Kamaole Beach, Maui: 3 Beaches, Endless Possibilities
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Despite sharing the same name, Kamaole (or Kam) I, II, and III each offer something a little different. All three are very popular with locals and tourists alike and are only separated by jagged rock formations.
Kamaole Beach holds a solid spot on all of these best beach articles:
The 7 Best Beaches for Kids on Maui (from a Maui family)
The 9 Best South Maui Beaches: Map Included!
The 17 Best Maui Beaches (with parking, directions, and tips)
Kamaole Beach Overview
| Kamaole Beach Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Parking | Parking Lots & Street Parking – paid parking for visitors |
| Lifeguards | Yes |
| BBQ Grills | Yes |
| Picnic Tables | Yes |
| Playground | Yes, swings |
Paid Parking Lots at Kamaole Beaches
The County of Maui has implemented a pilot program in Kihei for beach parking. See Park Maui for details as this program continues to evolve.
Residents park for a fee, while part-time residents and visitors pay the following parking fees per vehicle.
- $10 daily
- $50 weekly pass
- $150 monthly pass
The following Kamaole Beaches are under the Park Maui program in Kihei:
- Kamaole I
- Kamaole II
- Kamaole III
To pay for parking at these beaches, you can download the Park Maui app or visit a kiosk in the parking lot.
There are two good-sized parking lots at Kam I (directions) and Kam III (directions), in addition to street parking along much of S Kihei Rd between Kam I and III.
Particularly at Kam III, there are handicapped parking spaces and even accessible ramps that go down to the sand, making it one of the more disability friendly beaches in Hawaii.
Who is Kamaole Beach Best For?
Everyone will find something to love at one of these beaches! Our favorite is Kam III, the southernmost and smallest of the three. When the waters are calm it’s a great place to snorkel, swim, and relax. There’s shade, plenty of parking, swings, and a grassy area to get a break from the sand.
Bodyboarders and surfers will also love Kam III when waves are rougher, Kam II is great for children, and Kam I has the best snorkeling.
Is Kamaole Beach Good for Swimming?
Yes! All three beaches are great for swimming, with Kam I and II generally having the calmest waters.
Is Kamaole Beach Good for Snorkeling?
Snorkeling is pretty good at all three beaches. For the best bet, head to Kamaole Beach I, especially the north part of the beach known as Charley Young Beach. Sea turtles and a ton of other marine life love hanging out by these rocky points, so you’ll be most likely to spot them there.
How To Get to Kamaole Beach
Kam I, II, and III sit right between Kihei and Wailea, giving you quick access if you’re staying in either of these areas. If you’re coming from West Maui, it’ll take about 45 minutes to an hour to get here.
All of these beaches are just off of South Kihei Road, and can be seen from the road, making them really easy to access.
Things to Do at Kamaole Beach
What’s great about these beaches is there’s a little bit of everything! Despite the beaches being so close together, they each offer something different.
The calm waters at Kamaole I and II are great for snorkeling and swimming. Kam II is the best of the bunch for bringing children; its calm waters are ideal for splashing around in the shallows.
Kam III can occasionally have rough waves which make it better suited for bodyboarding and surfing.
Kamaole Beach Safety
While all three of these beaches have lifeguards, they’re not always present, so make note of whether or not a lifeguard is on duty while you’re at the beach. Due to the nature of the ocean, no beach is perfectly safe, so be sure to check conditions before entering the water and look out for lifeguard flags or warnings.
Know Before You Go Snorkel Safety
Swimming and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean should not be taken lightly. To keep you safe, please know your health limits, swim with a buddy, never turn your back on the ocean, and read and obey posted signs. Check HIOceanSafety.com for ocean conditions at lifeguard beaches.
Places to Eat Near Kamaole Beach
There are many restaurants in the area, particularly around Kam II. We like Cafe O’Lei in the Rainbow Mall where you can find plenty of other dining and shopping options. For ideas on where to eat, see Erica’s list of her favorite 15 Restaurants in Kihei and Wailea (by category).
South Maui Gardens is near the Kamaole Beaches, one of our favorite Maui food truck parks.
Visit Kamaole Beach and More
These beaches are in the heart of South Maui, so you can enjoy many other activities from here! Here are some of our favorites:
- This whale watching tour (seasonal) leaves from Kihei Small Boat Landing just south of Kam III, it’s even connected to the beach by a walking path, making it super convenient!
- This Molokini snorkel tour leaves from the same Boat Launch! Plus, check out more of our favorite Molokini Crater Snorkel Tours.
- Wailea has a few of the best luaus on Maui.
- Find even more options with our lists of things to do in Kihei or in Wailea.
