Keawakapu Beach
Kihei, South Maui
South Maui's Less-Crowded Long Swimming Beach
Keawakapu Beach, between Kihei and Wailea, is a long, fine-sand beach with consistently good swimming conditions and noticeably fewer crowds than its resort-fronted neighbors. Serious swimmers do full-length laps here, and turtle sightings are common on calm mornings.
It has no lifeguard anywhere along its length, so despite generally gentle conditions, it deserves the same respect as any unguarded beach — especially as summer south swells or winter surf can build quickly.
Why Roamwise recommends this
A genuinely underrated South Maui beach — calmer and less crowded than the big resort beaches, without a lifeguard to rely on.
Best for: swimming laps, a quieter beach morning, turtle sightings, travelers who want Wailea-quality water without the resort crowd.
Insider tip: go in the morning, especially in summer — calmest water, best visibility, and the most reliable turtle encounters.
- Hazards / conditions:
- No lifeguard on duty anywhere along the beach — conditions can change quickly. Summer south swells can build an afternoon shorebreak with little warning; winter brings stronger currents and occasional significant surf.
- Safety notes:
- No lifeguard at any point on this beach — even though conditions are generally gentle, treat it with the same caution as any unguarded beach.
- Weather sensitivity:
- Summer (May–Sept) offers the calmest, clearest conditions; winter brings stronger currents.
- Best arrival time:
- Morning
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •No lifeguard anywhere on this beach — stay aware of conditions.
- •Morning, especially in summer, is consistently the calmest and clearest window.
- •Less crowded than Wailea Beach or Kamaole beaches nearby — a good quieter alternative.
Save places as you browse, then plan a trip built around your list.
View saved places →