Beautiful Maui beach with golden sand and turquoise water

The South Maui Shore

Sun-Kissed Perfection and Aquatic Havens

Written by a Local Beach Photographer

The South Maui Shore: Sun-Kissed Perfection

Welcome to the sunniest, driest part of Maui. The South Shore is a paradise of pristine, golden-sand beaches, world-class snorkeling, and a landscape shaped by the gentle slopes of the dormant volcano, Haleakalā. This region offers a fascinating spectrum of experiences, from the manicured luxury of the Wailea resorts to the laid-back energy of Kihei. It's a place where you can choose your own adventure, whether that means five-star service on a perfectly groomed beach or discovering a wild, untamed coastline.

The South Shore benefits from being in the rain shadow of Haleakalā. The mountain blocks the trade wind clouds, which means this area gets significantly less rain than the windward side of the island. You can count on sunshine here even when other parts of Maui are cloudy. The water tends to be calmer too, especially in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up.

Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach & Little Beach)

Overview & Vibe

Makena, known to locals as Oneloa or simply "Big Beach," is nothing short of epic. This is nature in its most raw and powerful form. The beach is immense, nearly a mile long and over 100 feet wide—and is gloriously undeveloped, a welcome contrast to the resort-lined shores elsewhere. The sand is deep and soft, the water a stunning turquoise, but the defining feature is its powerful shorebreak. These waves crash directly on the sand with incredible force and can be very dangerous. Over a small lava rock trail at the northern end lies Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi, or "Little Beach," which for decades has been Maui's unofficial (and beloved) clothing-optional beach.

Standing on Big Beach is like standing at the edge of forever. The scale is hard to comprehend until you're actually there. The horizon stretches endlessly. The sound of the surf is thunderous. The sand beneath your feet is warm and welcoming, but the ocean demands respect. This is not a place for timid swimmers or inexperienced bodyboarders.

I've watched countless visitors underestimate Makena's power. They wade in casually, turn their back to grab a photo, and get absolutely hammered by a wave they never saw coming. The shorebreak here doesn't give second chances. I've seen people injured, scared, and humbled by this beach. But for those who approach it with respect and awareness, it offers an experience of raw natural beauty that few other beaches can match.

Best For

Awe-inspiring scenery, sunbathing on a massive stretch of sand, and expert-level bodysurfing or bodyboarding. This is not a beach for casual swimming. I cannot stress this enough: never turn your back on the ocean here. The shorebreak is unpredictable and has injured many unsuspecting visitors. If you do choose to enter the water, watch the wave patterns for at least 10 minutes before going in. Look for the larger sets that come through. Time your entry between sets when the water pulls back.

For bodysurfers and bodyboarders who know what they're doing, Makena offers world-class waves. The speed and power of the shorebreak create incredible rides. But even experienced watermen and waterwomen exercise caution here. Check with the lifeguards about current conditions before entering.

Amenities & Parking

The state has made access much easier in recent years with a large, paved parking lot that requires a fee for non-residents. There are lifeguards on duty at Big Beach, which is a huge plus, and you'll find porta-potties near the entrances. The parking fee is typically around $10 per vehicle and can be paid with cash or card at the entrance kiosk. During peak season (December through March), the lot can fill up by mid-morning on weekends, so earlier is always better.

There's no food or drink available at the park, so bring everything you need for the day. The closest stores are back up in Kihei or Wailea, about a 15-minute drive. Most people bring coolers with lunch, plenty of water, and snacks. The sun is intense here with minimal shade, so sunscreen and hats are essential.

📸 Jade's Pro Photo Tip

The classic beach-level shot is beautiful, but for a truly breathtaking photograph, you need to get some elevation. Carefully climb the Puʻu ʻŌlaʻi lava outcrop that separates Big and Little Beach, especially around sunset. From this vantage point, you can use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire dramatic sweep of the coastline, the deep blue ocean, and the distant silhouette of Molokini crater. The dark lava rock in the foreground makes the vibrant colors of the sunset absolutely explode.

The hike up to the viewpoint takes about 10 minutes and involves scrambling over uneven lava rock. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip. The footing can be tricky, especially if the rock is wet. But the view from the top is worth every careful step. You'll see the entire south coast laid out before you, from Wailea all the way down past Makena.

