Slaughterhouse Beach and Mokule’ia Bay

Last updated 21. Feb, 2010 by Mark in Beaches | West Maui, West Maui Beaches

Winter surf break at Slaughterhouse

Winter surf break at Slaughterhouse

Rating: ★★★★☆

In a nutshell: A dramatic cliff-framed marine sanctuary bay with large surf in winter.
Minuses: Water can get murky if it has rained recently.
Sound-bite: “Will we get Slaughtered surfing here?”

DETAILS:
The name “Slaughterhouse Beach” comes from two slaughterhouses that used to be located on the ranch above this beach over 40 years ago. Prior to that the beach was called by the same name as the bay, Mokule’ia.

Mokule’ia Bay is part of the same preserve that its neighbor Honolua Bay is protected under – the Honolua-Mokule’ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District. But unlike its rocky neighbor to the north, ths bay has a nice sandy bottom beach to relax on.

When the surf is down (mostly outside of the winter months) there is good snorkeling to the north side of the bay except after heavy rains which bring loads of silt into the bay from Honolua Stream. When seas are calm you can snorkel around the point and into Honolua Bay.

Much nicer beach than Honolua Bay next door

Much nicer beach than Honolua Bay next door

During the winter months there are typically large well-formed waves that are great for more experienced boogie boarders and surfers. In summer months the waves are much more mellow and suitable for beginners.

The cliff faces and trees give shade early and late in the day. Parking is on-street and minimal. There are concrete stairs with a railing that will take you from the ~100′ elevation parking down most of the way to the beach. This area suffers from break-ins so take your valuables with you and leave your car unlocked so you don’t lose a window.

Key Info:
Mile Marker: #32.2 (Hwy 30 aka Honoapiilani Hwy)
GPS Coordinates: 21.01106,-156.642144
Facilities: None
Get directions

(Note: Many information sources, including the Google Map below, spell the name of the bay wrong.)


View Mokule’ia & Honolua Bay & Slaughterhouse Beach in a larger map

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