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Mokapu Beach

4.6
·24 reviews·Wailea-Makena, United States

Mokapu Beach offers beautiful sandy shores, excellent snorkeling at its south end, and stunning sunset views, adjacent to luxury resorts in Wailea.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Calmer waters for swimming

CrowdMedium
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Tidepools

Mokapu Beach

Best Time

Morning

Calmer waters for swimming

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Mokapu Beach offers beautiful sandy shores, excellent snorkeling at its south end, and stunning sunset views, adjacent to luxury resorts in Wailea.

4.6
(24 reviews)

"Beautiful beach that is well maintained, with clear center great for kids and good snorkeling at the south end."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 Respect the Ocean

Be aware of powerful waves and shore breaks. Lifeguards are on duty, but always swim with caution.

🤿 Snorkel the South

The south end near Ulua Beach is ideal for snorkeling, offering clear waters and marine life.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 24 reviews

Type

Beach

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mokapu Beach Shoreline

Mokapu Beach Shoreline

Wailea, Maui

Expansive sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, leisurely strolls, and enjoying the vibrant Hawaiian atmosphere.

Snorkeling at the South End

Snorkeling at the South End

South end near Ulua Beach

Discover underwater wonders in clear waters, teeming with marine life, especially near the rocky point.

Wailea Beach Path

Wailea Beach Path

Coastal path connecting beaches

A scenic 1.6-mile walk offering breathtaking ocean views and access to multiple stunning beaches.

Sunset Spectacles

Sunset Spectacles

Mokapu Beach

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

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While Mokapu Beach is beautiful year-round, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Mornings offer calmer waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while evenings provide stunning sunset views.

Navigating the Waves

Mokapu Beach can experience large, powerful waves, especially near the shore break. Lifeguards are present, but inexperienced swimmers should exercise caution. The south end of the beach, near the rocky point shared with Ulua Beach, is often recommended for snorkeling.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Calmer waters for swimming
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening
Why
Spectacular sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Shoulder Seasons (Spring/Fall)
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is your sign to book your trip to Hawaii🩵✨ #oahulife #oahuhawaii #makuabeach
@thais.travel
32.7K likes • 336.7K views

🌊 Respect the Ocean

Be aware of powerful waves and shore breaks. Lifeguards are on duty, but always swim with caution. TikTok

🤿 Snorkel the South

The south end near Ulua Beach is ideal for snorkeling, offering clear waters and marine life. Reddit

follow this exact itinerary and I promise you won’t be disappointed✨✨ #maui #hawaii #mauihawaii #hyattregencymaui #makawao #roadtohana #kapalua #greenscreen #travel #vacation
@_lifewithlex_
12.1K likes • 222.3K views
Mokapu Beach sunset 🏝️ Wailea-Makena, Hawaii on Maui 🌺 • • • #hawaii #maui #mauihawaii #wailea #mokapu #ulua #makena #waileamakena #andazmaui #andaz #beachlife #beachvibes #beachday #mauilife #hawaiilife #islandlife #vacation #palmtrees #beach #beaches #southmaui #resorts #tourism #pacificocean #beachtown #hiking #sand #outdoors #beachwalker
adams__adventures_
376 likes • 5.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Path

Enjoy the Wailea Beach Path for scenic walks connecting Mokapu to other beautiful beaches. Instagram

🌅 Catch the Sunset

Mokapu Beach offers stunning sunset views, perfect for a romantic evening or peaceful reflection. Instagram

Love Mokapu Beach, next Ulua Beach in Wailea. 🎥 by @adams__adventures_ #maui #wailea #mokapubeach
amauiblog
438 likes • 4.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 Respect the Ocean

Be aware of powerful waves and shore breaks. Lifeguards are on duty, but always swim with caution. TikTok

🤿 Snorkel the South

The south end near Ulua Beach is ideal for snorkeling, offering clear waters and marine life. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Path

Enjoy the Wailea Beach Path for scenic walks connecting Mokapu to other beautiful beaches. Instagram

🌅 Catch the Sunset

Mokapu Beach offers stunning sunset views, perfect for a romantic evening or peaceful reflection. Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be found along the side of the road near Makena Beach, with clear openings to access the beach. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(24 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mokapu Beach is praised for its beautiful sandy shores, stunning sunset views, and convenient access from nearby resorts. While generally lovely, some visitors note the presence of rocks in the water and can experience windy conditions or large waves, making the center of the beach less ideal for very young children. The south end, however, is a highlight for snorkeling.

