Maluaka Beach, Maui

Is Maluaka Beach, Maui Worth It? Our Full Review and What to Do

By Ian Josh

If you want to enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable beach experience, Maluaka Beach, Maui is your best shot! 

Some beaches offer awe-inspiring snorkeling without nice sand to lounge on, while others offer both but are too crowded because they are close to hotels. 

Shockingly, Maluaka Beach offers a bit of everything! It is your ideal destination for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing, among many other breathtaking beach activities. 

This long, sandy beach has excellent facilities, perfect for couples and families, and is one of the best beaches in Maui! 

Is Maluaka Beach truly worth the hype?

Things to Know About Maluaka Beach 

Located in the Makena area of South Maui, Maluaka Beach is famous for its soft, golden sand, clear waters, and calm atmosphere, making it your dream destination. 

It has exceptional amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and shaded areas for picnics and relaxation. 

Rest assured, you will have a comfortable beach experience. Keep in mind that this beach does not have lifeguards present.

Seasonal Variation of Maluaka Beach

Throughout the year, the beach is calm, beautiful, and refreshing in the mornings, but the wind can become intense and breezy from midday. 

In addition, summer south swells can bring forth waves and disturb underwater viewing conditions. But during winter, there come more flat and calm water days.

Maluaka Beach, Maui
Credit: jewellhadsell | IG

As a visitor, you must respect the local rules and regulations, such as not touching or destroying coral, safeguarding marine life, and not disturbing the natural habitat. 

We hope you are ready to take the ride that Maluaka Beach Maui is indeed worth the hype!

Where to Park

At the end of the beach and off of Makena Keoneoio Rd, there is a free parking lot for the public. 

Though the beach does not have large signs to label it, you must use your GPS to locate the parking lot.

Maluaka Beach Map, Maui
Map of Maluaka Beach / Google

If you want to navigate the parking lot comfortably, we recommend you put Keawalai Church into your G.P.S., as it is directly across the street from this church, and you can walk down a sidewalk to the beach. 

If you have to attend a church directly on this beach, it may be difficult to focus because of its beautiful sights and activities. 

Ensure you get there early enough since the parking lot fills up quickly.

What to Expect at Maluaka Beach

You will enjoy a clean beach with outstanding facilities. Because of its size, the beach won’t feel crowded. You will also snorkel with turtles and many other beautiful and colorful fish.

The beach has big shaded trees and picnic areas, making Maluaka Beach ideal for couples and families. And if you want to avoid getting sandy, nice grassy patches are available on the beach, which is an additional bonus.

Even though it is directly in front of the Makena Beach and Golf Resort, it’s often less crowded because it is not a main resort area. 

Activities You Can Do in Maluaka Beach, Maui

You can do many incredible things in Maluaka Beach, Maui, that will leave you wanting to return at every opportunity. 

Snorkeling

Even though extensive coral formations are absent, rocky areas at each end of the beach allow snorkeling and observing marine life. 

The rocky enlargement on this beach provides a habitat for the colorful fishes and sea turtles.

To preserve the coral reef, ensure you use reef-safe sunscreen when snorkeling. Snorkeling is easy at the south end of Maluaka.

Standup Paddle Boarding

You can also add standup paddle boarding on a calm morning to your bucket list; Maluaka Beach Maui is the perfect location! 

The long stretch of beach and crystal clear waters will make the paddle worth it. Remember that the wind can swiftly pick up strongly from late morning through the day, so ensure you go out early.

Credit: britserker | IG

Swimming

Could you believe the clear and calm water at Maluaka Beach is perfect for swimming and wading? Yes, that is right! 

Families often choose this destination for its gentle waves and safe swimming conditions; you should try it! 

Surfing

However, like most beaches in Hawaii, there may be times when the surf can become rough, so be very cautious. Maluaka Beach is a better destination for surfing in Maui.

Bottomline

Maluaka Beachis less of a great surfing beach because of the powerful waves.

You need to be there early as the parking lot fill up quickly, and hotel scarcity is also one of the major cons of this beach.

However, you must respect its natural habitat and beauty by leaving no trace and adhering to all stated rules.

If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, or relaxing by the shore, Maluaka Beach is worth it!