Drive times and historical water-quality risk levels for beaches near Kihei, Maui. Risk ratings are based on long-term DOH bacteria testing data and geography, not current measurements. General beach descriptions do not establish today's water quality or swimming conditions. Always
check current Maui advisories before swimming — conditions change after rain.
About Kīhei
Kīhei is a six-mile stretch of condos, shops, and restaurants along Maui's dry south shore, offering a more affordable alternative to the Wailea resorts just to the south. The town sits in Maui's rain shadow, making it one of the sunniest spots on the island with predictably clear beach conditions. Three Kamaole beach parks anchor the main swimming area, each separated by rocky points and offering slightly different conditions. Kīhei's south shore orientation provides protection from the northeast trade wind swell, resulting in calmer water most of the year compared to Maui's north shore. Beach access is easy and frequent along South Kīhei Road, with most beaches having parking, restrooms, and lifeguards.
Nearby Beaches — Ranked by Proximity
Kamaole I is the northernmost of the three Kamaole beach parks, with wide sand and a gentle slope into the water that makes it ideal for swimming and bodyboarding. The beach has lifeguards, showers, and a grassy park area with picnic tables. Geography and historical patterns cannot establish current water quality or swimming conditions; check the notices above, posted signs and lifeguard guidance.
Kamaole III has the largest grassy lawn of the three parks, with a playground, picnic pavilions, and plenty of shade trees. The beach sits below a low bluff with stairs leading down to the sand. Geography and historical patterns cannot establish current water quality or swimming conditions; check the notices above, posted signs and lifeguard guidance.
Charley Young Beach is a smaller, quieter stretch of sand tucked between Kamaole I and the condo developments to the north. The beach is accessed via a narrow public path between buildings and sees fewer visitors than the main Kamaole parks. The rocky points on either side create partial shelter, and the limited foot traffic keeps it feeling like a local secret.
Wailea Beach fronts the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons resorts with golden sand sloping into calm, clear water. Geography and historical patterns cannot establish current water quality or swimming conditions; check the notices above, posted signs and lifeguard guidance. A paved coastal walkway connects Wailea Beach to four neighboring beaches.
Big Beach (Oneloa) in Mākena is one of Maui's most impressive stretches of sand, over a third of a mile long and backed by low dunes. The steep shore break generates powerful waves that attract experienced bodysurfers but can be dangerous for casual swimmers. There is no reef protection here, so the full force of the open ocean reaches the sand.
Getting Around
Kīhei is strung along South Kīhei Road, which parallels the coast for six miles. The Piʻilani Highway (Route 31) provides a faster bypass for reaching the southern end of town and Wailea.
- From Kahului Airport: About 25 minutes south on the Mokulele Highway (Route 311) directly to Kīhei
- Between beaches: Kamaole I, II, and III are within a 5-minute drive of each other along South Kīhei Road; Wailea is 10 minutes further south
- Parking: Each Kamaole park has its own lot that fills by late morning — street parking along South Kīhei Road is an alternative
- Tip: The Wailea Beach Path connects five south Maui beaches on foot — park at one end and walk the 1.5-mile path to explore them all without moving your car
If Brown Water Is Active
After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Kihei, Maui:
- Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
- Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
- Best rain-resistant option: Kamaole I Beach (South Kihei) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
- Check the Maui live advisories page for current conditions
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before entering the water.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share government data and geographic analysis so you can make your own informed decisions. By using this site you accept full responsibility for your own safety. See our Terms of Use for full details.
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