Kamaole I Beach Park in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Kamaole III Beach Park

Kihei, Maui

This beach has the best park atmosphere of the three "Kamaole beach parks", it is as much about family gatherings, picnics and playgrounds, as it is about the ocean access. Though this beach is only a little over a hundred yards long, the clean water quality to the far right of the beach is one of the best in Kihei, great for swimming and practicing snorkeling. Large parking area, plenty of picnic tables, a children's playground, expansive shaded lawns and multitude of amenities make this beach a south Kihei favorite. The winds usually reach this beach later in the afternoon than the beaches further north. The sunny grassy area in the left (south) end of the park is elevated above the beach, making it a great whale-watching and sunset-viewing place.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Soft-sand beach, large parking area, less windy, clear water, and great sunsets.
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, body boarding, snorkeling at either end, picnics, and children's playground area.
LIFEGUARD: YES
WARNINGS!: Both ends of the beach have rocky points that stretch out into the water so be careful when entering. Also be aware of currents that favor the left side of the beach near the rocky point. Safest area is in front of the lifeguard tower.
AMENITIES: Lifeguard tower, showers (3), restrooms, picnic tables with BBQs, small children's playground, ADA accessible.

County of Maui Kamaole III beach park link:
http://www.co.maui.hi.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Kamaole-III-233

Kamaole III map link:
http://www.co.maui.hi.us/documents/178/181/Visio308KamaoleIII.PDF

Access to the beach is through a number of clearly marked paths or wooden staircases that get you safely through the dunes and right onto oceanfront access. This beach is small and well-buffered from the road by its distance and change of elevation.

Picnic areas blanket the park from end to end, and there are 3 stand-alone showers for running water access. Locals often hold festivities here on weekends complete with music, jumping castles and large-scale cooking, which adds greatly to the atmosphere but makes parking more difficult. The playground is modern, with a padded floor and numerous swings, and is located on the ocean side of the main bathroom.

Benches in the shade alongside a little boardwalk parallel to the beach are great for people or surf watching. A large expansive sloping lawn on the south end of the park is rarely busy, and is a great place to do yoga or watch sunset away from the crowds. All in all, this is your best multi-use park option in Kihei.

DIRECTIONS:
Traveling in Kihei on route 31, or Pi'ilani Highway, look for Alanui Ke Ali'i traffic light intersection and turn toward the ocean. This road will intersect South Kihei Road, at the light at the bottom of the hill. Turn left and follow South Kihei Road 0.7 miles. Look for the beach sign and parking entrance on the ocean side.

PARKING:
There is a designated parking lot that holds approximately 35-40 vehicles and doesn't fill up until late morning. There is additional informal parking along the street heading south

ADDRESS:
2800 South Kihei Road
Kihei, Maui, HI 96753

Kamaole II Beach Park

Kihei, Maui

The most hidden of the three Kamaole beach parks, about half-a-mile south from Kamaole I, this beach is just as gorgeous but about half the size of its northern neighbor. Many people drive by unaware of Kamaole II's existence as a small sign marks its location, and only roadside parking is available. The beach is backed by dunes of soft light sand and you must cross the dunes to reach the beach, removing you further from the hustle of the roadway. There are several marked paths and small boardwalks to do so, and a sign by the lifeguards tower says that a "beach assistance chair" is available for those in need. A small lawn fronts the roadway through half the park and has a number of barbeques and picnic tables.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Gently sloping wide beach with ample room, cleared of rocks. Picture Perfect!
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, some snorkeling along rocky ends of beach, picnicking, and body boarding
LIFEGUARD: YES
WARNINGS!: Both ends of the beach have rocky points that stretch out into the water so be careful when entering. Also be aware of rip currents that favor the left side of the beach near the rocky point. Safest area is the hundred yards in front of the lifeguard tower.
AMENITIES: Lifeguard tower, showers, restrooms, picnic tables and BBQs, ADA accessible.

