Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Shady, sandy and safe for the kids - Maluaka seems like the ideal Maui beach. This beach fronts the Maui Prince Hotel off Makena Road in South Maui.
At the south end of the beach, there is excellent snorkeling, and good diving a bit further out. At the north end of the beach there is decent snorkeling, but it is a bit shallow for diving. As with most beach in the islands, if the surf is crashing, stay out of the water. Rip tides and strong currents pose a genuine threat. There is no full time lifeguard. Parking is just past the Maui Prince Hotel. Do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach. There is a second parking lot near the Keawala'i Church but it is kind of isolated. The showers and restrooms are at the parking lot across the street from the church.
Turn west onto Wailea Alanui Drive then right onto Honoiki, before making another right onto Makena, just off to the left. Malu'aka Beach is located behind the Maui Prince Hotel. To get there you drive down Wailea Alanui Road. Before you reach the Maui Prince Hotel there is a turnoff to go to the Keawala'i Church and Makena Landing. Take this turnoff. Where the road splits to go to Makena Landing (on the right) or the church (to the left), turn to the left. Drive past the church and drop off people at the turn around at the end of the road. Park your car in the parking lot across the road from the church.
