Top 10 South Maui Beaches and More Hidden Gems

Top 10 South Maui Beaches

South Maui is blessed with sunshine and miles of sandy beaches. The southwestern coast is the dry side of Maui and the ideal place for lazy days basking in the sun and romantic evening strolls. With so many beaches to choose from, here are a few highlights of the most popular destinations.

1. Big Beach - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/makena-big-beach-oneloa/
Also known as Makena Beach and Oneloa Beach, Big Beach is quite impressive and a must-see spot. This beautiful and undeveloped sandy beach offers huge views and a large shore-break. Don’t miss it!

https://vimeo.com/163497658

2. Little Beach - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/makena-little-beach/
If you’re looking for a place on Maui to bare it all, this is it! Considered a nude beach, it gets pretty crowded since the law is not enforced here and many visitors include it on their bucket list.

3. Wailea Beach - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/wailea-beach/ 

Wailea Beach is rated as one of the best beaches in the world. With it’s perfect sand and wide, open space, it draws a crowd and has a resort vibe. If you’re looking for beach perfection, this is the place for you.

4. Kama’ole Beach Park - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/kamaole-beach-park-aka-kam-kam-ii-kam-iii/
This popular set of beaches attracts locals and visitors alike. It boasts incredible views of Molokini, Kaho’olawe and Lana’i islands. With full facilities, lifeguards, picnic benches, trees and a family atmosphere, it’s perfect for a fun-filled beach day.

Kamaole Beach Park II

5. Keawakapu Beach - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/keawakapu-beach/
This .7 mile sandy beach runs to the end of Kihei and is perfect for any activity. With a fully developed shoreline, you’ll find plenty of beach homes, hotels, condos and restaurants and open beach space

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 6. Polo Beach - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/polo-beach/
This beach is formed by a pair of beautiful sandy crescents. Here you’ll find the Polo Beach Club and the Fairmont Kea Lani hotel. The south end is usually less crowded since Kea Lani guests stay in the north end.

7. White Rock - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/palaue-beach-white-rock/
White Rock, also known as Palauea Beach, is not widely known so you won’t see many tourists.  If you do venture out here, you’ll mostly find locals and fishermen. If you want peace and quiet, this is the place to be.

8. Mokapu Beach - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/mokapu-beach-andaz-wailea/
This quarter-mile long pocket of sandy beach fronting the Andaz Wailea hotel is a great swimming hole and perfect for boogie boarding and snorkeling.

9. Ulua Beach - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/ulua-beach/ 
This beach is much more crowded than its counterpart Mokapu Beach. Known as a great snorkeling spot, it also offers good swimming and boogie boarding.

https://vimeo.com/4219932

10. Po’olenalena Beach - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/poolenalena-beach/
This long sandy beach is also known as Paipu Beach. Until recently, it was mostly known by locals. Not only has it grown in popularity, it has become a favorite location for wedding ceremonies.

https://vimeo.com/150230686

Here are some additional beaches to check out in South Maui:

— Secret Beach also known as Makena Cove - Is one of my personal favorites and it is not easy to find.  I wonder if that is how it got its nickname Secret Beach.  This is a popular beach to photograph  if you can find it.  It is a slice of heaven.

— One’uli Black Sand Beach - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/oneuli-black-sand-beach-naupaka/ 
Also known as Naupaka Beach, this black sand beach is made up of ground lava. Covered in a blanket of thick, black sand, it is an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving.

— Cove Park - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/cove-park/ 

If you’ve always had the urge to surf and need a beginner’s course, you’ll find surf instructors ready to get you started on this beach. It’s located at the south point of Kalama Park and commonly used for beginner surf lessons.

— Kalepolepo Beach Park - http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/kalepolepo-beach-park/

Located in North Kihei, this is a small but lovely beach. It’s out of the way and mostly enjoyed by those staying in the area. An important archaeological site, this beach park has historical significance with an ancient Hawaiian fishpond fronting the beach.

With so many options to choose from, your days in Maui should be filled with sunshine and fun-filled water activities. Whether it be snorkeling or learning how to surf, there is an abundance of beaches to explore and enjoy.

Part 1 of 2 - Blog Maui and Big Island Visit

Honu Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle in Ka'anapali, Maui, HI

Part 1 of 2 –Maui and the Big Island

Back on the mainland collecting my thoughts from my recent family visit to Maui and The Big Island (Hawaii).  Time to talk story and share my new YouTube movie and slide show that captures our visual experience and more!  I hope you enjoy it.  It is my first attempt to edit and create a little movie.  It is a visual story about “why Maui is so special.”  It is approximately 13 minutes in length:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LmP0wgyYqE

To create this homemade video, I used Windows Live Movie Maker!  It is a fun and easy program to use.  The underwater still shots and videos were taken with a digital waterproof Olympus camera.  Chelsea owns this camera and shared her digital data with me to incorporate into the Maui and Big Island movie.  I used my new Google Android phone for many of the beach videos.  I was very pleased with the quality.  I have visited Maui for many years and have tons of digital data that also comes from other various digital cameras that include video functionality.  I added a few old images and videos in both movies.  Please take the time to LIKE the YouTube video if you do.

