Po'olenalena Beach, Wailea: Address, Po'olenalena Beach Reviews: 4.5/5
Po'olenalena Beach
Po'olenalena Beach
4.5
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
57 within 3 miles
Kō Restaurant
1,521
0.4 mi$$$$ • Seafood • Asian • Polynesian
Nick's Fishmarket Maui
1,584
0.4 mi$$$$ • American • Seafood • Hawaiian
Gannon's
1,164
0.5 mi$$$$ • American • Contemporary • Hawaiian
Kea Lani Restaurant
168
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Makana Market + Cafe
204
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Deli • Vegetarian Friendly
Mulligans on the Blue
809
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Irish • Bar
Ama Bar & Grill
167
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegan Options
Luana
46
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Wine Bar
Lobby Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Maui
440
0.8 mi$$$$ • American • Bar • Contemporary
DUO Steak & Seafood
1,064
0.8 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Seafood
Attractions
63 within 6 miles
Makena Beach
1,005
0 ftBeaches
Palauea Beach
60
0 ftBeaches
Da Local Banana
9
0 ftOther Food & Drink
Kanahena Cove
5
0 ftBeaches
Wailea Beach Path
585
0.4 miBeaches • Jogging Paths & Tracks
Polo Beach
317
0.5 miBeaches
Secret Falls Trail
45
0.4 miHiking Trails
Pu'u Ola' Cinder Cone Trail( Earthquake Hill or Red Hill)
2
0.3 miHiking Trails
Wailea Beach
1,926
1.2 miBeaches
Little Beach
514
1.2 miBeaches
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
85 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
16
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
pdxdebbe
Portland, OR147 contributions
Apr 2021
We loved this beach! Super soft sand both on the beach and in the water. Both days we visited the water was calm and very easy to enter and play around in. My husband swam and said he saw fish at both ends around the rocks. I appreciated that it was the least crowded of the beaches we visited.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Emmmkk
Deer Park, TX13 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
We woke up early and went to Po’olenalena around 8:00am to snorkel and hopefully see turtles. We didn’t know where to go at first but soon saw a group of people come to snorkel. We waited and saw where they went, then followed. Wow we were not disappointed! We parked at a small parking lot just before makena surf condos and you can cut through the condos on the walkway they have for the public. You can also park a quarter of a mile before that at the po’olenalena parking lot, you will just have to walk a little farther on the beach. Either way, when you arrive at the beach go all the way to the left where the beach ends and there are large rocks. You will have to swim out along the rocks, not too close so the waves don’t slam you into them. The water will get deeper then as you start to get towards the end of the rocks, there is a wonderful reef around them to the left. You can swim all around there, it is a large area. It was very colorful and full of marine life. We saw two large turtles floating around as well. It is a lovely beach with very few people as well!
Written January 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lslyChicago
Chicago79 contributions
Mar 2019
My husband and I decided to renew our vows after 35 years. We wanted it to be just him and I, no ceremony. We hired a photographer and they suggested a few locations. But this seemed perfect at sunset and not a busy beach. It was picture perfect and as beautiful as the photographer had recommended. Beautiful sand with some rocks. Pretty isolated until you walk down towards the resort shown in the sample picture. would recommend stopping if you are in the area.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Piero C
Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina435 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
The beach at the parking lot is a wide expanse with beautiful golden sand and a relative emptiness apart from the sunset wedding ceremonies. But what makes this one of the best beaches on the island is the relatively hidden beach immediately to the north, accessible by a short trail, which is as glorious as beautiful Wailea beach without the hotels and massive tourist presence. Note: this is a clothing optional beach. No amenities except for a perfect sunset.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Norman G
Longmont, CO25 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Each time we come to Maui my wife and I try different snorkeling areas based on recommendations from locals. We tried Po'olenalena this trip and it is now our new favorite spot. The rocky point on the south end of the beach has a wonderful reef, close enough to the surface that you can see the coral clearly but deep enough that you don't worry about getting scraped up by it. We saw several turtles (seems to be a good spot for honu cleaning - lots of fish eating the algae off the turtles' backs), many varieties of fish, and beautiful coral structures. There were a huge number of bright red "slate pencil" sea urchins, which made this spot one of the most colorful we've seen in Hawaii.
Written February 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fric146
Chicago, IL265 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We loved this beach. The snorkeling was awesome, immediately when we got in the water we saw turtles. We probably saw at least 10 turtles here when we were swimming and snorkeling. The current around the rocks can be rough so be careful. We also saw a huge manta ray here. The coral was also very beautiful. The beach itself was quiet and the parking was very easy.
Written January 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lee J
Everett, WA134 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
This is a nice beach that my family visited a few times during a recent trip to Maui. Wear thick soled shoes when walking from the parking lot to the beach! There are really thorny trees between the two. The trees aren't a problem except that small branches break off and you can step on their thorns. We've found a few deeply imbedded in our sandals on each visit.
