Kamaole III Beach Park
Description
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