9 Best Beaches in Kihei, Maui (From a Local-Style Perspective)

I still remember my first stroll along Kamaole Beach Park I golden sand under my feet, the warm sun dipping low into the ocean, and a rainbow arcing across the sky like a postcard come to life. Kihei isn’t just another beach town in Maui it’s where I found calm, connection, and some of my favorite spots to swim, snorkel, and unwind.

If you’re wondering which Kihei beaches are worth visiting (and what each one is best for), I’ve explored them all and narrowed it down to the ones I loved the most plus a few local secrets. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic sunset stroll, or looking for the perfect snorkel cove, this guide has you covered.

Best Beaches in Kihei, Maui

1. Kamaole Beach Park I (Kam I)

Best for long walks, beginner swimming, and relaxing family time

This was the first beach I visited in Kihei, and it quickly became my personal favorite. With its wide shoreline and powdery golden sand, Kamaole I feels both open and peaceful. The waves here are typically calm, especially in the morning, which makes it a perfect spot for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating without a care in the world.

If you’re building your own Maui itinerary, this is one of the top beaches I’d recommend including for a mellow morning.

I loved walking the length of the beach barefoot at sunrise, it felt like I had all of Kihei to myself. The beach tends to be quieter than Kam III, especially during weekdays, making it ideal if you’re craving a mellow day.

Highlights:

• Lifeguards on duty during the day for added safety
• Great for swimming, beginner snorkeling, and paddleboarding
• Restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables are available
• Street and small lot parking (but arrive early for a good spot)
• Shops and cafes are just a short walk across South Kihei Road

Zee Tip: Visit early in the morning for the most tranquil conditions. If you love sunrises, this is one of the most peaceful spots to catch one.

2. Kamaole Beach Park II (Kam II)

Best for beach lounging, mellow afternoons, and scenic sunsets

Sitting between Kam I and Kam III, Kam II often gets overlooked but that’s part of its charm. It has a smaller stretch of sand but still offers that same soft shoreline and swimmable surf. I often came here for a midday dip and some beach reading under an umbrella. The waves are gentle enough for kids or nervous swimmers but still fun to play in.

The best part? It’s a phenomenal place to watch the sunset without big crowds. One evening, I grabbed poke from Foodland and just sat on the beach as the sky turned from gold to cotton candy pink. It felt like a moment just for me.

Local Tip: The sunsets here are magical if you’re a fan of golden-hour strolls, check out my favorite things to do in Kihei beyond the beaches.

What to Expect:

• Generally less crowded than Kam III but more spacious than Charley Young
• Lifeguards, restrooms, and showers available
• Excellent food options and gear rental shops within walking distance
• Great visibility for snorkeling near the rocks on either end

Zee Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes if you plan to explore the lava rock formations on the southern edge tiny fish like to hang out there!

3. Kamaole Beach Park III (Kam III)

Best for families, tide pools, boogie boarding, and park vibes

Kam III has a livelier feel compared to the other two Kamaole parks. It’s where I’d go when I wanted a bit more action families setting up tents, kids boogie boarding, and people playing frisbee on the grassy lawn just above the sand.

If you’re visiting with kids, this is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Maui. There’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy an afternoon outdoors.

The beach itself is smaller but bordered by lava rocks that create shallow tide pools when the tide is low. I loved exploring them in the early morning you can spot crabs, tiny fish, and even sea cucumbers. The surf tends to be a bit stronger here, which makes it ideal for boogie boarding (but maybe not toddlers).

What I loved:

• Large grassy picnic area with BBQ grills and shaded trees
• Playground nearby, great for kids
• Boogie board and snorkel rentals across the street
• Lifeguards, restrooms, and showers on-site
• Excellent sunset views from the lawn area

Zee Tip: Parking is limited and fills up quickly arrive before 9 AM or park further up South Kihei Road and walk down.

4. Charley Young Beach

Best for peaceful vibes, local charm, and early morning snorkeling

Charley Young Beach is the northernmost part of Kam I, but it feels like its own little hideaway. The crowd here is mostly locals or travelers who’ve been to Kihei before and know where to go for solitude. The sand is a bit more golden, and the vibe is slower and quieter. I liked coming here early in the morning with a cup of coffee just to sit and breathe.

Snorkeling along the rocks on the north end was surprisingly good, clear water and a good chance to spot sea turtles gliding gracefully below the surface.

Zee Tip: If you love taking sunrise photos, pair your early beach visit with a stop in Makawao a charming upcountry town with cafes and local art.

Good to know:

• No lifeguards, so swim with caution
• Small parking lot on Kaiau Place; limited availability
• No restroom facilities directly on-site (closest is at Kam I)
• Entry into the ocean can be a little rocky, water shoes are recommended

Zee Tip: If you love taking photos, visit around sunrise when the light is soft and golden; it’s one of my favorite quiet photo spots in Kihei.

5. Cove Park

Best for beginner surf lessons, SUP, and oceanfront people-watching

Cove Park isn’t your typical sandy beach, it’s more of a water activity zone with a rugged coastline and a relaxed, sporty energy. I signed up for a surf lesson here and had such a good time. The waves are small and steady, perfect for beginners or kids learning to surf. When I wasn’t in the water, I’d sit on the seawall watching paddle boarders, surfers, and even the occasional sea turtle pop up to say hello.

Zee Tip: After your surf session, take a walk through Kalama Park and then check out some of the best snorkeling spots in Maui if you’re feeling adventurous.

It’s not a lounging beach, but it’s a great place to hang out if you’re feeling active or want to watch the local surf scene.

