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Kamaole Beach Park II

The middle of Kihei's three sister beaches, and for many regulars the best of them: a wide crescent of soft sand, easy swimming, and rocky points at both ends that keep the snorkelers busy.

Type Sand crescent beach parkBest for Swimming and boogie boardsFrom the bungalows 10 minute drive
dronepicr / CC BY 2.0
TypeSand crescent beach park
Best forSwimming and boogie boards
From the bungalows10 minute drive
ParkingFree lot and street parking
FacilitiesRestrooms, showers, lifeguard
CostFree

Ask ten Kihei locals for their favorite of the three Kamaole beaches and you will start an argument. Kamaole I is the biggest, Kamaole III has the lawn and the playground, and Kamaole II — the quiet middle sister — quietly wins on the things that matter: sand quality, swimmability, and the view straight down the channel at sunset.

What makes Kamaole II special

The beach is a true crescent, maybe a quarter mile of soft golden sand framed by black lava points at either end. The bottom slopes gently and stays sandy, which makes it one of the most comfortable swimming beaches on the south shore — you can wade in without picking your way over rocks, and kids can play in the shorebreak while you actually relax.

Those lava points are the bonus. On calm mornings, snorkelers work both ends of the beach and usually come back with the same report: turtles, goatfish, needlefish, the occasional octopus if you are lucky. It is not Molokini, but for a beach you can park next to for free, it is remarkably good.

In winter, this stretch of coast becomes a whale-watching gallery. Humpbacks breach in the channel between Maui and Kaho’olawe from December through March, and you can watch them from your beach towel — the same show our guests watch from the lanai at the Family Favorite.

Soft sand, a sandy bottom entry, and water that stays swimmable most of the yearPhoto: dronepicr / CC BY 2.0

When to come

Mornings are the move. The trade winds usually pick up by early afternoon in Kihei, which is great for kite surfers and less great for umbrellas. Arrive before 9 am and you will find glassy water, easy parking and the beach half empty.

Sunset is the other bookend. Kamaole II faces almost due west, so from about an hour before sundown the whole beach turns gold and everyone stops swimming to watch. Bring a towel to sit on and stay for the green flash attempts — it is one of the best free shows on Maui.

Summer brings the calmest water and the busiest sand. Winter swells can produce real shorebreak here for a few days at a time; when the lifeguards post warning flags, respect them, and remember the rule every local kid learns first: never turn your back on the ocean.

Mornings are calmest — for swimming, for snorkeling, and for having the sand to yourselfPhoto: Dana Hutchinson / CC BY 3.0

Parking, facilities and the practical stuff

There is a small free lot directly across South Kihei Road plus street parking north and south of the park. It fills by mid-morning in high season; if it is full, the larger lot at Kamaole III is a five-minute walk south.

Facilities are proper county beach park standard: restrooms, outdoor showers to rinse the salt off, picnic tables in the shade, and a staffed lifeguard tower — which matters if you are traveling with kids or new to ocean swimming.

Food is easy. You are in the middle of Kihei, so shave ice, poke bowls and fish tacos are all within a few minutes — our restaurant guide covers the spots we send guests to, including Ululani’s for the after-beach treat.

Good to know

  • Arrive before 9 am for glassy water and easy parking — the trades pick up after lunch.
  • Snorkel the rocky points at either end in the morning; enter from the sand, never off the rocks.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen only — it is Hawai’i law, and the reef here is why the fish stay.
  • Winter shorebreak can get powerful for a few days at a time; check with the lifeguard if the flags are up.
  • Whales breach offshore December through March — bring binoculars to the beach like the locals do.
  • Stay for sunset at least once. The beach faces due west and the show is free.

Questions

Kamaole Beach Park II FAQ

Yes — it is one of the better family beaches in Kihei. The bottom is sandy and slopes gently, there is a staffed lifeguard tower, and restrooms and showers are right there. On winter high-surf days the shorebreak can get strong, so check conditions with the lifeguard first.

Yes, at the rocky points on both ends of the beach. Mornings are best, before the wind chops up the water. Expect reef fish and frequent green sea turtles. Snorkel gear is already in the closet at our bungalows — no rental needed.

A free county lot sits across South Kihei Road from the beach, with additional street parking along the road. It fills by mid-morning in peak season; overflow is easiest at the bigger Kamaole III lot a short walk south.

They are sisters, not rivals: Kamaole I is largest with the most open sand, Kamaole II has the best combination of swimming and snorkeling, and Kamaole III has the big lawn, playground and picnic scene. They sit in a row, so you can walk all three in twenty minutes and pick your favorite.

Keep exploring

Beaches

Kamaole Beach Park I
Beaches

Kamaole Beach Park III
Beaches

Charley Young Beach
Restaurants

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice
Beaches

Keawakapu Beach
Parks

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

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Four beachside bungalows in North Kihei, hosted by Megan & Bryan since 2012. 4.9 stars across 421 reviews.

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