Our young artist and underwater video photographer Chelsea

Today I will focus my blog on our recent Maui trip.  Then part 2, my next Blog, will be about the Big Island.

The first movie is about Maui and expresses the ideas of romance, beauty, family fun, and culture.  I love the sound track from Lilo and Stitch and there are a few songs used to accompany the video.  If you like the music I highly recommend that you support the artists by purchasing their music CD or pay to download it.  

If you long to visit Maui or are homesick for paradise, I hope this movie will take you back.  Please note that I can help with your Maui accommodations.  Remember to visit my website:  www.MauiVision.com to see a list of our properties.  This is a small family owned business and I personally care about your vacation experience.  In addition, I created a short video about my personal condo C618 that includes videos of the beaches nearby.  This video is about 3 minutes in length: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrswXMWmtu0

I love Maui and appreciate all the other Hawaiian Islands for each has its own individual character and unique energy.  Since my business is primarily Maui it is a must to stop over.  No one has to twist my arm.  I go willingly.  It is my job.  This recent trip was July 2011.  We spent 17 days in Maui and 2 nights on the Big Island. 

What I love about Maui is you can choose to go a slower pace if desired and enjoy nature and/or enjoy the many activities, shows and great restaurants. Maui and Oahu are the two islands that offer the most “to do” in terms of dining/activities/entertainment.  The other Hawaiian Islands, in general, are slower paced like Kauai and The Big Island.  And even more so in Molokai and Lanai.  I only mention the most popular visited islands.  The others you can not visit easily without special permission like the islands of Kahoolawe and Niihau.  And they simply are not on the radar to visit.  Even the Midway atolls a United States minor outlying island of Hawaii where The Battle of Midway, was fought over the U.S. mid-Pacific base on June 4^th 1942.  However, in the year 2008 the Midway atolls is now an American Wildlife Refuge and they offer limited tourism with permitted tour groups.

My first stop in Maui is to my home away from home in South Kihei.  I’m usually tired my first day in due to a lack of sleep the night before.  There is so much to do before leaving the mainland.  My first evening in I look forward to getting a good nights rest and in the morning I look forward to the song of many cooing birds.  It sounds lovely when the rest of the world is still so quiet.  The birds sing faithfully every morning here in Kihei.  I do not need an alarm clock.  The birds start their singing about 6am and in California it is 9am PST.  Hawaii Standard Time (HST) never changes.  It is nice to have your morning coffee or tea on the lanai and to look out over the Pacific Ocean.  A great meditative way to start the day.  Then off to exercise at the beach along the ocean before it gets too warm. 

I sleep more solidly and soundly in Hawaii.  I gather my strength here and I feel more in tune with my inner healing.  I come here as do many to rest, have fun, and get my nature and ocean fix.  It is my place of inspiration.  When on my working vacation, I do make time to relax, but I also keep active.  As I said there is so much to do and see.  Favorite places to revisit and the need to seek new experiences.

My sister Patty, my nephew Sean, my friend Mary and Chelsea joined us the last 9 days of our trip.  Mary and Chelsea took many pictures.  I thought I was bad!  I’m usually the picture taker.  But I let go and got to relax knowing they were capturing the moments of our lives.  Many of their photos and videos are part of the Maui and Big Island movie.

Snorkeling at Kapalua Bay

Big Beach, South Maui, HI

I am still creating the Big Island Video and when it is complete I will do my next blog.  The Maui Video I hope capture a lot of visual story for you.  Less talk this blog and instead more pictures….action!

I love many places in Maui and I could write a book but this is a blog.  I need to keep this short and sweet.  If you rent one of our MauiVision properties, I do provide an 11 page Maui Fun Letter to all our guests.  I update and tweak it annually. 

I want to mention a new restaurant at the OGG Maui airport.  Sammy’s Bar and Grill owned by rocker Sammy Hagar.  The food was fantastic!  Big portions and the prices reasonable.  I was impressed with my dish the “Crispy Ono Pescado” it was their version of fresh island fish and chips so delicious!  This was not your average fish and chips!  My son had their “Beach Salad” with chicken.  My adult son can be a picky eater and let me tell you, he loved this salad.  My growing young man could not finish it.  You will not leave this restaurant hungry that is for sure!  I think it is also worth mentioning that the profits from this restaurant go to local children’s charities in Maui.  That made the meal extra special.  You should give this restaurant a try and know you are also supporting a good cause in the process.

I highly recommend a family magic show in Maui called “Kupanaha.”  It’s nice to know that Maui has many family friendly shows that all ages can enjoy together.  And “Kupanaha” is top on my list for audiences young and old.  I have attended this show twice and find myself amazed by the magic and laughing at the comedy.  One of our family members was randomly chosen to perform with the magician Jody Baran.  We know the magic is real!

