Keawakapu Beach Photos
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Keawakapu Beach, Maui
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 Overview
- 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
Location: End of S. Kihei Rd., Wailea, Maui, HI 96753
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