For a different perspective, try shooting from the water's edge with a slow shutter speed (around 1 second) to blur the wave motion while keeping the beach and mountains sharp. This creates an ethereal, dreamy quality that captures the power and beauty of the location.

Nearby Grinds

Just outside the main entrance to the park, you'll almost always find a collection of food trucks. This is your spot. Jawz Fish Tacos is a Maui legend for a reason. Their shrimp tacos are out of this world, and a fresh-squeezed limeade is the perfect way to cool down after a few hours in the powerful Makena sun. The fish is grilled right in front of you, and the portions are substantial enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites worked up by a day at the beach.

Keawakapu Beach

Overview & Vibe

I like to think of Keawakapu as the "locals' Wailea." It's a gorgeous, long stretch of golden sand that forms the border between the southern end of Kihei and the northern start of Wailea. This unique location gives it a special vibe, on one end, you have the multi-million dollar oceanfront homes of Wailea, and on the other, the more casual condos of Kihei. The result is an atmosphere that feels upscale yet wonderfully relaxed and unpretentious. The water is typically very calm, making it a fantastic spot for a morning swim or a sunset stand-up paddleboard session.

What I love about Keawakapu is how it flies under the radar. Most visitors gravitate to either the resort beaches of Wailea or the party atmosphere of Kihei's more northern beaches. Keawakapu sits in between, attracting a more mellow crowd. You'll see morning joggers, yoga practitioners doing their sun salutations on the sand, and families who've discovered this hidden gem.

The beach runs for about a half mile, giving you plenty of room to spread out and find your own space. The sand is fine and soft, perfect for barefoot walking. The ocean bottom is sandy with occasional rocky patches, and the entry is gradual. Unlike Makena's powerful shorebreak, the waves here are usually gentle and manageable for swimmers of all levels.

Best For

Long sunset walks, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and enjoying the beauty of Wailea without the dense resort crowds. The water is clear enough for snorkeling, though it's not as spectacular as some other spots. You'll see fish, but the real draw here is the swimming and the overall peaceful atmosphere. The morning hours offer the calmest water conditions before the afternoon trade winds arrive.

Keawakapu is also excellent for beginner stand-up paddleboarders. The water is usually calm enough to practice your balance without worrying about strong currents or large waves. Several rental companies in the area offer equipment and quick lessons if you want to try.

Amenities & Parking

Amenities are minimal, which helps keep the crowds manageable. You'll find outdoor showers at the beach access points but no public restrooms. Parking is available in several small public lots along South Kihei Road and on the street. It can be tricky to find a spot midday, so coming earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon for sunset is your best bet.

The public access points are marked with small signs along South Kihei Road. The main parking areas are at the north and south ends of the beach. Street parking is also available but watch for posted restrictions. Some areas are reserved for residents only.

Because there are no restrooms at the beach, plan accordingly. The closest facilities are at nearby hotels (though technically for guests only) or restaurants where you'd be expected to make a purchase. Most people who spend the day here either have accommodations nearby or plan shorter visits.

📸 Jade's Pro Photo Tip

Keawakapu is my absolute favorite beach for photographing sunset. There's something about the way the golden hour light reflects off the beautiful homes on the Wailea side that creates a magical, warm glow. My advice is to resist the urge to only point your camera at the sun. Turn around and capture the incredible light painting the beach, the sand, and the shoreline. For a powerful composition, include a person walking along the water's edge to add a sense of scale and emotion to your shot.

The best sunset photos happen about 20 minutes before the sun actually dips below the horizon. This is when the light is warmest and most diffused. The sky takes on shades of pink, orange, and purple that seem almost unreal. Position yourself so the wet sand reflects the colors of the sky, essentially doubling the impact of the sunset.

Another technique I love here is silhouette photography. Wait until the sun is low and bright, then expose your camera for the bright sky. This will render anyone standing between you and the sun as a dark silhouette. It's a simple technique that creates dramatic, emotional images.

Nearby Grinds

For a truly special occasion, Sarento's on the Beach offers fine dining right on the sand at the south end of the beach. But for a more casual and equally satisfying meal, I'll drive five minutes north into Kihei and grab a slice from Pizza Madness—an institution that makes some of the best pizza on the island. Their crust is perfect, the toppings are generous, and a couple of slices will fuel your beach adventures without breaking the bank.