South Maui

This region is the sunniest and driest part of Maui, a coastal paradise renowned for its seemingly endless stretch of world-class, postcard-perfect beaches.

Top Attractions & Activities

Snorkel Molokini Crater

This is a quintessential Maui adventure that requires a boat tour. Most tours depart from Ma'alaea Harbor or the Kīhei Boat Ramp. Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater that is now a protected State Marine Life & Bird Conservation District. Its crescent shape protects it from open-ocean swells, resulting in some of the clearest water in Hawaii, with visibility often exceeding 150 feet.

Walk the Wailea Beach Path

This is a beautiful 1.5-mile paved coastal path that meanders along the shoreline, connecting several of Wailea's most stunning beaches, including Mokapu, Ulua, Wailea, and Polo Beach. It offers gorgeous views of the ocean and the immaculate grounds of the luxury resorts that line the coast.

My Favorite Beaches (A Beach for Every Mood)

Kamaʻole Beach Parks (I, II, & III)

The "Kam" beaches are the heart of the local beach scene in Kīhei. They're perfect for families, with lifeguards, picnic areas, restrooms, and gentle waves for swimming and boogie boarding. Kam III has a large, sloping grassy lawn where my family used to have picnics as the sun went down. It's the quintessential Maui beach day spot.

Maluaka Beach ("Turtle Town")

If you want to snorkel with honu right from the shore, this is one of the best and most reliable spots. The water is often very calm, especially in the morning, making it ideal for kids and beginner snorkelers. It's a magical experience to see these gentle giants grazing on the reef.

Mākena Beach ("Big Beach")

As a photographer, the sheer scale and raw, undeveloped beauty of Big Beach is breathtaking. The sand is golden and the water is a brilliant blue. But I have to give a strong warning: the shore break here is notoriously powerful and can be very dangerous. This is a beach for sunbathing, walking the long shoreline, and admiring the view—not for casual swimming, especially with children.

Keawakapu Beach

This is my secret spot for a quiet sunset walk. It's a long, beautiful stretch of sand that connects the end of Kīhei with the beginning of Wailea, and it always feels less crowded than the main resort beaches. It's where I go to feel like I have a piece of the island to myself.

My Food Picks

South Maui Gardens (Kīhei)

This is one of my favorite places for a casual dinner in Kīhei. It's a fantastic collection of diverse food trucks set within a beautiful, lush garden. You can find everything from Thai food to smash burgers to tacos, and there's often live music. It's a perfect, relaxed evening vibe.

Coconuts Fish Cafe (Kīhei)

This place is famous for one thing: their life-changing fish tacos. They're made with a mix of grilled ono and mahi-mahi and topped with 17 different ingredients, including a fantastic mango salsa. It's a must-try for any first-time visitor.

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice (Kīhei)

Forget the crunchy snow cones you had as a kid. This is the real deal. The ice is shaved so finely it's like flavored snow, and they use real fruit syrups. The line is always long, but it is always worth the wait.

Foodland (Kīhei)

Here's my ultimate pro-tip: for the best and most affordable poke on the island, go to the seafood counter at the Foodland grocery store. They have a huge variety of fresh styles. Grab a poke bowl and a drink and take it across the street to the beach for the perfect lunch.