Compare South Maui beaches by travel time from Maui Sands, facilities, parking, family suitability, snorkeling or swimming notes and ocean cautions.
South Maui rewards an early start with long Kīhei beaches, landscaped Wailea coves and the dramatic open shoreline of Mākena. The drive is longer than a West Maui beach day, so this guide groups the coast in a practical north-to-south order.
Use the comparisons below to choose the setting and facilities that fit your group. Then confirm current parking rules and let the day’s ocean conditions decide whether swimming or snorkeling is appropriate.
Make it a South Maui day
Longer drive, different coastline
South Maui’s beaches run from lively Kīhei parks to Wailea coves and the wide-open sand of Mākena. Leave early, group nearby stops together and allow extra time for traffic and parking.
North to south
10 South Maui beaches from Maui Sands
Times and distances are approximate from Unit 4B in normal traffic. They exclude parking searches and can increase substantially during peak travel periods.
1
A quieter Kīhei morning
Charley Young Beach
50–65 minAbout 30 milesSmall lot and legal street parkingAppealing when calm; limited facilities
Why go
At the north end of Kamaʻole I, Charley Young combines a generous sandy shoreline with a somewhat more residential feel than the main beach parks farther south.
Directions from Maui Sands
Take Honoapiʻilani Highway toward Maʻalaea, continue on Piʻilani Highway into Kīhei, then use the signed access near Kaiau Place off South Kīhei Road.
Useful features
Broad sand, rocky north point, portable restroom and outdoor shower near the access
Ocean and access notes
Parking is limited and fills early. There is no lifeguard station at this end; shore break and currents can strengthen as wind and swell build.
50–65 minAbout 31 milesPublic lots and signed roadside spacesA practical all-around choice
Why go
The largest of the three Kamaʻole beaches offers plenty of room for walking, swimming and a classic Kīhei beach day, with shops and food nearby.
Directions from Maui Sands
Follow Piʻilani Highway to Kīhei, turn toward the ocean and continue south on South Kīhei Road to the signed Kamaʻole I access areas.
Useful features
Long sandy beach, lawn, picnic tables, restrooms, showers and lifeguard station
Ocean and access notes
Use the lifeguarded section and ask about the day’s conditions. Afternoon wind, shore break and current around the rocky points can change an easy morning quickly.
55–70 minAbout 33 milesPublic lot; obey current signsBest park setup of the three
Why go
Kam III pairs a sandy beach with a spacious grassy park, playground and extensive facilities—useful when part of the group wants shade, a picnic or room away from the water.
Directions from Maui Sands
Continue south on South Kīhei Road; the large oceanfront lawn and signed park entrance are just beyond Kamaʻole II.
Useful features
Large lawn, playground, picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, showers, accessible ramp and lifeguard station
Ocean and access notes
The County lists offshore swimming and a lifeguard station, but rocks, shore break and current still require care. Parking controls may vary by day and time; read every posted sign.
60–75 minAbout 36 milesSigned public beach lotApproachable when calm; popular
Why go
Ulua’s sandy entry and rocky point make it one of Wailea’s better-known beginner snorkeling choices on a calm morning, while the coastal path adds an easy scenic walk.
Directions from Maui Sands
Follow Piʻilani Highway south, turn into Wailea and follow signs to the public beach parking lot off Wailea Alanui Drive.
Useful features
Sandy cove, paved beach walk, restrooms and outdoor showers
Ocean and access notes
Arrive early because parking and the water become busy. Snorkel only with clear visibility and mild surf; avoid standing on coral or crowding turtles.
65–80 minAbout 38 milesSigned public lotCompact and convenient when calm
Why go
Polo offers a more compact alternative to central Wailea, with a pleasant crescent of sand and useful public facilities near the south end of the resort district.
Directions from Maui Sands
Stay on Wailea Alanui Drive past Wailea Beach and follow signs for Polo Beach public parking near the Fairmont Kea Lani.
Useful features
Sandy crescent, lawn, picnic tables, restrooms and outdoor showers
Ocean and access notes
The south-facing cove can have substantial shore break during swell. Beach width and water conditions vary, so assess the ocean before settling in.
70–85 minAbout 43 milesState-park lots; currently $5 for nonresident vehiclesExcellent shore day; water often hazardous
Why go
Big Beach is one of Maui’s most dramatic stretches of sand, backed by the Puʻu Ōlaʻi cinder cone. Its scale and color make the visit worthwhile even when no one enters the water.
Directions from Maui Sands
Continue south on Mākena Road and enter a signed Mākena State Park parking area. Check current state-park hours, fees and closures before leaving Maui Sands.
Useful features
Very broad beach, picnic areas, portable toilets and lifeguard presence
Ocean and access notes
Powerful shore break and strong currents can cause severe injuries, even when the beach looks inviting. Treat lifeguard warnings and closure signs as decisive; enjoying the view from dry sand is often the right choice.
