Maluaka Beach in Maui is a stunning, untouched paradise with its long stretch of golden sands, clear blue waters, and waves that are just the right size for family fun!
Tucked away in a quiet corner of South Maui, far from the hustle of tourist resorts, we spent three blissful days at this beautiful beach, often having it all to ourselves.
Unlike the sometimes intimidating waves at Kapalua and Ka’anapali beaches, Maluaka Beach offers the perfect waves for some excitement while still being safe for the kids to enjoy boogie boarding!
The golden sands and serene waters make Maluaka Beach an ideal spot for families with kids, providing a tranquil retreat from the more crowded tourist spots.
For those who love snorkeling, Maluaka Beach boasts fantastic spots along its rocky edges, and right in front, there’s a massive natural swimming pool waiting to be explored!
And if you’re eager to check Hawaiian green sea turtles off your Maui bucket list, Maluaka Beach, also known as Turtle Town, is the place to be! We were lucky to witness a bunch of them, including some impressive giants gracefully gliding through the ocean or basking on the beach, blending in with the lava rocks. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Directions to Maluaka Beach, Kihei, Maui
Turtle Town, Maui & Maluaka Beach
Maluaka Beach is also famously known as Turtle Town, a part of the Turtle Town stretch of beaches along Maui’s leeward side.
Locally, calling a place Turtle Town in Maui can be a bit of a joke. If you inquire about directions to Turtle Town from locals, you might receive various responses because multiple locations are referred to as Turtle Town.
How to get to Maluaka Beach
Drive on Highway 31 to Wailea Ike Drive and head south on Wailea Alanui Drive, the main road through Wailea and Makena.
The road name changes to Makena Alanui Drive when passing through Makena. Along the way, you’ll pass lush green golf courses on your left.
To reach Maluaka Beach South Access, continue on Makena Alanui and take a right onto Makena Keoneoio Road, following signs to parking.
If you wish to visit Keawala’i Church or head to the north parking lot, take a right on Honoiki Street and proceed south on Makena Road.
Maluaka Beach Parking
Parking at Maluaka Beach is plentiful and free, offering two public parking lots. The north lot, near Keawala’i Church along Makena Road, is handy for church visits and photos. The more spacious south lot, near Maluaka Beach South Access, is a popular choice, with an overflow lot available.
Maluaka Beach Map
Refer to the Maluaka Beach map below to locate the beach and find directions.
Maluaka Beach Access
For those parked on the south end, enjoy a picturesque walkway lined with palm trees parallel to the beach. Access paths and steps on your left lead to the beach.
If you park on Makena Road along the beachfront on the north end, small access paths from the road lead to the beach.
If carrying a lot of gear, drive on Makena Road, with convenient points for offloading gear before heading to parking.
Maluaka Beach Reservations
Good news – no reservations or permits are required for Maluaka Beach! Yay!
Maluaka Beach Amenities / Facilities
Location: South end of WaileaMakena, South Maui
Lifeguard: No
Beach Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grass areas, walkway
Food Nearby: WaileaMakena
Parking: Two free public parking lots, north end and south end
Directions: Makena Keonoio Road or Honoiki Street, off Makena Alanui ([map](map))
The beach is open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. There are no lifeguards.
Enjoy picnic tables on the grassy knoll above the beach – a perfect spot to unwind and possibly catch a glimpse of humpback whales (in winter) or spinner dolphins.
Best Things to Do at Maluaka Beach, Maui
Maluaka Beach stands out as one of Maui’s premier family friendly beaches, boasting incredibly soft sand, enjoyable and easily manageable waves, and fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
While basking in the beach’s charm, take in the picturesque views of the Pu’u Olai cinder cone in the south, an iconic Maui landmark that adds to the beauty of the surroundings.
However, it’s important to keep a close eye on the kids since there are no lifeguards on duty. Safety first!
Read More: Best Oahus waterfalls | Fresh Updated
1. Maluaka Beach Snorkeling
Maluaka Beach stands out as one of the top snorkeling spots in Maui, boasting fringing coral reefs on both ends of the beach.
At the north end, the coral reef is smaller, offering snorkeling opportunities around the lava rocks near the shore. On the south end, the extensive coral reef extends quite a distance offshore, providing a chance to encounter larger fish as you venture towards the outer reef and deeper south.
For those planning a Maluaka Beach snorkeling adventure, it’s advisable to set up your base at the south end. Younger kids can enjoy snorkeling close to the shore with their parents, while more experienced teenagers can explore the outer reef for encounters with bigger fish.