Good to know:

• No lifeguard
• No sandy stretch for sunbathing, come here to get in the water
• Surf and paddleboard rentals available across the street
• Limited parking along the road (fill up early)

Zee Tip: After your lesson, grab breakfast at Kihei Caffe or a smoothie bowl at Wow Wow Lemonade. Both are a short walk away and hit the spot post-surf.

6. Sugar Beach (Kealia Beach)

Best for long sunrise walks, peaceful moments, and shell collecting

Sugar Beach stretches for over 2.5 miles, making it one of the longest uninterrupted beaches on Maui. It begins just north of central Kihei and feels like a completely different world quiet, uncrowded, and often lined with driftwood and shells. I came here most mornings for a reflective walk as the sun rose over Haleakalā. The soft pastel light and the hush of the waves created such a calm, grounding experience.

While the beach is beautiful, it’s not the best for swimming. The surf tends to get rough, and the sandy bottom can drop off quickly. But if you want solitude and space, this is the spot.

This beach is ideal if you’re looking for a slower, more meditative experience, especially helpful after a busy day exploring Iao Valley State Monument or the Maui State Parks.

What to Expect:

• Limited shade, bring your own umbrella or visit early or late in the day
• No lifeguards or major facilities, but there are portable toilets near the canoe club
• Perfect for walking, jogging, or meditating by the ocean
• Strong winds in the afternoon, popular with kite surfers and canoers

Local Tip: Look for the Kihei Canoe Club at the southern end. Sometimes, you can catch them practicing just after sunrise; it’s a beautiful sight.

7. Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia’u Beach

Best for kite surfing, quiet strolls, and off-the-beaten-path serenity

Located just north of Sugar Beach, Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia’u Beach is one of Kihei’s most underrated spots. The name roughly translates to “forget me not,” and honestly, it fits. This beach left a surprisingly strong impression on me with its untouched vibe and expansive views. It’s not touristy at all, which makes it perfect for when you want to escape the crowds.

The beach is long and flat, great for walking, and the afternoons here get windy, ideal for kite surfers and windsurfers. I once stumbled upon a group practicing tricks at golden hour. It was thrilling to watch against the backdrop of West Maui’s fading light.

If you’re crafting a 2- or 3-day Maui itinerary and want to escape the crowds, this peaceful beach makes a great addition to your sunset or reflection time.

What to Expect:

• No lifeguards or major facilities
• Street parking available nearby
• Kite surfers and windsurfers often seen from noon onward
• Often overlooked by tourists, so it’s peaceful even during peak season

Zee Tip: Come here in the late afternoon with a beach chair and let the wind cool you down while you watch the kites play across the sky.

8. Keawakapu Beach

Best for romantic evenings, peaceful swims, and luxurious views

Though technically on the border between Kihei and Wailea, Keawakapu Beach is a local favorite that deserves a spot on your Kihei beach list. It has the same soft, golden sand as Kam I but with fewer people, especially in the mornings. The water is often calm and perfect for swimming or wading out with a snorkel mask.

What really stood out to me were the views on a clear day, you can see across to Kaho‘olawe and Molokini. And during whale season (Dec–April), I even spotted spouts from the shoreline! Whether you’re lounging, swimming, or just soaking in the beauty, Keawakapu feels like one of the more “grown-up,” elegant beaches in the area.

With its elegant shoreline and whale-watching views, this beach pairs beautifully with scenic stops like Maui’s best waterfalls or the Ultimate Maui Travel Guide.

What I loved:

• Great swimming and beginner snorkeling near the lava rock edges
• Free parking available in a small lot at the northern end
• Restrooms and showers at the southern end (Wailea side)
• More upscale beach homes and a quieter, more refined vibe

Zee Tip: Bring a towel and picnic here for sunset it’s a bit more secluded than Kam beaches and has some of the best golden-hour lighting for photos.

9. Kalama Beach Park

Best for local energy, casual sunsets, and people-watching

Kalama Beach Park isn’t known for swimming, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. Located right in the heart of Kihei, this massive park stretches along the shoreline with sweeping ocean views, tall palms, grassy lawns, and even a skate park and baseball field. I liked stopping here to take in the vibe locals walking dogs, kids playing, musicians strumming ukuleles near the water.  It’s not a classic swim beach, but it’s one of the best places in Kihei to wind down after a day of exploring Lahaina or grabbing a casual dinner from food trucks.

You won’t find people sunbathing here, but it’s one of the best places to sit with a snack and watch the sunset unfold. It’s also where I found some of my favorite food trucks nearby, shoutout to Kinaole Grill and Maui Thai Bistro for beachside dinner.

What to Expect:

• Not a swim-friendly beach due to rocks and shallow reef
• Perfect for picnics, hanging out, or taking a break from the sand
• Public restrooms, water fountains, and plenty of parking
• Surf schools and gear rentals nearby at Cove Park

Zee Tip: Come here after a beach day to wind down with food truck fare, live music (if you’re lucky), and a sky full of Maui colors.

Kihei Beach Travel Tips

• Morning is best for swimming and snorkeling winds pick up in the afternoon.
• Most beaches have free parking, but it fills up quickly by mid-morning.
• Lifeguards are present at Kam I, II, and III not at Charley Young or Sugar Beach.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii bans harmful ingredients like oxybenzone.
• Always check for surf and jellyfish warnings before swimming.

Final Thoughts: My Go-To Beaches in Kihei

If I had to pick just one? Kam I for the calm vibe, Keawakapu for romance, and Charley Young for a morning snorkel. But honestly, every beach in Kihei has something special. That’s what makes this town such a gem for beach lovers and why I keep coming back.