Kamaole Beach Parks, Maui
The verdict
- Best for: Families and first time visitors who want easy, golden, lifeguarded swimming beaches with lawns and parking right in the heart of Kihei.
- Best spot: Kamaole III, the southernmost park, with the largest lawn, playground and the best sunset view across to Lanai and Kahoolawe.
- Know this: There are three Kamaole parks in a row, all free and lifeguarded; rocky points between them make decent snorkeling on calm days.
Published 20 February 2026. Last reviewed 17 March 2026
The Kamaole beaches, known to everyone as Kam I, Kam II and Kam III, are the dependable heart of South Maui's swimming scene. Strung in a row along the Kihei shore, the three golden sand parks each come with grassy lawns, lifeguards, showers and parking, and they sit directly across the road from Kihei's shops and restaurants. That combination of clean golden sand, mostly calm water and everything within reach is why families and first time visitors gravitate here.
The honest read is that Kamaole is about ease and reliability rather than drama or seclusion. These are not hidden coves; they are busy, well used town beaches, and they can fill on sunny afternoons. The water is usually calmer than the North Shore, but a south swell can still lift the shore break, and the rocky points between the parks, while good for snorkeling on calm days, are worth a careful eye with children. For most visitors, that is a fair trade for safe, easy, lifeguarded swimming.
It suits families, swimmers and anyone staying in Kihei who wants reliable beach days without a drive. If you want a wilder, grander beach, Big Beach at Makena is a short drive south, and for a more polished resort strand the Wailea beaches are just beyond it. For the calmest snorkeling, the sheltered west side bays of Kapalua and Napili remain the gentler choice.
Clubs on this beach
The Kamaole parks are free county beaches with no club on the sand, so food and drink come from Kihei's shops and restaurants directly across the road.
No club on the sand
The three Kamaole parks are public county beaches, so there are no beach clubs, loungers or bars on the sand. The appeal is easy, lifeguarded swimming with lawns and facilities. For food and drink, Kihei's restaurants, cafes and shops sit right across the road rather than on the beach itself.
Kihei dining across the road
Directly opposite the Kamaole parks, Kihei has a long strip of restaurants, cafes, food trucks and shops, which makes it easy to pair a beach day with a meal or supplies. These are independent venues rather than a beach club, and hours and offerings vary, so check ahead.
The Kamaole Beach Parks line South Kihei Road in South Maui, about thirty to forty minutes from Kahului Airport. Kam I, II and III follow one after another heading south, each with its own parking, some metered and some free, plus on street spaces. The lots fill on sunny afternoons, so arrive earlier in the day or aim for Kamaole III, the largest, if you want lawn space and an easier park.
Use the restrooms, showers, lawns and lifeguard towers, and ask about the day's conditions before swimming, as a south swell can lift the shore break. The rocky points between the parks make good snorkeling on calm days, but keep children clear of the rocks in any surf. Bring sun cover and water, with Kihei's shops across the road for the rest. Conditions are typical rather than guaranteed, so check the daily forecast.
Reserve a beach club day in Maui
The Kamaole parks are free South Maui county beaches with no club service. Tell us your date, party and plan and we will help arrange a serviced beach day at a Wailea resort nearby. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
What is the difference between Kamaole I, II and III?
The three Kamaole parks sit in a row along South Kihei Road. Kam I is the longest stretch of sand, Kam II is a little more compact, and Kam III, the southernmost, has the largest lawn, a playground and the best sunset view. All three are free, lifeguarded and family friendly, so the best choice often comes down to where there is parking and space.
Are the Kamaole beaches good for families?
Yes, they are among the most family friendly beaches in South Maui. The water is usually calmer than the North Shore, all three parks have lifeguards, and there are grassy lawns, showers, restrooms and a playground at Kam III. Kihei's shops and restaurants are right across the road, which makes a full day with children easy.
Is there good snorkeling at Kamaole Beach?
There is decent snorkeling around the rocky points that divide the three parks, especially on calm, clear days when reef fish gather along the lava. It is gentler and more casual than the island's top snorkeling bays. Keep an eye on children near the rocks in any surf, and snorkel only when the water is calm.
Where are the Kamaole beaches and is there parking?
The Kamaole Beach Parks line South Kihei Road in South Maui, about thirty to forty minutes from Kahului Airport. Each park has its own parking, a mix of metered, free and on street spaces, plus the larger lots at Kam III. The lots fill on sunny afternoons, so arrive earlier in the day for a space.
When is the best time to visit Kamaole Beach?
The sheltered south shore setting makes the Kamaole beaches good much of the year, with spring and autumn often the calmest. A summer south swell can lift the shore break on some days. Mornings are quietest for parking and the sand, while Kamaole III is the place to be for the South Maui sunset across to Lanai and Kahoolawe.