We observed a variety of marine life, including red slate pencil urchin, schools of yellow tangs and convict tangs, various types of butterflyfish, and reef triggerfish in the coral reefs near the shore. Older kids reported sightings of green sea turtles, a manta ray, and a moray eel as they ventured towards the outer reef and further south.
2. Admire Turtles on Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town, Maui)
Maluaka Beach, also known as Maui Turtle Town, lives up to its name with an abundance of Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). Whether snorkeling in the waters or resting on the sandy beach, these magnificent creatures are a common sight.
Hawaiian green sea turtles are endangered and protected, so it’s crucial to give them plenty of space and allow them to rest undisturbed on the beach.
3. Maluaka Beach Swimming
With lava rocks and coral reefs flanking both ends, Maluaka Beach essentially becomes a vast natural swimming pool in the middle, featuring shallow waters.
The waters are typically calm, especially in the mornings, making it an excellent spot for swimming laps along the shore. As you move further from the shore, the water reaches about 15 feet deep, prompting the recommendation for life vests or other flotation devices.
Keep an eye out for catamarans, which occasionally approach the beach as passengers embark and disembark for snorkeling trips.
4. Sunbathe or Relax with a Book on Maluaka Beach
The finely powdered, supersoft stretch of sand at Maluaka Beach provides an ideal setting for sunbathing or unwinding with a good book. The beach is relatively uncrowded, offering ample space, especially in the mornings.
You can find some natural shade from large trees on the south end of the beach, or you can bring a beach umbrella for added comfort.
5. Stay Back for Spectacular Sunset Views from Maluaka Beach
Cap off your day at Maluaka Beach by staying for the breathtaking sunset. Renowned as one of the best sunset beaches in Maui, the beach offers a romantic setting for an evening stroll along the golden sands as the sun gracefully sets into the Pacific Ocean, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
6. Surf or Boogie Board on Maluaka Beach
If you’ve been to Kapalua or Ka’anapali beaches, you probably know how towering some of those waves can be!
Not so at Maluaka Beach, where the waves are much more manageable, the perfect size for kids to boogie board or for beginning adults to try their hand with surfing!
We kept returning to Maluaka Beach because our kids had so much fun boogie boarding! Every once in a while, they would get a thrilling wave, just enough excitement for them.
7. Kayak or Canoe on Maluaka Beach
On the last day of our Maui vacation, our teenage kids and we rented a group canoe, and had some great fun canoeing in the open ocean waters at Maluaka Beach.
The waters were calm and placid, and we could canoe some distance out and get beautiful, panoramic views of the southwest Maui coastline!
Use Makena Road to offload the canoe(s) or kayak(s) before you park, so you don’t have to lug it all the way from the parking lot!
Tips for Your Visit to Maluaka Beach, Maui
Compared to the other beaches on Maui, Maluaka Beach tends to be uncrowded, especially in the mornings and early afternoons.
We felt we had the best beach experience here!
With limited shade, make sure you apply reef safe sunscreen liberally, even if you’re in the water, swimming or snorkeling.
Check the weather and surf conditions. While usually calm, high surf conditions or large swells are common when storms move in.
We rented all the beach gear and equipment from nearby WaileaMakena, and packed picnic lunches, snacks, and drinks.
Restaurants and food trucks are also conveniently nearby, a few minutes drive.
What Else to Do Near Maluaka Beach, Maui, HI
Molokini Crater
On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Molokini Crater off in the distance, the crescent shaped remnants of a volcanic crater.
Molokini Crater snorkeling is the best snorkeling in Maui! It’s one of the best snorkeling places in Hawaii, reachable by boat tours from Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.
You can find over 250+ species of tropical fish in the protected waters of the crater basin, offering spectacular underwater visibility.
While you can’t swim directly to Molokini Crater, you can take a boat tour, and some leave right from Maluaka Beach!
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this underwater haven and witness the incredible marine life around Molokini Crater.
Read More: See And Swim With Dolphins In Oahu
Keawala’i Church
Just a few minutes from the north end of Maluaka Beach is Keawala’i Church, an old stone church and a historic landmark.
Apart from attending a service (when available), you can capture some beautiful photos of the church and its picturesque setting, even if you can’t go in.
From the church and grounds, you get fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean, Molokini Crater in the distance, Lanai and Kaho’olawe islands, and the West Maui mountains. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
The Best Maui Tours
Have you booked these top rated Maui guided adventures yet?
Small Group Road to Hana tour so everyone in your group can sit back and enjoy the views without worrying about negotiating hairpin bends or finding parking at popular stops!
