South Poolenalena / Chang's Beach Guide

Changs Beach Images

  • Changs and South Poolenalena

    Entrance from beach access parking lot

  • Showers South Poolenalena Beach

    Showers South Poolenalena Beach

  • Path to South Poolenalena Beach

    Path to South Poolenalena Beach

  • South Poolenalena Beach

    South Poolenalena Beach

  • Makena Condos South Poolenalena

    Makena Condos South Poolenalena Beach

  • Looking south towards Changs Beach

    Looking south towards Changs Beach

  • Reef north of Changs Beach

    Reef north of Changs Beach

shoreline Chang's Beach, maui Chang's Beach and South Poolenalena are hidden behind the Makena Surf Condos. There is a small 8 car public access parking lot that is hard to locate from the street, making a very quiet beach. The path through the condos will take you to the restrooms / showers and end up at the south end of Poolenalena Beach. Lots of sand make water entry easy for swimming and snorkeling. You can find fish and turtles to the left of the beach following the reef south to Chang's Beach. Water is clearer further out to sea. If you see a charter boat, swim to it as they only stop for turtle sightings.

Chang's Beach is a small cove with great snorkeling. The Changs were a well-known family that owned and farmed the land in this immediate area. The small family graveyard just south of the beach is the namesake for the “Five Graves” diving and snorkel spot.This beach has a mostly sandy shoreline and no rest rooms. You will probably have the cove to yourself.

path to Chang's beach, maui
☛ More South Poolenalena Beach Images ☚
  • Directions (from Kihei)
    Chang's Beach is located behind the Makena Surf Condos. Head south on Piilani Hwy. Turn Right onto Wailea Ike Rd. (Piilani Hwy Dead ends here). Turn left at Wailea Alanui (1 mile). Wailea Alanui turns into Makena Aluni continue .8 miles past the Wailea Shopping Center. Look for the public access sign on the right (easy to miss). Once at South Poolenalena Beach you will need to swim south around the reef to go to Chang's Beach.
  • Parking
    There are only 8 parking spots, but there is almost always a spot. This beach is hidden from the road , and most people drive by, not even noticing it.
  • Restrooms
    Restrooms and showers are along the path to the beach.
  • Best for
    The south end of poolenalena is a nice beautiful sandy beach that is never crowded. Arrive early in the morning and you will have the beach all to yourselves. Great for snorkeling, walking, relaxing and swimming. Swim south around the reef to Chang's Beach for even more privacy.

  • snorkel Click Here for Changs Beach Snorkel Information