"Nice beach with fine sand outside of the Andaz Resort. Rocks on the side but clear center which was great for kids, however, the waves were big enough I was happy the kids had life vests on."

Jackie Acker Garland (Chicago Photo Mom)

"A beautiful beach to relax, and enjoy the great vibes of this island. Any time of the day is good due to great weather. Sunsets are beautiful as well. Night walking on the beach was amazing under bright moonlight and star gazing."

jay bagade

"Beautiful but windy, lots of rocks in the water"

T A

What People Like

Beautiful sandy beach
Spectacular sunsets
Resort proximity

What People Dislike

Rocks in water
Can be windy
Large waves

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mokapu Beach is located in Wailea, South Maui. You can access it by driving and parking along the side of the road near Makena Beach, looking for openings in the wall. TikTok It's also accessible via the Wailea Beach Path, which connects it to other nearby beaches like Ulua Beach. Instagram

Parking is typically available along the roadside near the beach. Look for designated openings or areas where others have parked. TikTok

Yes, many resorts in Wailea, such as the Andaz Maui, offer direct or very close access to Mokapu Beach. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Mokapu Beach is one of the four beautiful beaches along the scenic 1.6-mile Wailea Beach Path. Instagram

Exploring South Maui, including Kihei, Wailea, and Makena, offers a variety of beautiful spots. The Wailea Beach Path is a great way to see multiple beaches. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Mokapu Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its beauty freely. TikTok

Beaches in Hawaii are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times, but it's advisable to leave before dark for safety. TikTok

While generally open, always be mindful of ocean conditions and any posted advisories from lifeguards. TikTok

No advance booking is required to visit Mokapu Beach as it is a public beach. TikTok

While the beach itself is public, the adjacent Andaz Maui resort sometimes hosts events like 'The Feast at Mokapu'. It's best to check their website for current offerings. TikTok [^seo_keywords]

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Mokapu Beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views. The south end is also a popular spot for snorkeling. TikTokReddit

The center of the beach is generally good for swimming, but be aware that waves can be large and powerful, especially near the shore break. TikTok [^reviews]

The south end of Mokapu Beach, near the rocky point shared with Ulua Beach, is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in South Maui due to its clear waters and marine life. Reddit [^reviews]

Yes, lifeguards are typically present at Mokapu Beach, providing an added layer of safety for beachgoers. TikTok

Mokapu Beach can get busy, especially as it's a popular walking beach for residents and visitors. It's also adjacent to luxury resorts. [^reviews]

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Mokapu Beach itself doesn't have direct dining facilities, the adjacent Andaz Maui resort offers dining options, including 'The Feast at Mokapu'. TikTok [^seo_keywords]

The Wailea area has numerous dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. For top-notch food, consider exploring restaurants in Wailea or nearby Kihei. TikTok

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Remember to pack out all trash. TikTok

Yes, 'The Feast at Mokapu' is an event or dining experience offered at the Andaz Maui resort, located right on Mokapu Beach. [^seo_keywords]

For local eats, consider exploring the food trucks in Kihei or checking out restaurants recommended for their delicious food in the Wailea and Makena areas. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire stretch of Mokapu Beach offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Wailea Beach Path also provides scenic backdrops. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Mokapu Beach is renowned for its stunning sunset views, making it a prime location for photographers. Instagram+1

You can capture wide-angle shots of the beach and ocean, close-ups of palm trees, and vibrant sunset colors. The rocky point at the south end also offers unique compositions. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors highlight the beauty of the beach itself, the Wailea Beach Path, and the sunset views. The area near the rocky point for snorkeling also presents interesting underwater photo possibilities. InstagramReddit

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Instagram+1

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