Maui Guidebook

Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)

Last updated 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Black Rock is great fun to jump from!

Rating:

In a nutshell: Black Rock is at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach, and is a great place to cliff-jump into the ocean, and snorkel.
Minuses: The uncoordinated may experience an up-close once-in-a-lifetime lava experience.
Sound-bite: “Wooohoooo!” [SPLASH!]

DETAILS:
Black Rock was formed from one of the last-gasp lava flows on this side of the island. It is a rocky outcrop at the far North end of Ka’anapali Beach and blocks off access (from the beach) to the lesser-known Ka’anapali Resort …

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Molokini Crater

Last updated 31. Mar, 2012 by Mark.

Molokini during rush hour
(Photo: Ron Garnett/HTA)

Rating:

In a nutshell: Molokini is a world-class snorkel and SCUBA destination with exceptional water clarity and marine diversity.
Minuses: It is usually very crowded.
Sound-bite: “Hey, I wonder what is on the other side?”

DETAILS:
Molokini Crater is a highly popular snorkel and SCUBA destination. Home to hundreds of species of fish and coral (some found nowhere else but Hawai’i), and near perfect visibility, Molokini deserves the attention it attracts.

One of the reasons Molokini is so incredibly popular is the wide …

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Kahekili Beach Park

Last updated 15. Jul, 2009 by Mark.

The reef is right there, visible from the beach.

Rating:

In a nutshell: Drive-up snorkeling convenience on a wonderful, less-than-crowded resort beach.
Minuses: The plus is the minus: ocean entry directly onto reef.
Sound-bite: “Welcome to McSnorkels, may I take your order?”

DETAILS:
This beach is the Northern most beach in the Ka’anapali Beach Resort, but is less crowded and commercialized than its sister to the South, Ka’anapali Beach. Kahekili Beach is long, there are ample facilities – and like most Ka’anapali beaches, Kahekili does not disappoint.

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Ka'anapali Beach

Last updated 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Ka’anapali Beach at the Ka’anapali Ali’i

Rating:

In a nutshell: Ka’anapali Beach is a mile-long, spectacularly perfect beach that is home to seven resorts, high-end shopping, various restaurants and activities.
Minuses: The true Hawai’i here has been replaced by a highly profitable replica.
Sound-bite: “What-ever. Louis Vuitton snorkel gear is so last-year.”

DETAILS:
Ka’anapali Beach runs from Black Rock to Canoe Beach, fronted by seven resorts, Whalers Village Mall, and many fine shops & restaurants. The beach itself is perfection. Long, wide and sandy, the water entry and swimming …

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Kama’ole Beach Park (I, II, III & Charley Young)

Last updated 11. Jun, 2009 by Mark.

Kama'ole Beach views are outstanding

Rating:

In a nutshell: Kama’ole is a very popular set of beaches for locals and visitors. Beautiful, long, 1.5 mile sandy beaches with incredible views of Molokini, Kaho’olawe and Lana’i islands. Kam III has one of the most regular South Maui shorebreaks for boogie-boarding. Snorkeling opportunities are plentiful. Full facilities and family friendly.
Minuses: Kam III is crowded on weekends and holidays and sometimes less-than-desirable types make the grassy areas a drinking hangout.
Sound-bite: “The best beaches in Kihei, hands-down.”

DETAILS:
Kama’ole Beach Park is …

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‘Ahihi Bay & Waiala Cove

Last updated 20. Jul, 2010 by Mark.

‘Ahihi Bay meets the road

Rating:

In a nutshell: ‘Ahihi Bay’s Waiala Cove is an excellent place for beginner to intermediate snorkelers, SCUBA and kayaking.
Minuses: Rocky & no sand.
Sound-bite: “Please don’t stand up!”

DETAILS:
Typically called ‘Ahihi Bay (or even Ahi Bay by mistaken visitors), Waiala Cove is a small semi-protected cove of the overall much larger ‘Ahihi Bay. It is popular since it’s a convenient place for snorkelers to get in the water without hiking or swimming. For folks venturing away from the immediate entry area of …

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Honolua Bay

Last updated 09. Oct, 2010 by Walker.

Honolua Bay, view towards beach

Rating:

In a nutshell: Honolua Bay is a spectacular place to snorkel or dive, if you know where to go.
Minuses: Beach uses are mediocre.
Sound-bite: “Honey, your back is really red…”

DETAILS:
Honolua Bay is part of a Marine Life Conservation District, so there is no fishing (or taking of any natural resources, including marine life and even rocks.) We could take a lesson from the early Hawaiians, who were superb stewards of the land and carefully managed all of their important fishing grounds …

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One’uli Black Sand Beach (aka Naupaka Beach)

Last updated 16. Nov, 2012 by lilikoi.

Oneuli Black Sand Beach in Makena

Rating:

In a nutshell: Oneuli Black Sand Beach is an excellent beach for snorkeling & diving. It is also packed full of educational value for naturalists & geology buffs.
Minuses: Not the best “basking-and-bathing” beach.
Sound-bite: “hey, what’s that rumbling sound?”

DETAILS:
Part of Makena State Park, One’uli is found on the Wailea side of the Pu’u Ola’i cinder cone, a prominent geological landmark feature which can be seen from points up and down the coast. Appropriately, oneuli means “dark sands” in Hawaiian. While …

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