South Kihei is where Maui’s beach lifestyle becomes part of your everyday rhythm.

This stretch of coastline is one of the most accessible and usable on the island—offering swimmable beaches, connected shoreline, and park spaces that make it easy to spend hours (or full days) by the ocean.

It’s active without being overwhelming. Social without losing its local feel.

You’ll find morning swimmers, families setting up for the day, and groups gathering for sunset almost every evening.

And one of the best parts?

You can walk the entire stretch (and beyond).

From Charley Young through the Kamaole Beaches and down into Keawakapu, this is one of the most connected and experience-rich beach stretches on Maui.

What Makes South Kihei Beaches Unique?

South Kihei beaches are known for:

• Consistent swimming conditions (especially mornings)
• Walkable access between multiple beaches
• Full beach park amenities (lifeguards, restrooms, showers)
• Snorkeling opportunities along reef edges
• A vibrant, social beach culture

It’s one of the most versatile beach areas on Maui—whether you’re swimming laps, snorkeling with turtles, or just spending time with friends and family.

Cove Beach Park

Cove Beach Park is one of the best places on Maui to learn how to surf. The waves are typically small, slow, and forgiving, making it ideal for beginners and first-time paddlers.

It’s less about relaxing on the sand and more about getting in the water and learning something new.

What It’s Good For

Beginner surfing
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Learning ocean basics
Watching surf lessons

Local Tips

Best early in the morning before winds pick up
Can get crowded with surf schools
Not ideal for swimming

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Parking: Lot and Street
ADA Accessibility: Yes
Family-Friendly: Yes
Swimming Conditions: Not ideal
Snorkeling: Not ideal
Surf / Ocean Activity: Surf / Paddle
Best Time of Day: Morning
Crowds: Moderate to busy

Charley Young Beach

Charley Young Beach marks the northern gateway to South Kihei’s most popular stretch of coastline. Known for its soft sand and swimmable conditions, it’s a favorite for both locals and visitors.

It’s also one of the best starting points for a beach walk through the Kamaole parks and beyond.

What It’s Good For

Swimming
Beach walks
Sunset gatherings
Easy beach access

Local Tips

Great starting point for a long shoreline walk
Popular at sunset
Parking can be tight—arrive early or walk from your home

Looking for a LONG beach walk?  Start at Charley Young Beach and head south—there are connecting paths and shoreline access points that take you all the way to Polo Beach in Wailea, giving you 9-miles round trip. Along the way, you’ll pass through the sandy beaches of Kihei, a tucked-away spot near the boat ramp where sea turtles often sunbathe, and eventually onto the Wailea Beach Path, where the scenery shifts to oceanfront resorts and some of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. Time it for sunset and you might even catch glimpses of the luaus happening along the way.

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: Outhouse
Showers: Yes
Parking: Lot on S Kihei Rd & Kaiau Pl
ADA Accessibility: No
Family-Friendly: Yes
Swimming Conditions: Calm to variable
Snorkeling: Occasional
Surf / Ocean Activity: Boogie boarding
Best Time of Day: Morning / Sunset
Crowds: Moderate - Busy at sunset

Kamaole Beach Park I (Kam I)

Kamaole Beach Park I (Kam I) is one of the most popular and swimmable beaches in South Kihei. With a wide sandy shoreline and generally calm morning conditions, it’s a go-to spot for both casual swimmers and those looking to get in a longer ocean swim.

Kam I is also a popular launch site for OC1 (Single-Man Outrigger Canoe), paddleboards, and kayaks.   

Its central location and consistent conditions make it one of the most used beaches on Maui—especially for those building a daily routine around the water.

What It’s Good For

Swimming
Ocean exercise swimming
Snorkeling (reef edges)
Beach days

Local Tips

One of the best spots in Kihei for lap-style ocean swimming
Arrive early for easier parking and calmer conditions
Expect more people mid-day
If you're planning on leaving and heading north, park in the gravel lot across the street.  The designated makai (oceanside) lot can be difficult to turn left out of and is often difficult to find a parking spot.

Beach Details

Lifeguards: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Parking: Lot / street
ADA Accessibility: Yes
Family-Friendly: Yes
Swimming Conditions: Calm to variable
Snorkeling: Good (reef edges)
Surf / Ocean Activity: Boogie boarding, OC1, Paddleboarding, Kayak
Best Time of Day: Morning / Afternoon / Sunset
Crowds: Busy, especially at sunset

Kamaole Beach Park II (Kam II)

Kamaole Beach Park II (Kam II) offers a slightly more relaxed feel than Kam I, with a great balance of beach and park space. It’s a favorite for casual beach days, small gatherings, and sunset hangouts.

While still active, it tends to feel a bit less intense than Kam I, making it a solid middle ground.

What It’s Good For

Beach days
Picnics
Sunset gatherings
Casual swimming
Boogie Boarding

Local Tips

Great mix of grass and sand for longer stays
Often less crowded than Kam I
Excellent sunset spot

Beach Details

Lifeguards: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Parking: Street
ADA Accessibility: Yes
Family-Friendly: Yes
Swimming Conditions: Calm to variable
Snorkeling: Occasional
Surf / Ocean Activity: Boogie boarding, paddleboarding
Best Time of Day: Afternoon / Sunset
Crowds: Moderate

Kamaole Beach Park III (Kam III)

Kamaole Beach Park III (Kam III) is the largest of the three and offers the most space, both on the sand and in the park above. With a playground, large grassy areas, and elevated views, it’s especially popular with families and larger groups.

It’s less about the water and more about the full beach park experience.

What It’s Good For

Families with kids
Picnics and gatherings
Beach + park days
Sunset views

Local Tips

Best option for larger groups or families
Nice elevated area for sunset viewing
More space to spread out compared to Kam I & II
South side of the beach has a nice, more protected cove that is great for snorkeling.

Beach Details

Lifeguards: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Parking: Lot / street
ADA Accessibility: Yes
Family-Friendly: Yes
Swimming Conditions: Variable
Snorkeling: Yes, better on the south side
Surf / Ocean Activity: Boogie baording
Best Time of Day: Afternoon / Sunset
Crowds: Moderate to busy

Keawakapu Beach

Voted the #1 beach in the world, Keawakapu Beach is one of Maui’s most loved beaches, stretching from South Kihei into Wailea. With soft sand, clear water, and consistently calm conditions, it’s one of the best all-around beaches on the island.  

It feels a bit more spacious and relaxed than the Kamaole beaches, with a slightly more refined, peaceful atmosphere.

What It’s Good For

Swimming
Snorkeling
Beach walks
Dog Walks
Sunset

Local Tips

Great for morning swims and long walks
Explore different access points for different vibes
One of the most consistent beaches on Maui

Access from the Mana Kai parking lot on the north end, the public lot on the corner of S Kihei Rd and Kilohana Dr to access the middle section known as "Sidewalk" or Stay to the right along S Kihei Rd to end up at a lot known as "Dead End" to access the South end of the beach.   

Beach Details

Lifeguards: No
Restrooms: Outhouses at Mana Kai and Dead End lot
Showers: At all entrances
Parking: Street / small lots
ADA Accessibility: No
Family-Friendly: Yes
Swimming Conditions: Calm to variable
Snorkeling: Good
Surf / Ocean Activity: Occasional boogie boarding and rare surfing conditions
Best Time of Day: Morning / Sunset
Crowds: Moderate

The Heart of South Maui Living