Po'olenalena - South Maui Maps, Directions, Images, and Information Guide

Explore Po'olenalena Beach

Po'olenalena Beach is located south of Polo Beach on Makena road. This undeveloped park with a dirt parking lot has lots of shade and a nice sandy beach. although the beach is not near any resorts or condos it is as good as the popular Wailea Beach to the north. The long beach is great for for swimming and boogie boards. The shore is mostly sandy with a few rocky areas. Snorkeling is good at the middle (around the small reef) and at the north end. The south end / Chang's beach offers excellent snorkeling for turtles and some fish. When the winds kick up in the afternoon there are plenty of waves for boogie boarding. There is a porta-potty at the north parking lot. Showers are at the south end on the path to the parking lot. Because the beach is less used compared to other beaches it is a great spot to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet at a beautiful white sandy beach. It is becoming more popular with wedding photographers because for the stunning sunsets and less people.

Po'olenalena means "yellow head" in the Hawaiian language. It is the name of a large rock, located on the 5th hole of the Wailea Blue Golf Course. The rock has a dark color with yellow streaks on its sides. It is visible from the public road as well as from the golf course and has long been a landmark for Makena residents.

Remember Ocean conditions change quickly. Do not enter water if there is a strong current or large swell. Rip tides can be deadly.