The area of the coast south of Kihei is one of Maui's most popular beach destinations. Here you'll find up to a dozen smaller sandy beaches separated by small rocky peninsulas, the most notable of which is Maluaka Beach, which, in addition to its beautiful setting, is famous for having the best snorkeling on Maui without having to pay for expensive boat tours.

The area around Maluaka Beach is also known as Turtle Town.

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Swimming and beach facilities

Maluaka Beach, like all the surrounding beaches, is synonymous with tropical paradise. Surrounded by a manicured grassy park with a few palm trees, it lies on a photogenic rugged coastline with rocky peninsulas and a west-facing orientation that makes for breathtaking sunset viewing.

The surface of the beach - fine light sand
Entrance to the water - gradual and without rocks, the sea is shallow up to 150 metres from the beach
Length of the beach - 220 metres
Width of the beach - 20 metres
Sunbed rental - no
Toilets and showers - yes
Catering - no, the nearest one is in the village of Kihei about 2 km north
Shops - no, nearest in Kihei approx. 2 km north

Snorkelling in Turtle Town

The waters around Maluaka Beach and the surrounding area are called Turtle Town and are one of the most popular snorkelling spots.

They are perfectly accessible from the beaches - just put on your snorkel and fins and dive into the water. The most beautiful underwater world stretches along the rugged coastline and the calm waters and short distances make it ideal for complete beginners.

The underwater life in Turtle Town is very rich. As the name suggests, you will come across many turtles, but also hundreds of species of colourful fish.

There are no equipment rentals available directly at the beach, but you can find them in the centre of Kihei, about 3 km north. A popular snorkeling equipment shop is Snorkel Bob's, for example.

Beachfront accommodation

There are no hotels directly on the beach, but you can stay about 1.5 km away in the popular resort of Wailea-Makena, full of hotel resorts. However, prices here often exceed 733 eur per night for 2, so look further north in the village of Kihei, where you can also get prices around 183 eur.

Find out where to find the cheapest hotels on the island in the Maui Accommodation chapter.

How to get there

Maluaka Beach is at the south end of Wailea-Makena, and the best way to get there is by car along Makena Road, at the end of which you'll come across a free parking lot.

There are no buses to the beach.

Book a car at Kahului Airport