oceanside Worship

Oceanside Worship

Wahikuli Wayside Park

Experience a unique beachside church service with stunning ocean views. A spiritual gathering amidst natural beauty.

Instagram+1
Scenic Coastal Run

Scenic Coastal Run

Wahikuli Wayside Park to Whalers Village

Enjoy a picturesque run along the coast, passing by resorts and offering beautiful ocean vistas.

Reddit
Sunset Photoshoot Spot

Sunset Photoshoot Spot

Wahikuli Wayside Park beach

A beautiful and accessible beach perfect for capturing memorable moments, especially during sunset.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visitation Post-Fire

Lahaina experienced devastating fires. Many locals request visitors to refrain from visiting West Maui to allow for mourning and recovery. Please check current advisories and be mindful of the community's needs before planning a trip. TikTok

Park Conditions & Access

Wahikuli Wayside Park is a public space, but post-fire conditions and access may vary. Be aware of ongoing recovery efforts and potential restrictions. Some areas may be impacted by the fires and subsequent cleanup. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Thursday afternoons
Why
Quiet and calm beach vibes
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday mornings
Why
Oceanside church services
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

An experience I’ll never forget. #maui #lahaina #hawaiifire #hurricanedora #lahainahawaii #mauistrong #lahainastrong
@clarissa_hikes_it_all
474.2K likes • 7.3M views

🌊 Respectful Beach Etiquette

Be mindful of the community's recovery. Check advisories before visiting and tread lightly. TikTok

👟 Coastal Running Path

Run north from the park past resorts for scenic ocean views. Reddit

thought id be going back to my house that day :( if youd like to donate to help my family my venmo is @lanzaira our gofundme will be in my bio. if you cant donate then share anything helps ❤️❤️ #lahainafire #lahaina #maui #hawaii #fyp #filipino
@lanzaira
127.2K likes • 915.2K views
JESUS IS ALIVE ! HE IS RISEN ... and HE CAN BE KNOWN! Join us at 9AM this RESURRECTION SUNDAY at Wahikuli Wayside Park in Lahaina! For over 30 Years the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed oceanside here on Maui at Calvary Chapel Westside. God is forever faithful and His offer to reconcile man to Himself and to cover the sins of any who will simply, in truth, call on the Name of Jesus still...
calvarychapelwestside
55 likes • 434 views

🐢 Turtle Sightings

Look for sea turtles swimming near the rocks for a special wildlife encounter. Instagram

🚗 Adequate Parking

The park generally offers sufficient parking for visitors. Instagram

Those is a growing homeless encampment in West Maui. Those who live at Wahikuli Wayside Park say they are fire survivors who do not want to leave Lahaina. Story on @hawaiinewsnow. #HawaiiNewsNow #HawaiiNews #HINews #HNN
chelseadavishnn
472 likes • 16.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 Respectful Beach Etiquette

Be mindful of the community's recovery. Check advisories before visiting and tread lightly. TikTok

👟 Coastal Running Path

Run north from the park past resorts for scenic ocean views. Reddit

🐢 Turtle Sightings

Look for sea turtles swimming near the rocks for a special wildlife encounter. Instagram

🚗 Adequate Parking

The park generally offers sufficient parking for visitors. Instagram

⚠️ Sneaker Waves

Be cautious of sudden, strong waves, especially if swimming with children. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(821 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Wahikuli Wayside Park to be a clean and accessible beach with nice ocean views, ideal for picnics and coastal walks. Some appreciate the unique opportunity for oceanside church services. However, snorkeling is not recommended, and caution is advised for swimming due to sneaker waves and rapid depth changes.

"As visitors from California, attended Calvary Chapel West Maui today for church. Can't think of a better way to attend church than on the beach. Pastor Steve was friendly and warm to talk with."

Jeremy Hong

"The park and beach were clean and nice. The parkings was adequate. The snorkeling at this spot is not great, and this may not be the best place to bring younger kids if they aren't strong swimmers since there can be sneaker waves and it gets over 6 feet deep only a few yards into the water."

Rogan R

"This was a great park with a nice walk by the ocean. It is a great place for a picnic. We enjoyed the small and calm beach. The best part was seeing all of the turtles swimming by the rocks."

Andrew Kassouf

What People Like

Clean and nice park
Accessible beach
Oceanside church services

What People Dislike

Not great snorkeling
Sneaker waves
Rapid depth increase

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wahikuli Wayside Park is located in Lahaina, West Maui. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors find it convenient to drive to the park, especially if they are exploring other parts of West Maui. Instagram

Yes, the park is described as very accessible, making it a good option for various visitors. Instagram

Information on specific public transportation routes to Wahikuli Wayside Park is limited. Driving is the most common method of access mentioned by visitors. Instagram

Wahikuli Wayside Park is situated in Lahaina, on the island of Maui, Hawaii. It's a waterfront public park. Instagram+1

While walking or biking might be possible depending on your starting point in Lahaina, driving is generally recommended for ease of access, especially if you plan to bring picnic items or beach gear. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Wahikuli Wayside Park is a public park, and typically there is no entrance fee for general access. Instagram+1

Specific operating hours for Wahikuli Wayside Park are not widely published. However, as a public park, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. Instagram+1

No advance booking is typically required for general visits to Wahikuli Wayside Park. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for picnic areas and parking. Instagram+1

