Keawakapu Beach, Maui
The verdict
- Best for: Swimmers, walkers and sunset watchers who want a long, soft, uncrowded golden beach between Kihei and Wailea, with easy water and a little snorkeling.
- Best spot: The southern end toward Mokapu, where the sand meets rocks and the snorkeling is best on calm, clear mornings.
- Know this: Parking is the catch; the small lots at each end fill fast on sunny days and before sunset, so arrive early or late for a space.
Published 7 February 2026. Last reviewed 28 April 2026
Keawakapu is the quiet connector, the long soft beach that fills the gap between the busier sands of Kihei and the resort strand of Wailea. Nearly a mile of fine, pale gold sand runs from the south end of Kihei down to the Mokapu rocks, and because there is no single big resort or car park dominating it, the crowd spreads thin and the beach keeps an easy, local feel. The sand here is some of the softest in South Maui, deep and gentle underfoot, which is half the reason regulars love it.
The honest read is that Keawakapu is about a long, calm, unfussy beach day rather than facilities or a scene. The water on the sheltered south shore is usually clear and calm, ideal for an easy swim and a float, and there is casual snorkeling around the rocks at either end on settled mornings. There is generally no lifeguard tower and no club on the sand, so you bring your own shade and water and look after your own safety, and a summer south swell can lift a shore break on some days.
It suits swimmers, walkers and anyone chasing a reliable South Maui sunset without the resort bustle, since the beach faces west and the evening gatherings here are a gentle ritual. If you want the widest, liveliest Wailea sand with resort dining on hand, walk south into Wailea Beach; for a vast, wild contrast, Big Beach at Makena is a short drive on. Families wanting the busiest patrolled water tend to choose the Kamaole beaches in central Kihei.
Clubs on this beach
Keawakapu is free public sand with no club on the beach, so any serviced beach day comes from the Wailea resorts and their dining a short walk or drive south.
No club on the sand
Keawakapu is open public beach with no daybed club, bar or loungers on the strand itself. The appeal is the long, soft, uncrowded sand and the easy water, so bring your own kit and treat it as a natural beach day. For a serviced beach day with loungers and food, the Wailea resort strand is a short distance south.
Wailea resorts nearby
Just south, the Wailea resorts and their beachfront restaurants provide the serviced side of South Maui, with loungers and dining mostly for guests and, in some cases, day visitors. These are resort setups rather than one beach club, and access, hours and any minimum spend vary by property and are to be confirmed.
Keawakapu Beach runs along the south end of Kihei into the edge of Wailea in South Maui, about thirty five to forty minutes from Kahului Airport. There are three small public access points with parking, one at the north end off South Kihei Road, one mid beach, and one at the south end near the Mokapu rocks. The lots are small and fill on sunny days and before sunset, so arrive earlier in the day or later in the afternoon for a space.
Use the access points, restrooms and outdoor showers, and read the water before you swim, as the calm is typical rather than guaranteed and a summer south swell can lift a shore break. With generally no lifeguard tower on Keawakapu, swim within your limits and snorkel the rocky ends only when the water is settled. Bring plenty of water, sun cover and shade, since there is no shop or cafe on the sand, and carry out what you bring in.
Reserve a beach club day in Maui
Keawakapu is free public sand 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
Is Keawakapu Beach good for swimming?
Yes, Keawakapu sits on the sheltered south shore, so the water is usually clear and calm and good for easy swimming. A summer south swell can lift a shore break on some days, and there is generally no lifeguard tower on the beach itself, which is to be confirmed. Swim within your limits, watch conditions, and treat the calm as typical rather than guaranteed.
Where can I park at Keawakapu Beach?
Keawakapu has three small public access points with parking, at the north end off South Kihei Road, mid beach, and at the south end near the Mokapu rocks. The lots are small and fill on sunny days and especially before sunset. Arrive earlier in the day or later in the afternoon for a better chance of a space.
Is there snorkeling at Keawakapu Beach?
There is casual snorkeling around the rocks at both ends of Keawakapu, best on calm, clear mornings when reef fish gather along the lava. It is gentle and relaxed rather than a top island snorkel site. There is generally no lifeguard here, so snorkel within your limits and only when the water is settled.
Is Keawakapu a good sunset beach?
Yes, Keawakapu faces west and is one of the more reliable sunset beaches in South Maui, with a relaxed evening crowd gathering on the soft sand. The parking lots fill before sunset on clear days, so arrive in good time. Bring a layer for after dark, as the breeze can pick up once the sun is down.
How is Keawakapu different from Wailea Beach?
Keawakapu is the longer, quieter, softer beach just north of Wailea, with three small public access points and no resort dominating the sand. Wailea Beach is the wider, livelier resort beach a short walk south, backed by hotels and dining. Many visitors swim at Keawakapu for the calm and the space, then stroll into Wailea for the resort buzz.
