Kihei to Wailea

Most of south Maui’s history lies along its coastline. From the shores of Ma‘alaea Bay to the beaches of Makena are heard past echoes of Hawaiian fishing villages, busy harbors, sugar plantations, WWII military exercises and cattle ranching. Captain George Vancouver set anchor in Ma‘alaea in 1793 and is best known for his numerous, but unsuccessful attempts to bring peace between Kings Kamehameha of Hawai‘i and Ka‘hekili of Maui.

On the way to Kihei, is the Kealia National Wildlife Refuge boardwalk on North Kihei road, Hwy. 310. Large sea turtles use the area to cross the road to the pond to lay their eggs.

At the Kihei Memorial Beach is the historic Kihei Landing, where a 200 foot wharf, used for many years by interisland boats shipping freight and produce. Due to increases in sand accumulation, it became impossible for the larger sea vessels to reach the wharf and the usage stopped around 1915.

As early as the 1800’s, before the southern slopes of Haleakala - became farm and ranch land, the southern coast of Maui is said to have been lush rainforest, with coconut and Kou trees, taro and ‘ape. There were clear water pools found at the end of freshwater streams. The continued deforestation, erosion and atmospheric changes in rainfall averaging only 13 inches annual, led to the dry landscapes of Kihei, Wailea and Makena.

Kama‘ole I, II and III Beaches are great picnic areas. You can still see remnants of concrete bunkers, left when the beaches and land parcels on the coastline were confiscated by the government during WWII for military training exercises.

Charley Young Beach, also known as The Cove, was named after a military reporter named Charley Young who purchased the property in the Kama‘ole area just before WWII. The “Cove” is a favorite spot for novice surfers and when tide is out, it is wonderfully shallow for kids and adults! The original Kihei Boat ramp was located here but closed in 1983 and moved a bit further down the road.

The beaches of Ma‘a‘laea, Kihei, Wailea and Makena became mock "enemy beachheads", complete with demolition and reconnaissance. South of the Kihei Boat Ramp, Keawekapu Beach begins. You will find some great snorkeling here and is famous for its manmade reef installed 400 feet offshore in 1962.

At Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach” is a few miles south of Kihei and Wailea and boasts one of the best beaches on Maui. Known for it's white sand and lack of developement, the waters are pristine. Watch out for the shore break as it can be quite dangerous! Never turn your back on the ocean.