Mokapu Beach

Mokapu Beach is a sandy Wailea beach beside Ulua Beach, known for calm-morning swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, shared facilities and no lifeguards.

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Mokapu Beach, Maui

Mokapu Beach is located at the Wailea resort complex. It is a sandy beach with some beach rock exposed in the center. The nearshore ocean bottom is sandy and slopes down gently, which makes for good swimming conditions when the ocean is calm. Snorkeling is best in the morning hours and around the lava outcropping between Mokapu Beach and neighboring Ulua Beach. Small shorebreak can also attract bodyboarders when conditions allow.

The word mokapu is short for moku kapu, meaning "sacred island" in the Hawaiian language. It takes its name from a small rock island that used to be visible offshore before it was bombed out during World War II as a practice target.

Key Features

Sandy Wailea beach beside Ulua Beach
Shared Ulua-Mokapu public access and parking area
Calm mornings are usually better before trade winds build
Rocky point between Mokapu and Ulua is popular for snorkeling and beginner shore dives
No lifeguards are stationed at Mokapu Beach
Restrooms and showers are available near the shared access area
Bodyboarding, swimming and beach walks depend on daily conditions
Paved coastal path connects nearby Wailea beaches and resort fronts
Turtles and reef fish may be seen near the rocky point
Mokapu Beach is known for calm-morning water, snorkeling, beginner scuba entry, beach walks and easy Wailea access

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are Mokapu Beach and Ulua Beach connected?

The two beaches sit next to each other and share the same public access area. Mokapu is on the north side, while Ulua sits just to the south by the rocky point.

Why do beginner scuba groups use this area?

The rocky point between Mokapu and Ulua has easy shore entry on calm mornings, reef life close to shore and a layout that works well for entry-level shore dives.

What is the beach walk like from Mokapu?

A paved coastal path links this Wailea shoreline with nearby beaches, resort fronts and ocean viewpoints, making Mokapu easy to combine with a longer South Maui walk.

How does Mokapu compare with Keawakapu Beach?

Mokapu is smaller and closer to the Ulua access area, while Keawakapu has a longer stretch of sand and a more open shoreline north of Wailea.

What kind of wildlife might visitors notice?

Reef fish are common near the rocky point on calm days, and turtles may pass through the area. Keep distance and avoid chasing wildlife for photos.