Ulua Beach
Ulua Beach
4.5
Full view










Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
114 within 3 miles
Attractions
69 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Marielena66Boston, Massachusetts34 contributionsLovely beach for a chill dayBeautiful 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 umbrellaVisited June 2022Traveled with familyWritten June 17, 2022
- beartrax79Lyons, Colorado95 contributionsGreat family beach, but limited parkingWe 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.Visited December 2019Written January 8, 2020
- Michelle C182 contributionsFamily beachBeach 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!Visited June 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten June 15, 2022
- PaulaLos Gatos, California9 contributionsAmazing beach!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!Visited June 2021Traveled with friendsWritten June 11, 2021
- Jeffery M59 contributionsSandy Beach With A Good Snorkeling Basalt and Coral ReefThis 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.Visited October 2022Written October 15, 2022
- Dan_TNew Lebanon, Ohio103 contributionsEasy access but limited snorkeling qualityNearby 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.Visited January 2022Written January 27, 2022
- dancinggoatsSan Angelo, Texas342 contributionsNice clean family beachNice 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.Visited April 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten April 22, 2022
- Piero CBrindisi, Italy509 contributionsGreat sunsets, fine snorkelling.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.Visited November 2020Written November 10, 2020
- roderick M134 contributionsPretty coastal beach with gorgeous viewsThere is good snorkelling here around the north end rocks. A beautiful , 1,500 ft or so stretch of golden, soft sandy beach with good entries. Great place for families with children to frolic in the surf and boogieboard and swim. A good beginners diving area offshore here. Parking is tight at times as shared with three beaches, so get there early. Lovely views here of the turquoise ocean, offshore islands, lava outcrops and sunsets. Highly recommend this gorgeous beach in the Wailea area.Visited May 2022Written July 16, 2022
- Carlee C78 contributionsStrong currentNice and small beach, we went for snorkeling. However be aware of currents. When we went it was very strong and pulled us out quite far and it was a hard swim back in. I’d go elsewhere for snorkeling, we didn’t see too much. Nice and quiet beach though and we had no trouble getting parking.Visited June 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten June 17, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
669 reviews
Excellent
447
Very good
194
Average
26
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Jeffery M
Laguna Niguel59 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.
roderick M
134 contributions
May 2022
There is good snorkelling here around the north end rocks. A beautiful , 1,500 ft or so stretch of golden, soft sandy beach with good entries. Great place for families with children to frolic in the surf and boogieboard and swim. A good beginners diving area offshore here. Parking is tight at times as shared with three beaches, so get there early. Lovely views here of the turquoise ocean, offshore islands, lava outcrops and sunsets. Highly recommend this gorgeous beach in the Wailea area.
Written July 16, 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.
Marielena66
Boston, MA34 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.
Carlee C
78 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Nice and small beach, we went for snorkeling. However be aware of currents. When we went it was very strong and pulled us out quite far and it was a hard swim back in. I’d go elsewhere for snorkeling, we didn’t see too much. Nice and quiet beach though and we had no trouble getting parking.
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, CA182 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.
dancinggoats
San Angelo, TX342 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.
Dan_T
New Lebanon, OH103 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.
Jay D
4 contributions
Oct 2021
Convenient and with parking/showers and bathrooms. Plus its far enough south that you don't have THAT many people.
Written October 20, 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.
theporterhouse4
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA30 contributions
Sep 2021
This was a great full day of fun, sun, snorkeling and swimming! Perfect place to just park your butt for the day! Bring a cooler, chairs, umbrella and snorkel gear and have a full day of fun! The waves were soft and mushy on this flat sand beach. Lots of lava rock formations all around to see sea life...even turtles!!! Parking is near by, but not plentiful. We circled twice and were able to find a free spot!
Written October 4, 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.
Melissa M
Oak Park, IL9 contributions
Aug 2021
This beautiful beach was in walking distance to condo. There is a path to walk along the Wailea beach front that shows off the fantastic shore line of Wailea. Waves are peaceful. You can spend the entire day here!
Written September 25, 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.
Pam P
Kahului2 contributions
How many steps from Marriott on walking path to Ulua beach
The Master Planner
Colleyville, TX61 contributions
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.
Kosta-Macedonia
Houston, TX2,792 contributions
Can you swim on this beach?
RamboNWAlberta
Spruce Grove, Canada630 contributions
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!
Kevin D
Maple Ridge, Canada1,537 contributions
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?
Gilbert D
Kenora, Canada88 contributions
Specific directions from Kihei.
WaileaDon
Wailea, HI48 contributions
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.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingUlua Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ulua Beach
- Hotels near Ulua Beach:
- (0.11 mi) Wailea Elua Village
- (0.14 mi) Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort
- (0.15 mi) Lovely Ground Floor 2 BDRM Condo Wailea Elua Village # 105
- (0.15 mi) Prime Oceanfront 3Bd/3Ba Condo Wailea Elua #1305
- (0.15 mi) Gorgeous Ground Floor 1 Bedroom WAILEA ELUA, #2003
- Restaurants near Ulua Beach:
- (0.10 mi) Morimoto Maui
- (0.12 mi) Ka'ana Kitchen
- (0.10 mi) Bumbye Beach Bar
- (0.12 mi) Lehua Lounge
- (0.26 mi) KAPA Bar & Grill
Ulua Beach Information
Excellent Reviews | 447 |
---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 194 |
Ulua Beach Photos | 216 |