County Kamaole II beach park link:
http://www.co.maui.hi.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Kamaole-II-232

Kamaole II facilities map:
http://www.co.maui.hi.us/documents/178/181/Visio307KamaoleII.PDF

At both ends the beach is flanked by rocks and reefs that stretch out under water and onto the beach, but the central area is very rock-free. The lifeguard tower is centrally located and all the park amenities nestle in its vicinity. A grassy lawn backs the tower, showers and restrooms, with picnic tables and BBQs located to the left of the bathrooms. Of all the three beach parks, this one has the smallest picnic and amenities area. There is no designated parking lot at this park, so all parking is in the street on the ocean side of South Kihei Road.

DIRECTIONS:
Traveling in Kihei on route 31, or Pi'ilani Highway, look for Alanui Ke Ali'i traffic light intersection and turn toward the ocean. This road will intersect South Kihei Road, at the light at the bottom of the hill. Turn left and follow South Kihei Road 0.4 miles down looking for the beach and street parking on the right.

PARKING:
There is no designated parking lot for this park, so parking is roadside, beginning from across from the "Kama'ole shopping center" and continuing for several hundred yards along the ocean side of the roadway. Please note all posted parking regulations signs.

Charley Young Beach

Kihei, Maui

A local favorite, this beach is the more quiet end of "Kamaole I" but feels much more remote, due to its being two blocks from busy South Kihei road. Ironwood trees lining this end of the beach provide some rare Kihei beach shade, and the sand coves and shallow waters are a favorite of local families with kids. The sand is fine and soft, and the impressive length of this beach (600 yards) is great for walks and runs. As with other west-facing Kihei beaches, it is a great place to watch sunset.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Sheltered from the road noise, more "wild and natural" than most other Kihei beaches. Less crowded than most Kihei beaches and more wind-sheltered. Connects to Kamaole I creating a long beach for walks or jogging.
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, beach walks, snorkeling when calm.
LIFE GUARD: NO, but there is a lifeguard at the far left end of the beach at Kamaole I.
WARNINGS!: The very end of the beach has some underwater rock outcroppings that stretch out into the sand.
AMENITIES: Ample parking in the parking lot, shower and a single portable restroom.
HOURS: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.

County of Maui park link:
http://www.mauicounty.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Charley-Young-Park-191

The sounds of this beach are gentle waves, palms rustling in the soft winds, and children laughing. On windy days, Charley Young is sheltered by the trees and cliffs above it. On rare days of south swells (mostly in the summer) kids of all ages practice their boogie-boarding skills in the shore break. This beach also has a great way to get the best on-site weather report, just check the web cam link below to see if it is a good Kihei beach day.

Charley Young Beach Cam:
http://www.mauirealestate.net/video.php?Size=Large

Parking:
There is a large parking lot a block away from the beach so be prepared to walk a short distance to get to the sand. You can practice a little teamwork, and at the end of Kaiau Place at the top of the stairs leading to the beach there are 3 loading zones for unloading of your beach gear. Simply double-park while unloading your gear, then send your designated valet to get the car parked before heading down to the sand.

Directions:
Traveling through Kihei down (route 31) Pi'ilani Highway, look for Alanui Ke Alii Parkway and turn toward the ocean. At the bottom of the road you will come to a stop light. Turn right onto South Kihei Rd. and go 2 blocks looking for a side street on the ocean side of the road (Kaiau Pl). Turn left and then parking is immediately on you right. Beach is at end of this little street. Look for the pathway on your left if facing the ocean. The shadiest, most wind-protected area is immediately below you.

