Keawakapu Beach at a Glance
Keawakapu Beach, located near
Wailea on Maui’s south coast, is a beautiful white sand
beach. Some of the island’s most expensive homes are located
on this stretch of sand. The beach is a bit hard to spot
because this large residential community lines almost the
entire length of it; that’s also probably why it’s mainly
known among locals and is less crowded.
The beach is wide and the offshore ocean bottom is sandy,
which makes for great swimming conditions. However, Keawakapu
Beach is not protected from the ocean’s force because it
lacks an offshore coral fringing reef, which would dissipate
strong waves. So during times of heavy surf and big swells,
it is best to stay out of the water.
Divers frequent this beach for a reason that may sound strange
at first. There is an underwater junkyard consisting of
about 150 cars, forming a man-made offshore reef. The cars
lie about 400 yards (365 m) offshore and at depths of 80
to 85 feet (24-26 m). They were dumped here in 1962.
This artificial reef was created for two reasons. First
of all, it protects the shoreline from strong swells, which
have repeatedly destroyed oceanfront property in the past.
And second, it provides a shelter for fish. The fish populations
have substantially increased since this creative reef was
built here. So today this area is good spot for beginning
divers.
All in all, this is a nice beach to relax. There are some
shady spots and the beach is large enough it never gets
crowded. There are no lifeguards on Keawakapu Beach. Showers
are located at the south entrance.
Keawakapu Beach in Bullet Points
- Beautiful white-sand beach on which some of Maui's
most expensive homes are located
- Lacks a natural fringing reef, so huge swells and
strong currents occur, mainly in the winter months
- A man-made reef was created in 1962, consisting
of junk cars, located 400 yards offshore, 80 feet under
water
- Junkyard reef is a popular diving spot
Keawakapu Beach Facilities (top)
Keawakapu Beach Water Activities
- Swimming
-
Snorkeling
-
Bodyboarding
- Diving
- Parking
Keawakapu Beach Location
Address: End of S. Kihei Rd., Wailea, Maui, HI 96753
Keawakapu Beach Map (top)
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Keawakapu Beach Weather (top)
Now
77°F
Windchill:
77°F
Partly Cloudy
|
Location: Kihei, HI, US
Wind: 15 mph NE
Humidity: 43%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.07 in falling
Sunrise: 6:30 am
Sunset: 6:36 pm
|
Fri
Hi: 76°F
Low: 64°F
Scattered Showers
|
Sat
Hi: 80°F
Low: 65°F
Partly Cloudy
|
Keawakapu Beach Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Keawakapu Beach Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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