Keawakapu Beach

Keawakapu Beach is a long south Maui beach between Kihei and Wailea, with golden sand, clear-water mornings, rocky snorkeling ends and sunset views.

View overview Plan Your Visit

Keawakapu Beach, Maui

Keawakapu Beach, located between Kihei and Wailea on Maui's south shore, is a long white-sand beach. Oceanfront homes and residences line much of this stretch of sand, which helps keep the beach quieter than some nearby South Maui beaches.

The beach is wide and the offshore ocean bottom is sandy, which can make for good swimming conditions when the ocean is calm. However, Keawakapu Beach is not protected from open-ocean energy by an offshore coral reef. During times of high surf or large swells, it is best to stay out of the water. Snorkeling, bodyboarding and surfing depend on the day's conditions.

Divers frequent this beach for a reason that may sound strange at first. There is an underwater artificial reef consisting of about 150 old cars, 2,250 tire modules and 35 concrete slabs. The cars were placed here in 1962. The man-made reef is about a half mile (800 m) offshore and at a depth of 80 to 85 feet (24-26 m), making it mainly a scuba diving site.

This artificial reef was created for two reasons. It helps protect the shoreline from strong swells that caused erosion and damaged oceanfront property in the past, and it provides shelter for fish. Fish populations have increased around the reef since it was built.

The beach has some shady spots and is large enough that it rarely feels crowded. There are no lifeguards on Keawakapu Beach.

Key Features

Long sandy south Maui beach between Kihei and Wailea
Known for clear-water mornings, beach walks, calm swimming days and sunset views
Rocky ends can have snorkeling when the water is calm and visibility is good
No lifeguards at Keawakapu Beach, so visitors need to check conditions before entering
Afternoon wind, waves and current can make the water less comfortable or less safe
Public access is available from both the Kihei and Wailea sides
Parking is limited to smaller lots and nearby legal roadside areas depending on access point
Popular for walking the sand because the beach is longer than many nearby south Maui coves
Close to Kamaole Beach Park, Ulua Beach, Mokapu Beach and Wailea resort areas
Bring sunscreen and water if walking the full beach because shade is limited on the sand

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Maui Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best snorkeling at Keawakapu Beach?

Snorkeling is usually best near the rocky ends when the ocean is calm and clear. Avoid standing on coral, give turtles and fish space and stay out when wind or waves reduce visibility.

Does Keawakapu Beach have lifeguards?

No. Keawakapu Beach does not have lifeguards, so visitors need to check the ocean carefully before entering. Calm mornings are often easier than windy afternoons.

Can you walk the full length of Keawakapu Beach?

Yes. Keawakapu is a long sandy beach, and walking the shoreline is one of the main reasons people like it. Tide and wave conditions can affect how much dry sand is available in places.

How is Keawakapu Beach different from the Kamaole beaches?

Keawakapu feels longer and less divided, with a quieter Kihei-Wailea edge. The Kamaole beaches have more separate park sections, lifeguard towers and busier South Kihei Road activity nearby.

Where do visitors park for Keawakapu Beach?

Parking depends on which end you choose. There are smaller public access areas on both the Kihei and Wailea sides, and spaces can fill early on calm beach days.