The beach parks are difficult to pronounce, but on the south-west side of Maui you find paradise for active families. We return to Maui for windsurfing, but on down days there are many possibilities. Join us to the south-west side!
Going south-west!
During our five weeks, we have been crossing Maui over to the south-west side numerous times. The drive itself is beautiful, only 10-15 minutes from Kahului. You enjoy Maui’s changing green landscape. You see the West Maui mountains to the right and the volcano Halekalea on your left hand side. As you get closer the coast line, you see the half moon crater Molokini to the left.
The south side is different from the north. Less windy, warmer and always sunny! The south coast is perfect for beginner and amateur surfers and stand-up paddlers. Miles of sandy beaches and waves that invite you to play and have fun! On the best breaks it can be crowded, but you can often find a little wave to yourself.
What is your level and my goal?
This is not the blog post for an experienced surfer or stand-up paddler. My advises are for the beginner and amateur level, traveling as a family with toddlers :). Experienced surfers will probably find great surf at Honolua bay or Ma´alea Freight trains. Wannasurf.com has a great spot guide.
I have done some stand-up paddle previously, but I really need to step it up. My stand-up paddle goal for our Maui trip is to surf decent waves (shoulder-head high). I am really happy to have made great progress this month. Still, a way to go! I must really focus this last week.
Our most popular destinations
Papalaua beach park – four out of six points!
The areas from Papalaua to Olowalu is called the West Valley area. Papalaua is the first beach park when you have driven over the cliff from Maalaea. At the very beginning of the beach park, there is a break (Mac Gregor´s) where amateur surfers hang out. And from there, you have miles of nice waves. Parking is easy and there are a couple of toilets at the beach park. It is not ideal to bath for toddler, because of the shorebreak and rolling stones.
Ukumehame beach park – four out of six points!
Following Papalaua you enter Ukumehame. Normally, we check out the coast line and turn after Ukumehame at Pohaku Aeko, driving back to our perfect spot of the day. Both Papalaua og Ukumehame are ideal for beginners. I have seen kids and even a dog surf here. Just beaware, with many beginners, it can be dangerous. Pay attention to your own and others board. For our little ones, these two beach parks can be a bit too hot, they will have sand everywhere and it is not ideal to bath for toddlers here.
Launiupoko Beach Park – top score six out of six points!
Our favorite family place is Launiupoko Beach Park. This is a 15 minutes drive from Ukumehame. This place is ideal for families, but can become crowded. Here you find really nice waves for beginners and amateurs, a man made cove for kids to bath, large grass areas, showers and toilets. I prefer to stand-up paddle to the very right. If the waves are above my level, I stay at the beginner areas to the very left. In the middle you find the most popular spot with lots of longboarders. At Launiupoko, the whole family will be happy all day long. There is lots of shadow, but we always bring the sun tent. And today we tested these great hammocks! I will for sure get one of these, for our next trip. You find them here -> aloha.no
Aloha from Cecilia!
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Did you read my other Maui stories?
Part 1 How to survive 26h on a plane with infant twins
Part 2 Windsurfing at Ho´okipa
Part 3 Windsurfing and family time at Kanaha
Part 4 Join us into the wild bamboo forest
Part 6 A SUPer family on the south side
Part 7 A perfect view from the Iao Valley
