From Keawakapu to Polo Beach, these are the beaches of Maui's South Shore near Wailea. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.
Keawakapu Beach Park
Wailea vicinity, Maui, Hawaii. A picturesque white sand beach with a sandy bottmom, Keawakapu is the first of the major Wailea beaches and offers good swimming as well as some decent snorkeling.
Location :: South of the Mana Kai Resort, just north of Wailea, off of South Kihei Road.
Access :: South Kihei Road.
Services :: None.
Notes :: An underwater junkyard consisting of more than a hundred cars forms an offshore reef. A popular beginner's diving spot.
Mokapu Beach, Ulua Beach
Wailea vicinity, Maui, Hawaii. These two resort beaches can be found side-by-side south of Keawakapu. Both beaches are well-kept and perfect for recreational swimming.
Location :: Off of Wailea Alanui Road, near the Outrigger Wailea Resort.
Access :: While driving on Wailea Alanui Road, take the first right turn past the Outrigger.
Services :: Showers, restrooms.
Notes :: Good, solid snorkeling can be found at the outcropping that separates the two beaches, as well as at the first coral reef just in front of the rocks.
Wailea Beach
Wailea vicinity, Maui, Hawaii. The beach at Wailea is short but wide, and offers good swimming and bodysurfing, though the surfing is only average.
Location :: Off of Wailea Alanui Road, approximately 1/2 mile past the Wailea town center.
Access :: Right turn off of Wailea Alanui Road at a clearly marked access road.
Services :: Showers, restrooms.
Polo Beach
Wailea vicinity, Maui, Hawaii. Easy to reach and relatively unvisited, Polo Beach is good for swimming and sunbathing, and the snorkeling is excellent. Snorkeling is especially good in front of the rocky outcropping that separates Polo from Wailea.
Location :: Off of Wailea Alanui Road, just south of Kea Lani Hotel, near the Polo Beach condo.
Access :: Take a right off of Wailea Alanui onto Kaukahi Street, and then take another right at the sign near the Polo Beach condo.
Services :: None.
