Maluaka Beach: Snorkel and
Swim at Turtle Town, Maui

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Maluaka Beach, Maui is located along a stretch of Wailea-Makena coastline in front of the Makena Beach and Golf Resort, one of several spots known as "Turtle Town." That makes this one of the best Maui beaches for snorkeling with sea turtles in their natural habitat.

This Wailea-Makena beach isn't as well known as others in the area, and is usually wonderfully uncrowded.

Snorkeling at Maluaka Beach

We found it really easy to get into the water here since there is a nice sandy bottom. The snorkeling on the south end of the beach is supposed to be the best, but since we were short on time, we just hopped into the water on the north end, which was closer to where we'd parked across from Keawala'i Church.

Picture of people snorkeling in Maui at Maluaka Beach in Makena.

We saw loads of fish and had lovely time, but no sea turtles... guess we should have gone to that south end after all! However, another snorkeling couple that was snorkeling in the same area as we were was lucky and DID see a few sea turtles! Nice!

Accommodations on Maluaka Beach

Picture of the Makena Beach and Golf Resort (Maui Prince Hotel) in Hawaii.

The Makena Beach and Golf Resort, formerly known as the Maui Prince Hotel, is a beautiful property that backs right onto the beach.

It tends to get great reviews, so is definitely worth considering if you want to be conveniently located to "Turtle Town, Maui!"

Find out more and read reviews...

Directions to Maluaka Beach in Maui

To get to this "Turtle Town" Maui delight, just head south from Wailea along Wailea Alanui Drive. It will change names to Makena Alanui Drive after that. Make a right turn onto Honoiki Street and follow it to the end where you'll make a left turn onto Makena Road. After a short drive, you'll see the beautiful old stone Keawala'i Church on your right. Across the street from that is a parking lot, showers and restroom facilities for Maluaka Beach, Maui. Park your car and walk to your left down Makena Road to the beach (pictured above right.)

If you have a lot of beach gear with you, there is a small area right beside the beach where you can stop your car and unload your stuff before the driver heads back to the parking lot across from Keawala'i Church.

If the parking lot is full, there is an alternate parking lot further south. (Note, this is where you should try to park if you'll be snorkeling at the south end of the beach.) Skip the turn onto Honoiki Street and drive further south along Makena Alanui Drive past the Makena Beach Resort until you see Makena Road. Make a right turn here and follow it to the parking lot at the end.

Side Trip: Keawala'i Church

If you end up parking at the north end of the beach as we did, then I recommend you check out this church - it will only take a minute, and it's absolutely gorgeous! (Just please respect the signs about not entering the church and wandering around the cemetery in your beachwear as this could cause offense.)

This beautiful old stone church was built back in 1832, making it 180 years old at the time of our visit! How cool is that?

This United Church offers 2 Sunday services, at 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. The woodwork inside the church is beautiful, and there is an old cemetery just outside the church.

Nearby Attractions

Wailea Resort

Oneuli Black Sand Beach

Go to Homepage from Maluaka Beach, Maui

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