One of Maui's greatest gifts is the sheer variety of its beaches. On the same island you'll find calm, swimmable family shores ideal for young kids; wild surf breaks for experienced swimmers; sheltered snorkel coves teeming with turtles; and remote black-sand beaches that feel like the edge of the world. South Kihei — where P410 is located — sits in the heart of it all, within easy reach of nearly every beach type Maui has to offer.
Right Outside Your Door · South Kihei
The Kama'ole Beaches
Three distinct beaches — Kama'ole I, II, and III — line South Kihei Road within easy walking distance of P410. Each has its own character. Together they give you everything: swimming, snorkeling, picnics, turtles, and some of the most beautiful sunset views in Kihei. Lifeguards are on duty at all three.
Kama'ole II
Your home beach — directly across South Kihei Road from Maui Banyan. A 3-minute walk with beach chairs and umbrella in hand. The central strip of sand is wide and welcoming, the water is typically calm and swimmable, and the grassy upper terrace is perfect for picnics and watching the sunset.
It's popular — but never overwhelming. Come in the early morning for peaceful swims, or late afternoon when the light turns golden and the mountains glow across the channel.
Kama'ole I
The northernmost of the three, Kama'ole I is a long, generous stretch of sand with reliable swimming conditions. A large grassy park sits above the beach — ideal for families with young kids who need room to run. There's parking off South Kihei Road, restrooms, and lifeguards.
Andrew's take: Good waves for boogie boarding when the south swell is up. On calmer days, snorkel the rocky south point for a peek at the reef fish.
Best for
Families · swimming · boogie boarding · picnics
Kama'ole III
Our favorite of the three for snorkeling. The rocky points at both ends of the beach — especially the south point — harbor a healthy reef with sea turtles, parrotfish, triggerfish, and the occasional octopus tucked into a crevice. Behind the sand, Kam III's wide grassy lawns are made for family gatherings — plenty of room for frisbee, a game of catch, or a picnic under the trees.
Andrew's take: Kam III is where you go when you want to actually see something underwater. Pick up snorkel gear from any of the surf shops along South Kihei Road and go early — the turtles are usually near the south rocky point.
Best for
Snorkeling · turtle spotting · lawn games & family gatherings · sunset walks
South Kihei · 10–15 min walk
Keawakapu Beach
Just south of the Kama'ole beaches, Keawakapu is where South Kihei quietly hands off to Wailea — a beach most visitors drive right past on their way to the resorts. Their loss: calm water, West Maui views, and room to spread out.
It's a long, sweeping crescent of golden sand — wider than the Kama'oles — with water generally calm enough for swimming and rocky points at each end worth snorkeling on calm mornings. Access points, the reef, and timing tips are all in our full Keawakapu guide.
Getting there from P410
Walk south along South Kihei Road past Kama'ole III — about 25–30 minutes on foot. Or drive and park in the small lots near Mana Kai Resort at the north end of the beach.
Best for
Morning swims · sunset strolls · uncrowded days
Distance
10–15 min walk south from P410
South Maui · 20 min drive
Makena Beach
Also called Big Beach or Oneloa, Makena is one of the most dramatic beaches on Maui — a broad, unbroken stretch of coarse golden sand backed by a cinder cone hill and undeveloped lava fields. No hotels, no condos, no commercial development. Just beach.
The waves at Makena can be powerful — this is not a calm, protected cove. Shorebreak here can be deceptively strong: wade in carefully and never turn your back on the water. Honest note: we haven't made it to Makena ourselves yet — this guide is careful research, not personal experience.
Honolua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District — no fishing, no anchoring. Snorkel only. The protection makes for some of the most vibrant marine life on the island.
West Maui · about 1 hr drive
Honolua Bay
Worth the drive. Honolua Bay in northwest Maui is a Marine Life Conservation District, which means no fishing or anchoring has been allowed for decades — and the underwater life shows it. Healthy coral, dense fish populations, sea turtles that are a common sight — and, if you're lucky, the occasional seasonal manta ray.
Getting in is half the adventure here — there's no sand at all, and the payoff is a protected reef that's been off-limits to fishing since 1978. In calm summer water, this is arguably the best snorkeling on Maui. Our full Honolua guide covers the jungle-trail entry, the reef, and why winter turns it into a surf arena instead.
In winter, Honolua is one of Hawaii's most famous big-wave surf breaks. If you see the signs for "Honolua Bay Surf Contest" during your visit — go watch from the cliff. It's spectacular.
Summer
Best snorkeling of the year — calm, clear water
Winter
World-class surf — watch from the cliff above
From Andrew & Cindy
Beach tips for a great Maui visit
Go early
Parking at popular beaches fills fast — and Maui's new beach-parking charge system limits how early non-residents can park at some lots on weekends and holidays. That's not a problem for Maui Banyan guests at Kama'ole I, II, or III (or several others) — just walk or take the bus. The morning light is better for photos and snorkeling anyway.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hawaii law bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Mineral sunscreen (non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is the reef-safe choice. Buy before you fly or pick up at Costco, Whole Foods, or Longs in Kihei.
Respect the wildlife
Hawaiian monk seals occasionally rest on beaches — give them 50 feet of space and do not approach. Green sea turtles are protected — watch from a distance and never touch or chase them in the water.
Snorkel in the morning
Trade winds pick up in the afternoon and chop the water surface. The best snorkeling visibility is almost always in the morning — 7–11am — before the wind builds. Snorkel gear is easy to rent at shops along South Kihei Road.
Read the surf conditions
Conditions change daily. Check Surfline or the National Weather Service marine forecast before heading to exposed beaches like Makena. If locals aren't swimming, there's a reason.
Don't take the sand
It is illegal to remove sand, rocks, shells, or coral from Hawaii beaches. Leave everything as you found it — including the beautiful black sand at Wai'anapanapa.
There's more
More great Maui beaches
We've covered the highlights closest to P410, but Maui has dozens more — from the windswept north shore to the remote beaches of the Hana coast. Our guides to Road to Hana and Ocean Adventures cover more of Maui's coastal wonders.