Kalepolepo Beach Park: Things to Know Before Visiting in 2023
Planning to visit Kalepolepo Beach Park this year? Look no further!
Maui is well known for its amazing beaches dotting each coast of this beautiful island. One of the quietest beaches in Maui, Kalepolepo Beach Park is a tucked-away gem in North Kihei.
Beaches in this area of Maui are often glossed over in guidebooks. Still, if you’re staying nearby, you should check out this lovely little spot. It has much to offer, complete with a historic Maui fish pond, Whale Sanctuary, and various amenities.
Where is Kalepolepo Beach Park located?
Kalepolepo Beach Park is in North Kihei, right off South Kihei Road.
It is close to various vacation rentals and next to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center.
Ideally located for a quick stop on a larger adventure, this quiet beach is often overlooked. Charming in its own right, it’s worth a stop.
📍 Kalepolepo Beach Map
👉🏽 How to get to Kalepolepo Beach Park?
To reach Kalepolepo Beach Park, head north on South Kihei Road from Wailea or south from the Sugarbeach area. The beach park is located between Kaonoulu and Kalanihakoi streets.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Whale Marine Sanctuary on the ocean side! Once you see that, you’ll see the sign for the beach parking shortly after.
👉🏽 Where can I park in Kalepolepo Beach Park?
A parking lot for Kalepolepo beach park is right next to the Whale Marine Sanctuary. If that lot is full, you can park anywhere along the street. The parking lot only has about ten stalls but is rarely full.
When is Kalepolepo Beach Park Open
The beach park is open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Typically that means sunrise to sunset! Although during the winter months, the parking lot may close earlier. Be aware that there’s no lifeguard on duty during those hours. You can check on the official site for any schedule updates.
Kalepolepo Beach Park Facilities
This beach park has a shower, picnic tables, port potties, and a wonderful keiki (kids) swimming area.
9 Best Things to Do in Kalepolepo Beach, Maui
If you want to know the best things to do in Kalepolepo beach park, look no further! You’ve got plenty of options for a fun time.
1. Swimming
North Kihei gets a bad reputation for its beaches, as most are shallow and rocky. This means most beaches in the area aren’t great for swimming!
However, Kalepolepo is a fantastic private little beach with a good swimming area and a sandy bottom.
The protected fishpond is perfect for young kids. Plus it’s fed by natural springs, making it colder than the surrounding ocean!
2. Fishing
The fishpond at Kalepolepo is a great place to fish. With coral rocks lining the ponds, and a natural freshwater spring, it was designed by Ancient Hawaiians to trap fish inside.
The best part of fishing? Cooking up your catch at the end of the day!
3. Kayaking / Paddleboarding
Getting out on a glossy ocean in the morning is a fantastic way to start the day. Kayaking or paddle boarding are great options.
With great views of the West Maui mountains and an easy launching point, Kalepolepo is an excellent spot to head out on the water.
4. Boogie boarding
If you’re renting a condo, you’ll probably have a boogie board or two included in your accommodations.
The beach next to the fishpond at Kalepolepo is a fun spot to go boogie boarding! Getting the perfect-sized waves is my preferred way to spend a few hours at the ocean.
No boogie board in your condo? No problem! you can always rent them or pick up some at Costco. Boogie boarding is a great way to play in smaller waves!
5. Beach Picnic
Kalepolepo beach park is ideal for a picnic. It’s quiet, so you’ll probably have the beach to yourself.
There are picnic tables at the park, or you can lay a blanket on the soft sand while munching on some excellent sandwiches.
Pro tip: Don’t feel like making your own? 808 Deli is a delicious and affordable lunch option.
6. Barbecuing
If you prefer hot food, the park has small charcoal grills available for use. Watch the sunset while grilling up burgers for a fun evening activity.
Charcoal is available at Ace Hardware in Kihei, or you could find some at Home Depot in Kahului.
7. Stroll along the white sand beach
Peaceful, quiet, and with fantastic views, Kalepolepo beach park is an excellent spot for a stroll!
If you’re staying in the area, it’s a great place to watch the sunset or the sunrise, and there are often turtles lounging on the beach during the day.
8. Vist the Kalepolepo Fishpond
The Kalepolepo fishpond is historically significant. Built between 1400 and 1500 AD, it uses lava rock and coral walls to allow small fish to enter but trapping them once they’ve grown larger.
This fishpond is fed by natural springs. The water was kept calm by the rock wall, making it ideal for swimming. Want to give back? Join efforts to restore and maintain the well.
9. Visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center
Right next door to Kalepolepo beach park is the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary. Open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, this visitor’s center has exhibits and educational presentations.
Learn about humpback whales and the marine environment. During whale season, use the telescope at the beachfront to view the magnificent creatures swimming offshore.
Where to Stay Near Kalepolepo Beach Park
There are many lovely places to stay near this quaint beach— some even right across the street! North Kihei is a great place to stay as it’s incredibly central to the island.
🛏 Maui Coast Hotel
In Central Kihei, the Maui Coast Hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and various beach parks. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning and private balconies.
Want a break from the sandy beaches of Maui? Relax at the hotel’s pool, work in the fitness center, or get a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant.
