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Keawakapu
Beach North
"Mana Kai"
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PHOTOS |
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Click on a thumbnail to
see a larger version of the photo |
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OVERVIEW |
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This is one of
our favorite Maui beaches. Keawakapu Beach,
located near Wailea on Maui’s south coast,
is a beautiful white sand beach. Some of the
island’s most expensive homes are located on
this stretch of sand. The beach is a bit
hard to spot because this large residential
community lines almost the entire length of
it; that’s also probably why it’s mainly
known among locals and is less crowded.
The beach is wide and the offshore ocean
bottom is sandy, which makes for great
swimming conditions. However, Keawakapu
Beach is not protected from the ocean’s
force because it lacks an offshore coral
fringing reef, which would dissipate strong
waves. So during times of heavy surf and big
swells, it is best to stay out of the water.
Divers frequent this beach for a reason that
may sound strange at first. There is an
underwater junkyard consisting of about 150
cars, forming a man-made offshore reef. The
cars lie about 400 yards offshore and at
depths of 80 to 85 feet. They were dumped
here in 1962.
This artificial reef was created for two
reasons. First of all, it protects the
shoreline from strong swells, which have
repeatedly destroyed oceanfront property in
the past. And second, it provides a shelter
for fish. The fish populations have
substantially increased since this creative
reef was built here. So today this area is
good spot for beginning divers.
All in all, this is a nice beach to relax.
There are some shady spots and the beach is
large enough it never gets crowded. There
are no lifeguards on Keawakapu Beach.
Showers are located at the south entrance. |
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ACTIVITIES &
AMENITIES |
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Swimming: |
Yes |
Bathrooms: |
No |
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Snorkeling: |
Yes |
Picnic
Benches: |
No |
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Scuba
Diving: |
No |
Showers: |
Yes |
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Surfing: |
No |
BBQ
Pits: |
No |
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Windsurfing: |
No |
Water
Fountain: |
No |
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Kiteboarding: |
No |
Lifeguard: |
No |
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Bodyboarding: |
Yes |
Camping: |
No |
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DIRECTIONS |
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As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 about six miles until
you reach Kilohana Dr. on your right. Go to the bottom of
the hill and take a right. This gravel
parking area will be about a quarter mile
down South Kihei Rd. on your left, between
Sarrentos Restaurant and The Mana Kai
Resort. |
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PLEASE NOTE |
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While
Hawaii's beaches can bring much enjoyment,
it is always a good practice to use common
sense while visiting them. Please be aware
of the wave & wind conditions before going
into the water. Mornings are usually best
for swimming, snorkeling or diving. Have
respect for the strength of the waves and be
aware that high surf can come up at any
time. NEVER turn your back to the ocean.
Be careful when exploring any rocky
shorelines. Waves can crash on the rocks and
knock you over easily, and the rocks may
also be sharp when walking on them.
When snorkeling or scuba diving, please have
respect for ocean life, and remember that
the coral reef is alive too. Avoid standing
on or touching if at all possible. |
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