Po'olenalena Beach

Maui Beach Guide

Po'olenalena Beach

Po'olenalena Beach is a quiet South Maui beach near Makena with golden sand, calm-condition swimming, snorkeling, surfing, bodyboarding, showers and no lifeguards.

Beach Area in Front of Makena Surf
Beach Area in Front of Makena Surf

Po'olenalena Beach, Maui

Po'olenalena Beach , located in South Maui just north of Makena, is a half-mile long sandy beach with great swimming conditions when the ocean is calm. The ocean bottom is mostly sandy and has a gentle slope. There are some large rocks exposed at a few places along the shoreline. Sand dunes and kiawe trees are located inland.

Po'olenalena means "yellow head" in the Hawaiian language. It is the name of a large rock, located on the 5th hole of the Wailea Blue Golf Course. The rock has a dark color with yellow streaks on its sides. It is visible from the public road as well as from the golf course and has long been a landmark for Makena residents.

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Visitor Reviews

Reviews and Ratings

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rated visitor review, plus 1 unrated comment.

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Bill H

Mon Oct 20, 2014

Found memories. I got married on this beach in May 2008. There were 2 or 3 other weddings going on at the North and South end of the beach. We were in the center.

Bill

Tue May 07, 2013

One of the nicest beaches on Maui! I got married on this beach a few years ago. Be cautious of the seed pods that the trees drop (monkeypod??)...they are really sharp on the feet.

Photo gallery

Browse Po'olenalena Beach photos featuring the sandy South Maui shoreline, black lava rocks, beach access paths, Makena Surf views, colorful tropical landscaping and scenic ocean views.

Location, Parking and Directions

Po'olenalena Beach is located near 62 Makena Road in Wailea-Makena, HI 96753, on Maui's south shore. The beach parking lot is off Makena Road, with beach access paths leading toward the sand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Po'olenalena Beach located?

Po'olenalena Beach is located near 62 Makena Road in Wailea-Makena on Maui's south shore.

Is Po'olenalena Beach good for swimming?

Yes. Swimming can be good when the ocean is calm because the bottom is mostly sandy and slopes gently offshore.

Can you snorkel at Po'olenalena Beach?

Yes. Snorkeling is one of the listed activities and is best near rocky areas when the water is calm and clear.

Are there lifeguards at Po'olenalena Beach?

No. The source page lists no lifeguards at Po'olenalena Beach.

What facilities are available at Po'olenalena Beach?

Facilities include portable toilets, showers, parking and no lifeguards.