Maluaka Beach, part of South Maui’s famous “Turtle Town” is, obviously, a great place to see turtles. 

It’s also one of South Maui’s most beautiful beaches.  It’s a wide, golden-sand shoreline with generally calm water, making it perfect for swimming, relaxing, and especially snorkeling. 

Just offshore, coral reefs line much of the beach, and green sea turtles are frequently seen gliding through the water or resting on the sand. Early mornings usually offer the clearest conditions for snorkeling, with excellent visibility and a good chance of spotting turtles, colorful reef fish, and the occasional ray.

If you’re driving south, turn right onto Makena road (you’ll see signs for the landing) and continue on until you see a parking lot on your left. The beach access is actually a few hundred feet past the parking lot on your right. There’s a drop off area right at the beach so you can unload everything and then send someone back to park if you think it’s too far to walk. 

There’s also a newer parking area built on the other side of the beach. Continue on Makena Alanui Road past the golf course and tennis courts and turn right on Makena Road.

**This is the beach where Kai Kanani loads for their Molokini snorkel tours.