A Haleakala sunrise tour so you can experience the bucket list sunrise atop the volcano without the need to reserve a parking spot or drive up in the dark!
A Maui whale watching raft tour, which will let you see the massive humpback whales at eye level! (You can also opt for a more sedate boat whale watching tour.) A MUST winter Maui activity!
A Maui snorkeling excursion that combines the Molokini Crater with Turtle Town, the two most epic snorkeling destinations on the island!
A 7 line Maui zipline experience where you can glide over the forests on the north shore of Maui. Enjoy ocean views and navigate obstacle course challenges!
An oceanfront luau in Wailea where you can enjoy a sunset buffet and traditional Polynesian entertainment. You can also opt for a Kaanapali oceanfront luau.
Renting a Car in Maui
The best things to do in Maui are located all over the island.
Public transport options on Maui are minimal to nonexistent, so if you want to explore the island beyond your base, you’ll want to book a rental car for your Maui trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book Maui car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
Where to Stay in Maui
Depending on whether you want a vacation rental with more room and the option to cook some of your meals, or you want a resort or hotel experience, and depending on which part of Maui you want to choose as your base, you have a variety of options.
By far the majority of visitors to Maui choose to base on the west side, where there is a large selection of accommodations available, from resorts and hotels to vacation rentals.
We suggest starting your search for Maui accommodations by browsing vacation rentals on VRBO. You can filter to choose a specific area, such as Kihei, Kapalua, or Wailea.
We have stayed in VRBO rentals in Kihei and Kapalua and find that the choice and quality are generally great.
More Maui Travel Inspiration
If you are considering a trip to Maui, read some of our other comprehensive guides to craft the ultimate Maui itinerary!
If you are a first time visitor to Maui, start by reading our article on the best things to do in Maui. From beautiful beaches and lush rainforest to Maui’s volcanic crater, our roundup captures the most iconic Maui experiences and activities.
Road to Hana
Driving the Road to Hana is one of Maui’s bucket list experiences. We have a comprehensive guide to the best stops on the Road to Hana, including waterfalls and short hikes on the way.
One of the top stops on the route is Wai’anapanapa State Park, which requires reservations. Read our full guide to Maui’s black sand beach in this popular state park!
Maui boasts one of only two national parks in Hawaii. Read our roundup of the best things to do in Haleakala National Park. We also have the ultimate guide to sunrise at Haleakala.
We also have a guide to the best hikes in Haleakala National Park, and in depth hiking guides to the two most epic hikes in the park: the Sliding Sands Trail and the Pipiwai Trail.
Speaking of hiking, also be sure to check out our roundup of the best Maui hikes, from easy to challenging. Plus, peruse our complete guides to hiking the popular Kapalua Coastal Trail in northwest Maui, and the Waihee Ridge Trail for astounding views!
We also have a roundup of the best waterfalls in Maui, from the 400foot Waimoku Falls to Upper Waikani Falls near Hana. Some Maui waterfalls can be seen from viewpoints whereas others require hiking.
Water activities are plentiful in Maui! Check out our epic guide to whale watching in Maui, and our guide to the best Molokini snorkeling tours and the best Turtle Town snorkeling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maluaka Beach in Maui, also known as Turtle Town, stands out as a hidden gem offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and family friendly activities. Its pristine golden sands, clear blue waters, and manageable waves make it an ideal spot for a tranquil retreat, especially for those traveling with children. The beach’s accessibility, coupled with its uncrowded ambiance, provides a serene escape from more touristy areas. Whether you’re into snorkeling, swimming, boogie boarding, or simply relaxing on the shore, Maluaka Beach caters to diverse interests, making it a must visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and picturesque Hawaiian experience.
For visitors, the ease of access, ample parking, and the absence of reservation requirements make Maluaka Beach a convenient and hassle free destination. The proximity to other attractions, such as Molokini Crater and Keawala’i Church, further enhances the overall experience. Whether enjoying the vibrant marine life while snorkeling, witnessing a breathtaking sunset, or embarking on exciting water activities, Maluaka Beach offers a memorable and rejuvenating escape for families and adventurers alike.
I’m Justin Taylor, your go-to guide at “Go Hawaii US.” I’ve been soaking in the colors and stories of Hawaii for a while now, and I want you to join me on this fantastic journey. At Go Hawaii US, we’re all about making your Hawaiian adventure unforgettable. It’s not just a guide; it’s like turning information into a real, vibrant experience. Come along, and let’s explore the wonders of Hawaii together!
