Ulua Beach
Ulua Beach
4.6
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130 within 3 miles
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73 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
673 reviews
Excellent
451
Very good
194
Average
26
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Fireweed25
Edmonton, Canada266 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We came to Ulua Beach in the late afternoon for a swim, beach time, and to watch the sunset.
The beach is wide with soft sand, beautiful views and good snorkelling among the lava rocks. There is a parking lot and we were lucky to find a spot late in the day. The beach area also has facilities (outside showers and bathrooms). It was a short walk from the parking lot to the beach and ample room to set up chairs. There is little shade unless you can find room under the trees on the right side, otherwise bring an umbrella. It was clear, easy entry into the water and gentle waves when we were there. It was so relaxing and easy to stay for hours.
As light started to fade, several people came to the beach, many with chairs, to watch the sunset. The sunset was gorgeous and a great end to an amazing day.
The beach is wide with soft sand, beautiful views and good snorkelling among the lava rocks. There is a parking lot and we were lucky to find a spot late in the day. The beach area also has facilities (outside showers and bathrooms). It was a short walk from the parking lot to the beach and ample room to set up chairs. There is little shade unless you can find room under the trees on the right side, otherwise bring an umbrella. It was clear, easy entry into the water and gentle waves when we were there. It was so relaxing and easy to stay for hours.
As light started to fade, several people came to the beach, many with chairs, to watch the sunset. The sunset was gorgeous and a great end to an amazing day.
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marielena66
Boston, MA40 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Beautiful beach, with showers and restrooms. Surf was gentle but fun. Water was clear blue, shore was not rocky.
We found parking easily at 10 AM but could see that it would be challenging if you show up later.
There was some decent shade in parts but best bring an umbrella
We found parking easily at 10 AM but could see that it would be challenging if you show up later.
There was some decent shade in parts but best bring an umbrella
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle C
Palo Alto, CA321 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Beach closest to our resort (easy walk). Clean, sandy, gentle shelf in sea. Gets quite busy but not overwhelmingly so. No resort services here. Public restrooms at the north end. Dogs are a regular feature. The wind seems to blow in every day around 1pm, leading to run-away umbrellas!
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffery M
Laguna Niguel56 contributions
Oct 2022
This is the beach that is the play beach for the Wailea Beach Resort and the Maui Elua resort. The waves here in October were minimal and it was not difficult to get in to the water. The snorkeling is best in the morning and the crowd picked up as the day wore on so go early morning for the best, least crowded snorkel experience. Also swim out to the furthest tip of the reef and beyond, mind the surge breaking on the rocks of course, but the outer point is the least crowded area and was where the turtles were hanging out feeding. Even a better idea walk past the reef through a small cluster of trees on the beach to the other side of the reef and snorkel the north side of it and head out to the point from there. You will encounter less people on that side of the reef as most of the snorkelers are coming from the Wailea Beach Resort which is on the south side. The fish were numerous (all the classic Hawaiian reef fish) and conditions in October were about 10-15' visibility and maybe
20+ further out. I saw at least 3 different turtles feeding and hanging out but it could have been as many as 7 since I had numerous sitings some of which may have been the same turtles.
20+ further out. I saw at least 3 different turtles feeding and hanging out but it could have been as many as 7 since I had numerous sitings some of which may have been the same turtles.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula
Los Gatos, CA8 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
This is one of the best beaches we’ve been to in Wailea area. The people are nice and friendly they have bathrooms and showers/places to clean feet. We also went snorkeling and we saw different fish and turtles. Also felt very safe since there was a lot of snorkelers and even scuba divers there. There was also plenty of shade at the beach which was very good. Would recommend this beach!
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan_T
New Lebanon, OH86 contributions
Jan 2022
Nearby public parking makes this beach accessible to anyone and the choice between Ulua and Mokapu beaches is nice. Swimming is easy and the beach is 'ample' but not overly large for the crowd. Snorkeling was so so, with higher than normal surf creating cloudy conditions on the nearby reef. I'd call this a nice swimming and sunning beach but focus on snorkeling elsewhere.
Written January 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beartrax79
Lyons, CO101 contributions
Dec 2019
We made several trips to Ulua Beach on our vacation, and it did not disappoint. There was easy snorkeling and moderate waves that made it a great place to take the young kids. Lots of people have found this spot though. By mid-morning, it is hard to find a place to put your beach towels down that isn't on top of someone else.
I saw a review below that there is a large parking lot available. That is true but if fills up... FAST! Get there early if you want a spot because there's nowhere to park on the roads if the lot is full.
I saw a review below that there is a large parking lot available. That is true but if fills up... FAST! Get there early if you want a spot because there's nowhere to park on the roads if the lot is full.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dancinggoats
San Angelo, TX329 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Nice family beach, protected from the wind for the most part. Wasn’t too crowded but parking can be a pain, especially in the first part of the day. Restrooms are ok but not the cleanest. Shower spray to wash off the sand, but no food or drink facilities. Decent snorkeling, good body surfing, popular spot for scuba lessons.
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Garry G
8 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
First trip to Maui with family including grandchildren. We found Ulua to be a wonderful beach for our wants. My first time snorkeling ,enjoyed it. To be honest we enjoyed all the beaches in Kihei and Wailea.
Written March 2, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piero C
Annapolis, MD778 contributions
Nov 2020
This is a nice spot to introduce the kids to the pleasures of snorkeling. The reef is accessible from shore with a walk-in sandy shore and a plentiful variety of sea-life. Also nice to recline on the grassy knoll behind the beach and watch the sun go down.
Written November 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How many steps from Marriott on walking path to Ulua beach
Written November 16, 2019
It really depends on which side of the Marriott you are on (it's a large property). If you are in Hale 7 you are much closer to Wailea Beach. If you are in the Haleakala tower or say Hale 2 you are closer to Ulua beach. In either scenario it really isn't a bad walk. I would say ~5 minutes on average from your room. There is a sidewalk and it's a relatively easy journey. Also, if you are looking for a great beach with fewer people around drive south to Po'olenalena and from the parking area walk along the small trail to the right (north) over some rocks to a beautiful beach with few tourists. The snorkeling to the far north is amazing. Enjoy your trip.
Written November 17, 2019
Yes, excellent here. The parking lot fills up early so it can be impossible to park at times. Usually good if you're there before 9 AM, after that, it's tough and can be problematic. This place has best snorkeling, go early for best water conditions...enjoy!
Written February 9, 2018
There is a square structure hidden behind vegetation on the north end of the beach. It is made of rock and has some age to it. Initially I thought it was a pill box but there is not any obvious entries. Any ideas or local knowledge as to what it is/was?
Written January 13, 2016
Just get on South Kihei Road or Pi'ilani Highway and head south. This beach is right in front of Wailea Elua Village and right next to the new Andaz Wailea resort. There is public parking and restrooms and showers nearby.
Written January 15, 2015
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