Relaxing on Maluaka Beach in Wailea, Maui

Maluaka Beach, located in Wailea, Maui, is a true tropical paradise that offers a stunning blend of natural beauty and serenity. As you arrive at the beach, you’ll be greeted by a picture-perfect setting that will simply leave you stunned.

The first thing that strikes you about Maluaka Beach is its pristine, white sandy shore and super clear waters. The sand is incredibly soft and powdery, inviting you to plan a relaxing day next to the bright blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to lay out a beach towel or set up a comfortable beach chair for a day of sun-soaked relaxation.

Getting to Maluaka Beach

Parking Area’s Physical Address: 187 Makena Keonoio Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

The Maluaka Beach is only a couple of miles south of the western coastal town of Wailea-Makena, on the island of Maui. Parking and beach access is along Makena Keonoio Road.

The parking area is south of the actual beach, and there are two main spots. The closest has room for maybe only 10 vehicles, while the larger one has room for a few dozen more. Parking is free, but it is limited. Get there early to be ensured a spot.

The beach has showers, a few picnic benches and a bathroom near the entrance.

Kahului Airport (OGG) is the airport for the island, and it is only about a half hour drive north of the beach.

If you are on the island to visit Haleakala National Park, then the beach is a little further away than you might realize. The Haleakala’s visitor center sits on the eastern flank of the volcano. This means that to reach the western coastline, you’ll need to circle almost the entire island before reaching this particular beach. The park’s visitor center and Maluaka Beach are an hour and a half drive apart.

Visiting the Beach

Maluaka Beach is one of the favorites for locals because it is usually less crowded than the others in the area. Makena State Park is only a few miles south of here, and it is much more crowded by comparison.

There is a spot under a large tree that is shady, which is perfect for those of us looking to relax on the beach without being cooked under the hot sun. This large tree and the rocky area to the south give it more of a secluded feel as well.

Maluaka Beach has no lifeguards, but has a very gradual entrance into the water, making it a great spot for kids.

The water here can be a little more rough if the winds are up, which is common on this side of the island. However, if that happens, it typically only lasts a few minutes before the waves calm down again.

Looking out over the beach, you can see the remnants of Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped volcanic caldera 3.3 miles offshore. On a clear day, you can see the caldera very well.

I’ve heard there is great snorkeling here, but I didn’t try it myself. The best spots for that are said to be above the coral on the southern end of the beach.