Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokuleia Bay)

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.

Key Features of Slaughterhouse Beach

• Misleading name, stunning beauty: Named after a long-gone slaughterhouse, but today it's a serene beach surrounded by sea cliffs.
• Part of a marine life conservation district: Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited to protect the underwater ecosystem.
• Excellent for water activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and bodyboarding are popular when the ocean is calm; surf can be powerful in winter.
• Green olivine sand crystals: Look for glistening green mineral flecks near the rocks on the shoreline.
• Access via stairs: Stone stairs lead down a cliffside trail from Honoapiilani Highway.

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No ratings yet. Be the first to add a rating! Location: Honoapiilani Hwy Kapalua, HI 96761 Directions: There is a parking lot between mile marker 31 and 32 on Honoapiilani Highway. From here a stairway leads down the cliff to the beach. No facilities No lifeguards Limited parking Swimming Snorkeling Diving Surfing Bodyboarding Frequently Asked Questions 📍Why is it called Slaughterhouse Beach? The beach got its name from a slaughterhouse and tanning facility that once stood on the cliffs above. It was removed in the 1960s, but the nickname stuck. 🌊Is Slaughterhouse Beach safe for swimming? Yes, during the summer months when the water is calm. In winter, large surf can make swimming dangerous and is best left to experienced surfers. 🐟Can you fish or spearfish here? No. Slaughterhouse Beach is part of the Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District, where all forms of fishing and taking marine life are prohibited. 🅿️Is there parking available? Yes, there is limited roadside parking near mile markers 31 and 32 on Honoapiilani Hwy. Get there early during peak hours.