Papalaua Beach Park

Papalaua Beach Park is a narrow West Maui shoreline along Honoapiilani Highway, with camping permits, ocean views, portable restrooms, picnic tables and no lifeguards.

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Papalaua Beach Park

Papalaua Beach Park, Maui

Papalaua Beach Park (also known as Papalaua State Wayside Park) has a long and narrow sandy beach. It is also known as Thousand Peaks, referring to the many surf breaks (or peaks) that are located offshore. During high surf, thousands of peaks form on the shallow reef, attracting bodyboarders and longboard surfers. When the ocean is calm, the snorkeling conditions are good here. The beach park is narrow and right next to a busy highway. The beach is lined by kiawe trees. Camping is allowed here, but you'll need a permit. Read more about camping permits.

Key Features

Roadside West Maui beach park along Honoapiilani Highway
Located between Maalaea and Lahaina near the Olowalu coastline
Maui County lists Papalaua Wayside Park as a 6.7-acre park
Camping requires a county permit, with no camping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Portable restrooms are available, but no drinking water is shown on the county park page
Parking is available for general use and by designated camping spots
Beach access includes surfing, snorkeling and kayaking on the county park page
No lifeguards are stationed at Papalaua Beach Park
Papalaua Beach Park is known for camping, roadside ocean views, fishing, sunsets and west Maui channel scenery

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Papalaua Beach Park popular with campers?

The park is one of Maui County's coastal camping places, with campsites close to the ocean and easy highway access between Maalaea and Lahaina.

What should campers know before going?

Maui County requires camping permits, and camping is not allowed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Bring drinking water, because the county park page does not show water service at the park.

What is the shoreline like at Papalaua?

The shoreline is a narrow strip of sand and rock along the west Maui highway, with open ocean views and some picnic space rather than a large beach-park layout.

Why do people stop here during whale season?

The west-facing shoreline has open views across the channel, so winter visitors may watch for humpback whale activity offshore from the beach.

How does Papalaua compare with Olowalu?

Papalaua has a more roadside camping feel, while the Olowalu shoreline is better known for reef areas, ocean activities and views along the same west Maui drive.