Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokule'ia Bay)

Slaughterhouse Beach, also called Mokule'ia Bay, is a West Maui cove near Kapalua with cliff-stair access, seasonal sand, clear summer water, reef views and no lifeguards.

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Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokule'ia Bay)

Slaughterhouse Beach, Maui

This beach has a name that truly doesn't sound appealing, but don't judge it by this name. Slaughterhouse Beach got its name from a slaughterhouse that used to be above the cliffs that back the beach. The slaughterhouse was built by Honolua Ranch right at the edge of the sea cliffs, but was torn down in the mid-1960s. The beach has since then been known as Slaughterhouse Beach. Its Hawaiian name, Mokuleia, means "district (of) abundance." This name describes this lovely beach much better.

Located near Kapalua in West Maui, this beautiful beach features a large pocket of white sand backed by sea cliffs. During the winter months, the surf can be strong and often pounds the beach, washing sand offshore and exposing large rocks. During the summer, the waters are calmer and then the conditions are good for swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing and bodyboarding.

Because the area is a protected marine preserve, fishing and spearing are not allowed on Slaughterhouse Beach. Harming or taking any marine life is prohibited. You can reach the beach by hiking down a trail leading down from the highway.

Key Features

West Maui cove on Mokule'ia Bay near Kapalua
Also known by the local nickname Slaughterhouse Beach
Part of the Honolua-Mokule'ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District
Access is by a long stairway from Honoapiilani Highway
Parking is limited along the highway above the bay
Summer mornings usually bring the calmest water and clearest reef views
Winter surf can be rough and may remove much of the sand
No lifeguards, restrooms, showers or drinking water are available at the beach
Nearby Honolua Bay has a rockier shoreline and a larger bay setting
Slaughterhouse Beach is known for its cliff-backed cove, seasonal sand, reef scenery and West Maui headland views

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Slaughterhouse Beach?

The nickname comes from an old Honolua Ranch slaughterhouse that once stood on the cliffs above the bay. The building is gone, but the local name stayed.

What does Mokule'ia mean?

Mokule'ia is commonly translated as district of abundance, a much older and more graceful name for the bay than its modern nickname.

How is Mokule'ia Bay different from Honolua Bay?

Mokule'ia Bay usually has a sandy beach during calmer months, while nearby Honolua Bay is better known for a rockier shoreline and a larger reef-lined bay.

Why does the beach look different by season?

Large winter surf can move sand away from the cove, changing the shape of the beach. Summer often brings a wider sand area and a calmer-looking bay.

What stands out in Slaughterhouse Beach photos?

The view from the stairs shows the cove tucked below steep green cliffs, with blue water, lava-rock points and the curved sand of Mokule'ia Bay below.