Magician Jody Baran and his wife Kathleen on stage

We attended a dinner and music show in a small intimate venue at Stella Blues in Kihei, Maui.  We paid $60 per person.  If you just wanted to attend the show without dinner, the cost was $30 per person.  The food was very good. We saw Paula Fuga, Mike Love and Sam Ites perform.  Paula and Mike both took turns singing lead and both are blessed with beautiful voices.   The group put on a great show and harmonized well together.  In most bar/restaurants they will allow younger people under 21 if they are accompanied by an adult however, they must be out by 10pm when the restaurant/bar stops serving dinner.  Anyway, my son loves reggae and this was a treat for him.  Paula Fuga is a success and she is a rising shining star.  She has performed with Jack Johnson and Ziggy Marley.  I love her music and I plan to include it in my Big Island video.  I think you will love her too!  I highly recommend you purchase her music CD or download “Paula Fuga Misery’s End.”  It is excellent!

Paula Fuga, Mike Love, and Sam Ites performing at Stella Blues in Kihei, Maui, HI

With Aloha!

Kathy McCartney

My trip to Kauai Jan 2011 and Painting "Little R&R Hawaiian Style"

February 9, 2011

I recently stayed in beautiful Kauai, Hawaii January 2011.  My fiancé and I stayed 4 days in Princeville and 4 days in Kekaha.   How I love this island!  We missed a big storm that hit Kauai earlier.  The run off from the mountains causes the red soil to mix with the ocean and makes it murky.  Only on some of the beaches and it is temporary.  The waves were also slamming the first two days of our trip.  We saw whales beyond the mist and crash of waves in the distance.  The temperature averaged 78 degrees most of the time with a quick sprinkle here and there but it remained mostly dry.  Paradise!  When the ocean calmed down we were able to see so many whales with the naked eye!  They were having fun.  My last day I spent walking on Kekaha Beach and I saw a whale breach (jump out of the water) 18 times.  I couldn't believe it.  Just like the whale I painted in my recent painting (pictured below last image).  

The people in Kauai are very nice.  Everyone takes the time to talk story with you.  And I love to ask some of the transplants where did you come from originally and why did you move here (like duh).  I love their stories.  At least three different people told me they were on vacation here and decided never to return to the mainland.  They left everything behind and didn’t get back on the plane.  I admit I’m not that ballsy!  These people did admit to not having kids at the time to care for.  So that made the choice easier.  I have felt that same calling sensation or ache in my heart to stay.  And some day I will go there and stay however, with a little bit of a plan and a mixture of trust in the Aloha Spirit to guide me. 

I met a talented artist in historic Koloa town named Christian Riso he owns an art gallery and frame shop.  I enjoyed his story about the roosters.  He paints many things including this bird.  They are all over the island looking plump, healthy and colorful.  I think they are too beautiful to eat.  They are free spirits and are not afraid to fly up and try to take a sandwich out of your hand if they can!  This artist said that he will build a shrine in their honor because they have been his money making bird.  That was funny!  But people like to buy the rooster prints and paintings because it reminds them of Kauai.

Attached are a few pictures from my Kauai, Hawaii trip.  I didn't take pictures of the whales they move to fast for my slow camera to capture!

Tunnel Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Polihale Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii

Monk Seal resting and yes alive!

Monk Seal resting ALL day!

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Tunnel's Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii

Tunnel Beach BIG waves

Nene Goose Hawaiian State Bird in Kauai, Hawaii

The chickens and rooster who lived freely in the back yard of our Kekaha Beach home

Little R & R Hawaiian Style Painting

Now back to my big painting “Little R&R Hawaiian Style.”  Oh I feel like I a fibber for posting I was done with this particular painting.  I should know better!  This was a live blog challenge for me.  Whenever I do a painting, and any artist for that matter, it is important to let the painting sit for a week or more before you call it done.  I did feel like this painting was complete for the blog challenge, but every day I looked at the painting and felt there was something missing.  I was too busy to return to the painting until just now.  The painting felt flat.  It lacked intensity in color and contrast.  When the bright colors dry they sometimes get flat or darker.  I felt her flesh highlights needed more warmth.  The skirt and head lei needed more intensity as well.  I wanted a bright cheery painting with a lot of complimentary colors.  I brightened the red on her waist band and top.  The contrast of light and dark are important to get that pop and three dimensional feel.  I darkened the wet sand to make the water stand out and to not compete with the color of the skirt.  I could add something in the sand next to her.  But I don't feel like it.  So it is done.  Besides this painting can be cropped later for prints etc.

Kathy McCartney, artist at Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Oh and I visited the town Hanapepe, a small quaint historic town where they love to talk story.  This town Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii is home to the characters Lilo and Stitch.  Friday night is art night and this town attracts the artist and many visitors.  This town is Kauai's big art community.

I LOVE this movie "Lilo and Stitch" it is a classic in my book.  I don't care how old I am it is one of my favorite movies still today!  I must say, it was cool to visit the town that help inspire the movie.

Aloha!

Kathy McCartney