Address:
2200 South Kihei Road
Kihei, HI 96753

Sugar Beach

Kihei, Maui

The longest continuous stretch of sand on the whole island, this beach has fantastic views of nearby islands of Kaho'olawe, Molokini and Lanai, and a gently sloping expanse of sand that is perfect for walking and jogging. It is home to two Hawaiian canoe clubs, one of which does "guest paddle" programs for visitors. Sugar Beach continues the sand expanse that is Ma'alaea beach and spans from the junction of routes 30 and 310 (North Kihei Road) south to South Kihei Road turn-off. The south end is fronted by several blocks of condominium buildings that often provide a windbreak from the strong northwesterly winds blowing consistently through the area in the late mornings and afternoons.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Long stretch of beach, plenty of room, shallow calm water, and perfect whale-watching spot in wintertime. (November through March).
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, jogging, beach walks, Stand-Up Paddling, Hawaiian canoe paddling.
LIFEGUARD: NO
WARNINGS!: The area of the beach at its southernmost end (North Kihei Road) has a rocky jetty surrounded with underwater rocks and debris. Some shore break during summer surf episodes.
AMENITIES: No restrooms are at this beach; closest are located a short walk away at Kenolio Park across South Kihei Road opposite the south end of the beach.

Webcam link:
http://www.sugarbeachcam.com/

South end of the beach (South Kihei Road)
The beach gets the name from its use as a cargo-loading area for the nearby sugar plantation back in the late 1800's. The remnants of a stone wharf can be seen at the South Kihei Road end of the beach. These days mostly condominium dwellers, local fishermen, and athletes use this beach. There is a small grocery across from the pier area that has snacks and beverages for your refreshment needs. Water hoses on the beach fronting the canoe club on South Kihei Road are just about the only amenities we found. The only public restroom in the area is at the far side of the baseball fields in Kenolio Park which across the street from the pier area. For a public beach wayside with full restroom facilities, picnic tables and showers, drive south for about 1 mile and look for it on the ocean side of the roadway. We found this to be a good support area for the south end of Sugar Beach, and has a ribbon of sand backed by dunes that buffers the roadway from the ocean front.

Central access (paved ADA pathway to the beach)
Adjacent to the Kihei Sands condominiums at 115 North Kihei Road there is a newly constructed paved sidewalk beach access pathway that puts you right in the heart of Sugar Beach. There is a single loading parking space next to the path. For a longer-term parking take a short drive south on North Kihei Road, make a right-hand turn onto South Kihei Road, then immediate right turn and follow the parking signs. This lot is 400 feet walking distance from the beach, so be ready to travel that far, or park at either end of the beach for closer access. There is very little shade at this part of the beach, but the buildings provide a windbreak for this area where high wind is the norm.

North-west end of the beach (North Kihei Road)
This portion of the beach curves up along North Kihei road (also known as route 310). An oceanfront canoe club at the north end of the string of condominiums marks the beginning of numerous gravel or dirt roadside parking pull-off nooks. The view is particularly majestic on this end, and the whales can be seen not so far off December through March, as mama and baby whales frequent the shelter of the bay. This end can be windy during the trade-wind weather, as the north-easterly winds bounce off of West Maui mountains into North Kihei area. There are no windbreaks, though there is a line of trees, mostly thorny kiawe (acacia) between the road and the beach that provide shade in this area. There are no beach facilities, but there is a portable restroom and two picnic tables at the Maui Canoe Club. The canoe club on is open to visitors wishing to participate in the traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling.

Hawaiian canoe paddling:
Maui Canoe Club (off route 310 at the beach's north-western end) has visitor paddling programs daily Monday through Friday at 7:15 am for $15. More info at: http://www.mauicanoeclub.org/

Getting there.
From Ma'alaea and Lahaina: take Route 30 (Honoapiilani Highway) east. Turn right at the Route 310 junction (North Kihei Road) and follow it for 2.8 miles until the first condominium buildings appear on your right.
From Kahului or Kihei: Take Route 311 (Mokulele highway) to north Kihei and turn right onto route 310 (North Kihei Road). Then either turn left shortly onto South Kihei Road and look for roadside parking for the south end of the beach, or proceed on North Kihei Road past the condominiums and look for parking on the ocean side of the road for the north-west end of the beach.