My brother got married on this beach. This beach is spectacular. It is secluded as most of the beach is in front of beautiful million dollar homes. You kinda walk through trees from the road out to paradise. We didn't go into the water or spend a lot of time doing recreational stuff here, so I can't really speak to that. But I can say it is gorgeous, clean and has the good Maui spirit. Not very far from Polo Beach and I recommend this beach over Polo from my experience. read more

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I hesitate to post a review because it may become overcrowded. What a gem. Quiet with families, calm surf and good snorkeling. read more

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Palauea Beach is one of those low-key gems. Super chill, soft sand, barely any crowds, and no big waves--just calm water and a peaceful vibe. Perfect for relaxing or floating around. Easy 5 stars, no question. read more

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This is a locals beach we were told. And there were definitely locals there, but some tourists as well. It is toward the south end of the island and there is no designated parking lot. There are multi-million dollar homes right next to it. There is no bathroom or shower, so plan on getting your car sandy when you leave. Through some trees that are great for hammocks, you will get a superb beach, with plenty of space. There isn't a ton of shade here and the water is on the calmer side. We spent a good part of the afternoon here and had a blast. It was also not super windy there the day we were there, even though it tends to get windeir in the afternoons on the island. read more

Excellent, secluded white sand beach by some high-end properties. There's some really good snorkelling there and we even saw honu! Access by a very short trail with tree shade. Roadside parking by Makena Road right by the entrance. read more

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The sand here is much coarser than other beaches, and it did get rather windy, meaning the waves were pretty harsh. However, it's a beautiful beach to get married or have photoshoots on; while swimming here for an hour, we witnessed two separate weddings on the beach. It's also a great beach for sea turtle spotting, would recommend swimming around the lava rocks to the far south of the beach for them. Not too many fish out here though. Parking is also a little harder when it gets crowded, since there's no parking lot and you have to park on the side of the road. There aren't any fancy things like bathrooms or showers here, so you're getting the old-fashioned beach experience here! read more

This one of my favorite "hidden" beaches on the south side. Depending on the day, it can be very calm or have good boogie boarding waves. The break is pretty close to shore, similar to Big Beach. There is limited parking along the road, and a port-a-potty. I like that the limited parking limits the number of people, and if you want to change things up Polo beach is just down the road. The street behind this beach is also where I have seen the most chickens/chicks in my life - probably 50+ on one lawn. You'll also be treated to roosters/chickens on the beach. read more

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We love this beach. If anyone finds my prescription purple glasses in a Kirkland case please message me. There are lots of turtles, nice sandy entry, trees for shade and a local feel. The parking is limited so it never seems to get too crowded. The snorkeling is just ok. The reef is mostly dead at the south end and although there is a decent variety of fish, there aren't many of them. The reef at the north side is a bit better. It is such a pretty beach, it gets four stars in spite of no hard bathroom or showers. read more

Palauea Beach/White Rock - Beaches Near Me - Kihei, Hawaii

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My favorite beach (I haven't explored many). A local told me about this beach as I was searching for a calm beach minus all the tourists. Pros: Quiet, hidden from the crowds, surrounded by million dollar properties. Cons: No cons until more people start swarming this beach. May this beach remain a hidden gem! Will return when in Maui. read more

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A very nice beach but the waves are VERY strong. We went to the beach early afternoon and there were plenty of parking spots left. You have to walk through a little path between houses to get from the parking spots to the beach. The beach itself was gorgeous. White sand and a few rocky areas on either side. Not much shade and no showers or restrooms but there also isn't a big crowd. The waves are rough though. Not good for little kids or beginner surfers/boogie boarders. A couple near us mentioned that someone broke their neck earlier that morning after getting caught in a wave and my sister gashed her face while trying to boogie board. read more

Used to be great but has recently become inundated with tourists. Hard to park, even crowded to sit. Last time we were there we sat behind a family from Cape Cod who used so much spray on sunscreen that we were actually tasting it. New house construction has taken up large chunks of the beach access and the street parking. Also the site of a fatal shark attack a few years ago. Could happen anywhere but... read more

If your looking for a get away from all the beach traffic this is that beach. Get to the beach early, park and lock your car. When you see the porta potty Park your car. Take a very short walk to the beach. There's some shade trees which makes it nice to chill out. It's easy to find and it's before you get to Makena State Beach. My husband and I stayed for at least 3-4 hours. read more

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Took me awhile to find this spot. I took a picture of a house in front to be my "landmark". Snorkeling was pretty good. You have to park along the road unless there were lots I didn't know about. I never actually saw a white rock though hah. Did see a couple small turtles. It can be a bit intimating entering the beach as there are lots of no trespassing signs all over the area by the trees and large groups of campers. It is just south of the Makena Surf Condos. I found the snorkeling to the right of the condos to be so so, but good to the left of the lava rocks. No places nearby to eat so bring food with you. WILL UPLOAD A PICTURE LATER MAKING IT EASIER FOR REVIEWERS TO FIND THIS SPOT!! read more

Beautiful, large white sand beach in south Kihei. One of the gems of Maui. Get there early for parking!

I got married on this beach so I am more than a little subjective when writing this review. I thought this was a perfect place to hold a wedding ceremony/vow renewal or similar. It is also a great place to go for a swim even though the waves can get a little rough. Even if the water is too rough, sunbathing on this beach and just listening to the waves is a must! read more

My husband and I were just snorkeling alone between the rocks and a sea turtle came between us. It's amazing and crazy we could be alone on a Sunday! Also just the beach itself is gorgeous. You can see your feet and straight through the waves out in the water. You also can see Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, and west Maui all right in front of you. Best experience in my 2 years in Hawaii. read more

Awesome and fun beach, great strong waves for boogie boarding or body surfing. Reefs on right and left to snorkel at. Have to find a spot to park along the road, and no bathrooms or facilities so don't expect them. Beautiful beach though, would definitely go back. read more