Po'olenalena Beach

Po'olenalena Beach, Maui

Po'olenalena Beach (view panorama), 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.

Po'olenalena Beach Overview

Half a mile long and great for a variety of water activities and picnics
Lava outcropping divides beach into two sections
Rarely crowded, so it's a nice place to enjoy some peace and quiet
Snorkeling can be good at the north and south end of the beach around the lava points
Gentle slope to deeper offshore waters, good swimming when the ocean is calm
Sandy ocean bottom with few rocks

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Location:

62 Makena Rd, Wailea-Makena HI 96753

Directions: The beach parking lot is off Makena Road.

Reviews and Comments:


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 H, Mon Oct 20, 2014


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.
Bill, Tue May 07, 2013