Following the Lahaina fires, it's crucial to check for any updated advisories regarding access to West Maui areas, including parks. Some areas may have restricted access for recovery efforts. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Calvary Chapel Westside holds services at Wahikuli Wayside Park on Sundays. Visitors are welcome to attend. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The park offers BBQ grills, picnic pavilions, outdoor showers, and restrooms, making it suitable for picnics and day use. Instagram

The beach has a small, calm area, but it can get over 6 feet deep just a few yards offshore. Sneaker waves can occur, so caution is advised, especially for younger children or weak swimmers. Instagram+1

Snorkeling at this spot is generally not considered great. However, you might see sea turtles swimming near the rocks. Instagram

Absolutely! The park features picnic pavilions and BBQ grills, making it an excellent spot for a picnic with ocean views. Instagram

Yes, the park is a starting point for a scenic coastal run. You can run north along the boardwalk past the resorts for beautiful ocean views. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset is a popular time for photography, offering beautiful lighting for beach and landscape shots. Even on overcast days, the park can provide spectacular backdrops. Instagram

Yes, the park offers lovely ocean views, a beach setting, and is a great spot for capturing memorable images, including pre-wedding photoshoots. Instagram

You can expect scenic ocean backdrops, a beach environment, and potentially views of the coastline. The contrast between the blue ocean and the park's landscape can be striking. Instagram

While drone photography might be possible, always check local regulations and be mindful of any restricted airspace, especially given the park's proximity to Lahaina and ongoing recovery efforts. TikTok

Yes, you might have opportunities to photograph sea turtles swimming near the rocks, adding a unique element to your photos. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wahikuli Wayside Park offers picnic facilities and a beach, which can be enjoyable for families. However, parents should be aware that the water depth increases quickly just a few yards from shore, and sneaker waves can be a concern. Instagram+1 The snorkeling here isn't the best, so if your main goal is underwater exploration, other locations might be more suitable. Always supervise children closely near the water. Instagram

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

For those looking for a spiritual experience, Calvary Chapel Westside holds Sunday morning services at Wahikuli Wayside Park. Instagram+1 This offers a unique opportunity to worship in a beautiful oceanside setting, providing a peaceful and uplifting experience. Instagram

🏃‍♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts

Runners will appreciate the scenic coastal path that extends north from Wahikuli Wayside Park. Reddit This route offers lovely ocean views as you pass by resorts, making for an invigorating and picturesque workout. It's a great way to explore the area while staying active. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Wahikuli Wayside Park is a picturesque location for photography, especially during sunset. Instagram The accessible beach and ocean views provide a beautiful backdrop for various types of shoots, from casual snapshots to more formal pre-wedding photos. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Impact of the Lahaina Fires

Wahikuli Wayside Park is located in West Maui, an area significantly impacted by the devastating Lahaina fires in August 2023. The fires caused widespread destruction, and the community is in a long process of recovery and mourning. TikTok+2 Many residents lost their homes and livelihoods, and the emotional toll on the community is immense. TikTok+1 As a result, there's a strong emphasis on respectful visitation, with many locals requesting that tourists refrain from visiting West Maui to allow space for healing and rebuilding. TikTok

Ongoing recovery efforts include search operations, with underwater searches for human remains extending from Puamana Beach Park to Wahikuli Wayside Park. Instagram+2 This highlights the sensitive nature of the area and the ongoing work to address the tragedy. Visitors are urged to stay informed about current advisories and to be exceptionally mindful of the community's needs and sensitivities if they choose to visit. TikTok

While the park itself may have been spared direct destruction, its proximity to the affected areas means that the atmosphere and the community's focus are understandably centered on recovery. TikTok+1 It's important for visitors to approach any visit with empathy and a deep respect for the ongoing situation. TikTok

Community and Spiritual Gatherings

Wahikuli Wayside Park has become a site for community and spiritual gatherings, particularly for those seeking solace and connection in the wake of the Lahaina fires. Calvary Chapel Westside has been holding regular Sunday morning services at the park for over 30 years, offering worship, prayer, and fellowship by the ocean. Instagram+1 These services provide a sense of continuity and hope for the community. TikTok

In addition to religious services, the park has also served as a gathering point for fire survivors who are experiencing homelessness and are seeking to remain in the Lahaina area. Instagram This underscores the park's role as a space for community support and resilience. Visitors attending these gatherings are encouraged to be respectful of the spiritual and emotional significance of these events. Instagram

The presence of these gatherings highlights the park's importance beyond its natural beauty, serving as a place of refuge, community, and spiritual renewal for many. Instagram+1

Coastal Exploration and Recreation

Beyond its role in community events, Wahikuli Wayside Park offers opportunities for coastal recreation. The park features amenities like BBQ grills, picnic pavilions, outdoor showers, and restrooms, making it a pleasant spot for picnics and day trips. Instagram The beach itself is described as small and calm in parts, though visitors should be aware of sneaker waves and the water depth increasing rapidly just a few yards offshore. Instagram+1

For those who enjoy an active experience, the boardwalk extending north from Wahikuli Wayside Park past the resorts offers a scenic route for running or jogging. Reddit This path provides beautiful ocean views and is a great way to explore the coastline. While snorkeling conditions are not ideal, the rocky areas near the shore can sometimes offer sightings of sea turtles, adding a touch of wildlife viewing to your visit. Instagram

The park's accessibility and natural setting make it a spot for capturing memorable photos, especially during sunset. Instagram Whether you're looking for a peaceful picnic spot, a scenic run, or a place to witness the natural beauty of Maui, Wahikuli Wayside Park offers a tranquil escape. Instagram

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