We stayed here for two nights near the end of our vacation on Maui. The hotel is very nice, room was clean and location is good for access to Haleakala, many tours of the upcountry and not far from the airport (OGG). The staff was very helpful. Nice pool area with hot tubs and a cute bar with good drinks and usually some entertainment. There was some construction going on next door but it was not obtrusive. Good restaurants nearby. Recommend the Maui Brewing Co for a fun afternoon break.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ indyanna, january 2023
👉 Check rates & availability on Expedia.com | Hotels.com
🛏 Kohea Kai Maui
This beachfront hotel is just a few blocks away from Kalepolepo beach park. Close to Piilani Highway, this hotel is only a 15-minute drive away from the Kahului airport.
While there aren’t as many restaurants or shops within walking distance, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the downtown area of Kihei. Talk about tranquil!
With a small pool and hot tub, you can relax and soak in the ocean views from the comfort of your home away from home.
The staff was so lovely! Nice stay.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ denis, october 2022
👉 Check rates & availability on Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
🛏 The Hale Pau Hana
The Hale Pau Hana is a cute condo complex just a few steps from Kamaole Beach Park II.
A home away from home experience, you can cook meals in a fully appointed kitchen, watch the sunrise from your private lanai, and enjoy beautiful ocean views.
Plus, it’s only a short walk away from groceries, shops, and— best of all— the beach!
Wonderful family vacation! Very close to the beach. Beautiful patio.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ long, june 2023
👉 Check rates & availability on Booking.com
🛏 Maui Kamaole
Located in South Kihei, Maui Kamaole is a fantastic condo complex with immaculately landscaped grounds. Right across the street is Kamaole Beach Park III, where you can watch the sunset.
This 1 bedroom unit has 2 baths and is newly decorated. Relax and enjoy your Hawaiian vacation in comfort!
Perfect family getaway in an excellent location.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ joanna, august 2022
👉 Check rates & availability on Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
🛏 Sugar Beach Resort
This oceanfront, ocean-view resort is lush with a beautiful garden area. Not only are there a pool and hot tub on the property, but there’s also a tennis court. Each unit is individually owned and decorated. No matter your tastes, there will be a condo unit at Sugar Beach that’s perfect for you.
Enjoy the expansive grassy area and barbecue area, with a stunning blue water backdrop.
Good quiet location and calmer beach!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ xavier, april 2021
👉 Check rates & availability on Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
Other Must-Visit Beaches in Maui
Kalepolepo is a fantastic beach, but you might wonder about other excellent options on this picturesque island. Reach on for other must-visit beaches in Maui!
👍🏼 Mākena Beach
One of Maui’s signature beaches, Makena Beach state park, is known locally as “Bigs.” It’s one of Maui’s most extensive sandy beaches.
Nestled between two black-lava outcroppings, soak up the sun and amazing views of Molokini and Kaho’olawe.
With a big shore break, it’s important not to swim unless you feel comfortable, as deaths and serious injuries have been known to occur at this beach. There are lifeguards at this beach,
👍🏼 Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is gorgeous, with beautiful white sand and clear waters. Ideal for snorkeling, boogie boarding, and body surfing, it’s one of the busier beaches on the island.
Right next to The Four Seasons and Grand Wailea Resorts, there’s a beautiful beach path perfect for sunset walks.
👍🏼 Kāʻanapali Beach
Located on the West side of Maui, Ka’anapali Beach has 3 miles of white sand and crystal-clear water. Fronting various hotels and resorts, it’s a popular getaway for visitors and locals on the island!
Every evening at sunset, you can watch the daily cliff diving ceremony off the northernmost cliffs, known as Pu’u Keka’a (or BlackRock). A cliff diver lights torches along the ridge and then dives off Black Rock.
👍🏼 Kapalua Beach
A fantastic spot for snorkeling, Kapalua Beach is a calm cove on the northwestern tip of Maui. With showers, restrooms, and the beautiful Kapalua coastal trail bordering the small beach, it’s easy to spend a lovely day here soaking up the sunshine.
👍🏼 Hoʻokipa Beach Park
Located a little ways outside Paia town, this breathtaking beach is a fantastic spot to watch surfers catch some of the best waves on Maui. Plus, you’re almost guaranteed to see sea turtles basking in the sunshine!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalepolepo Beach Park
Is Kalepolepo Beach Park good for kids?
Kalepolepo Beach Park Maui is an ideal place for kids, with a small, man-made pool that protects keiki from rough currents.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Kalepolepo Beach Park?
No reservations are needed to visit this beautiful beach!
Is there a lifeguard at Kalepolepo Beach?
There are no lifeguards at Kalepolepo Beach, so use caution while swimming. If in doubt, don’t go out!
Can I snorkel from Kalepolepo Beach?
Kalepoleop is an excellent beach to practice snorkeling if you’re new to it, as it’s shallow and has calm waters. However, other spots where you’ll likely see more interesting marine life are not too far away.
Can I dive in Kalepolepo Beach?
Kalepolepo is a somewhat shallow beach. You can dive here, and it may be an excellent spot to practice diving, but it’s not ideal for this activity.
Kalepolepo Beach Park: Final Thoughts
Kalepolepo is an often overlooked beach park in North Kihei. Offering a slight stretch of soft, pillow-like sand, it’s the perfect spot for anyone wishing for a private beach, midday picnic spot, or a fantastic sunset location.
About the Author: Val McArthur
Val McArthur is a communications specialist living on the island of Maui, Hawaii since 2018. She grew up in Guatemala where she developed a taste for high-quality coffee, the outdoors, and multicultural experiences. She’s always on the lookout for new countries to go to and coffee to drink!
