Walk from P410
10–15 min south
Crowd Level
Low — local favorite
Best Time
Sunrise & sunset walks
Character
Calm · wide · uncrowded
Kihei's Best-Kept Secret
Where South Kihei becomes Wailea
Keawakapu sits at the southern edge of Kihei, where the busy South Kihei Road beach corridor quietly gives way to the Wailea resort district. It's a long, sweeping crescent of golden sand — wider than the Kama'oles, and consistently less visited despite being a 10–15 minute walk from P410.
The beach has a distinct locals-only feel. You won't find vendors, beach umbrellas for hire, or volleyball nets. You will find generous space to spread out, clean water that's generally calm enough to swim and snorkel, and unobstructed views across the channel to West Maui and the island of Kaho'olawe.
Walk south from the Mana Kai end, looking down the sand toward Wailea — in the late afternoon light it's one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in Kihei.
Best for
Morning swims · sunset strolls · uncrowded beach days · snorkeling the rocky ends
Facilities
Showers & restrooms at Mana Kai end · limited parking · no lifeguards
The Hidden Reefs
Snorkeling the rocky points
Keawakapu's main stretch of sand is open water — the snorkeling action is at the rocky points at each end of the beach. Both ends have reef habitat worth exploring: coral formations, reef fish, and the occasional turtle grazing the bottom.
The north end (near Mana Kai Resort) is the more accessible entry point — wade in from the sand and work your way around the rocky point. Morning visits, before the afternoon trade winds build chop, give the best visibility.
P410 does not provide snorkel gear — rent from Boss Frog, Snorkel Bob's, or any dive shop along South Kihei Road before heading out.
Golden Hour at Keawakapu
Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise
Keawakapu faces west — the sunrise itself is behind you, but the early morning light on the West Maui mountains across the channel is spectacular. The mountains glow orange and pink as the sky brightens, with the still-dark water of the channel reflecting the colors. It's a different kind of sunrise than Haleakalā, but no less impressive in its way.
If you're an early riser
Arrive at the north end (Mana Kai area) just before sunrise. Face the channel and watch the mountains come alive with color. The water is glassy at this hour and the beach is usually empty — one of those quiet Maui moments you won't find on a tour bus itinerary.
Sunset
This is where Keawakapu shines. The beach faces southwest — perfectly aligned for sunset. Stand at the water's edge and watch the sun drop behind Kaho'olawe and Molokini, painting the sky and the channel in layers of orange, red, and gold. On clear evenings, the green flash appears right at the horizon at the final moment of sunset.
The evening walk
Head to the beach 45 minutes before sunset. Walk south from the Mana Kai end and find a spot with an open view. The north end looking south down the beach is especially good — you get the full sweep of sand, the darkening water, Haleakalā rising behind you. Bring a light layer for the walk back. Dinner at a South Kihei restaurant afterward is the perfect ending.
Why Locals Love It
The beach between the worlds
Keawakapu occupies a unique geographic and social position: it connects the busy South Kihei strip to the manicured Wailea resort corridor, yet somehow stays its own quiet place. Kihei locals come here to escape the Kama'ole tourist flow. Wailea visitors walk north and discover they've arrived somewhere real.
There are no concessions, no rental umbrellas, no beach boys. Just a long arc of sand, the sound of small waves, and a view that hasn't changed much in decades. It's the kind of beach you find yourself returning to every trip.
"We've been coming to Maui for years and Keawakapu is still our go-to morning walk. Wide open, usually quiet, and those West Maui mountain views are just ridiculous."
Andrew & Cindy · P410 owners
Beach length
~3/4 mile of sand
Wailea connection
Walk south into Wailea
From P410
Getting to Keawakapu
Keawakapu is P410's closest "destination" beach — close enough to walk, easy enough to visit spontaneously. Head south on South Kihei Road past Kama'ole Beach Park III. The road curves slightly and the Mana Kai Resort appears on your right. The north end of Keawakapu Beach begins here.
On foot
10–15 min walk south from P410 along South Kihei Road
By car
3–4 min drive — small parking area near Mana Kai Resort
Parking at Keawakapu
Small lot near Mana Kai Resort at the north end — fills quickly on weekends
Street parking along Kilohana Drive (the road that runs behind the beach) — walk down to sand
Walking from P410 is the easiest option — no parking stress
Walk Out the Front Door
Keawakapu is a 25–30 minute walk from P410
No parking hassle — just walk south along South Kihei Road (or drive it in about 5 minutes). Staying at P410 puts one of Kihei's loveliest beaches within easy reach every single day of your trip.