The beach itself is great. Relatively uncrowded with mild surf. The snorkeling to the right is really good. We've seen turtles on each visit. The last visit we saw 4 - a couple of large ones and a couple of smaller ones. As with snorkeling anywhere, keep an eye on the surf. It's not bad here but once in a while you can get a random wave.
This is a popular beach for professional photos. We've had our family photos done here twice. This is the go to beach for the photographers we've used which has been fine with us! We've also seen a number of other wedding and other professional photography sessions being done there at sunset.
The beach itself is great. Relatively uncrowded with mild surf. The snorkeling to the right is really good. We've seen turtles on each visit. The last visit we saw 4 - a couple of large ones and a couple of smaller ones. As with snorkeling anywhere, keep an eye on the surf. It's not bad here but once in a while you can get a random wave.
This is a popular beach for professional photos. We've had our family photos done here twice. This is the go to beach for the photographers we've used which has been fine with us! We've also seen a number of other wedding and other professional photography sessions being done there at sunset.
Written January 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mandy_in_Texas
Dallas, TX56 contributions
Jul 2019
Had family pics made here at sunset based on the photographer's suggestion. So glad we went to this side of the island. Truly GORGEOUS beach...loved the "secret beach" and the beautiful lava rocks. Highly recommend stopping by!
Written July 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
julesjoel
Minneapolis, MN11 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
If you want crystal clear water, lava rocks in coral, fish, and many see turtles, this is the beach for you. We found the best snorkeling on the far right end of the beach as you are facing out to the ocean. It requires climbing over a small amount of lava rocks to reach the far right side of the beach. It will not disappoint! We got some fantastic underwater photos and videos with our go pro camera
Written July 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Melanie B
Seattle, WA50 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We came here to snorkel but did not see many fish. We did see quite a few sea turtles. The beach is long and there is plenty of room. Parking looks limited and there is only a port-a-potty.
Written April 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Are there any condos or places to stay close to this beach?
TequilaDreams
Chilliwack, Canada42 contributions
Closest rental units are at "The Champions" condo complex approx 5 minute drive to the east.
Is the beach wheel chair accessible?
DJDFamily85
Montesano, WA12 contributions
Turning off the road, the parking lot slopes down towards the beach. The lot consists of mainly hard dirt, gravel & some sand. I believe a wheelchair should be fine loading and unloading in the lot. The pretty beach is directly next to the parking lot. A wheelchair would have difficulty getting to the water but would easily be enjoyed at the edge of the parking lot where the sand meets the lot.
my fiancee and I are planning a weekday sunset wedding in March and are curious if this is a very busy time, also if it is pleasant weather-wise.
we understand Hawaii is popular for weddings and we will have to share, we are just looking for relatively low traffic and as sedately private as we can find on a public beach.
thanks!
adamtroywiggins
Abbotsford, Canada119 contributions
Po'olenalena, would be perfect in terms of a more secluded, lower traffic beach. This is especially true as you go from the parking lot towards the water, to the right. I've witnessed one wedding there, as opposed to many at other more public beaches. What you need to be prepared for is that the path from the parking lot is a little rough, so I'm not sure how that would work with wedding attire. However, another option, that is more accessible is the more open stretch of beach adjacent to the parking lot. Option A and B ;0)
Christine R
Myrtle Beach, SC17 contributions
We are thinking of using this beach for a mid-November wedding ceremony. Is this a good location? It will be at sunset/dusk. I don't want to worry about a lot of people around or see buildings in the backdrop. Any input is appreciated.
Linnylanechanger
Maui, HI57 contributions
There are many weddings on this beach, I've seen them myself. There must be a reason why they chose this beach! Lots of shade for folks. The photos can easily be taken without buildings in the way. It's a beach for all occasions It would be fair to say that the best beaches attract one and all but it's spread out so you would easily have your own space. There's a reason why they have buildings nearby for those who want a piece of Paradise to come to. Locals love it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Po'olenalena Beach
- We recommend booking Po'olenalena Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Po'olenalena Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Po'olenalena Beach:
- (0.00 mi) Jaw-dropping views! Oceanfront two-bedroom home directly on Polo Beach.
- (0.00 mi) Lovely, 2BR Prime Oceanfront Condo w/ hideaway sofa bed
- (0.00 mi) Idyllic oceanfront home with easy access to Polo Beach!
- (0.00 mi) New 2bd Oceanfront Listing! Special Intro Rates!
- (0.42 mi) Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
- Restaurants near Po'olenalena Beach:
- (0.37 mi) Kō Restaurant
- (0.42 mi) Nick's Fishmarket Maui
- (0.49 mi) Gannon's
- (0.43 mi) Kea Lani Restaurant
- (0.43 mi) Makana Market + Cafe