Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokule'ia Bay)

Maui Beach Guide

Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokule'ia Bay)

Slaughterhouse Beach, also known as Mokule'ia Bay, is a scenic northwest Maui beach near Kapalua with summer snorkeling, winter surf, limited parking and no lifeguards.

Slaughterhouse Beach, Maui

This beach has a name that truly doesn't sound appealing, but don't judge it by this name. Slaughterhouse Beach got its name from a slaughterhouse that used to be above the cliffs that back the beach. The slaughterhouse was built by Honolua Ranch right at the edge of the sea cliffs, but was torn down in the mid-1960s. The beach has since then been known as Slaughterhouse Beach. Its Hawaiian name, Mokuleia, means "district (of) abundance." This name describes this lovely beach much better.

Located near Kapalua in West Maui, this beautiful beach features a large pocket of white sand backed by sea cliffs. During the winter months, the surf can be strong and often pounds the beach, washing sand offshore and exposing large rocks. During the summer, the waters are calmer and then the conditions are good for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and bodyboarding.

Because the area is a protected marine preserve, fishing and spearing are not allowed on Slaughterhouse Beach. Harming or taking any marine life is prohibited. You can reach the beach by hiking down a trail leading down from the highway.

Visitor Reviews

Reviews and Ratings

Be the first to review Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokule'ia Bay).

Add Your Review
Your rating

Reviews are checked before they appear on the site. If a rating is not selected, the comment will not affect the average rating.

Location, Parking and Directions

Slaughterhouse Beach, also known as Mokule'ia Bay, is located off Honoapiilani Highway in Kapalua, HI 96761, on Maui's northwest coast. A parking lot sits between mile markers 31 and 32. From there, a stairway leads down the cliff to the beach.

Loading map…

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Slaughterhouse Beach located?

Slaughterhouse Beach, also known as Mokule'ia Bay, is located off Honoapiilani Highway between mile markers 31 and 32 near Kapalua.

Why is it called Slaughterhouse Beach?

The source page says the beach got its name from a slaughterhouse that once stood above the cliffs and was later removed.

Is Slaughterhouse Beach good for snorkeling?

Yes. Snorkeling can be good during calm summer conditions. Winter surf can be strong and unsafe for snorkeling.

Are there lifeguards at Slaughterhouse Beach?

No. The source page lists no lifeguards at Slaughterhouse Beach.

What facilities are available at Slaughterhouse Beach?

The source page lists no facilities, no lifeguards and limited parking.