Maha'ulepu (Kawailoa Bay)
A.K.A. Kawailoa Bay • Photo by Wasabi
Remote, rugged, historical, and beautiful, Maha'ulepu typically has strong winds. Windsurfing and kite surfing are the most common ocean activities. Occasional snorkeling can occur during extreme calms, which mostly happen in the winter. Dirt parking lot. No facilities.
Things To Do
- Swimming
- Exploring
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Beach walks
- Family days
- Hiking
Cool Because
Great coastal hikes. Its undeveloped shoreline offers miles of exploring.
Hazards
Strong currents. Dangerous waves breaking on rocks, ledges and reefs. Sharp coral.
Topography
Shoreline of sandy coves and bays with sandstone points. Mixed reef and sand underwater.
Not Good For
Although you will see many windsurfers here, the rough water and reefs make surfing and bodyboarding hazardous. Proceed only with experienced locals.
Preservation
Maha'ulepu is a research site and habitat for endangered plants and animals as well as a sacred area for native Hawaiians. Learn more about preserving this beach by visiting Malama Maha'ulepu.
User Rating
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2.4 / 5 (415 votes)
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Let's Discuss (70 comments)
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Oct 11, 2006 8:13PM
I'm a local boy and consider Mahaulepu to be one of the great treasures on Kauai. It is different from other Kauai beaches. If you like mellow hiking try parking at Shipwrecks and wandering along the shoreline trails all the way to Mahaulepu. A great adventure for big and small kids. After the hot hike you can jump into the water at Shipwrecks, cool off, and then take a shower at the beach facilities provided by the Hyatt. If you are staying at the Hyatt - even better!
Mar 31, 2007 12:57PM
We are going to be married on the beach on Oct 20th. We read about Maha'ulepu and thought it sounded perfect. there will be no guests and we are avid hikers. our minister suggests Poipu for the best sunsets. The beach at Maha'ulepu closes at 6pm also I believe. Any comments on the best beach for a wedding?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 02, 2007 11:59AM
@ Donna: This is a beautiful beach and it will be a lot less crowded than Poipu. They do "officially" close the gates at 6 pm, however, I have seen people at that beach later than that. Sunsets may also be obstructed by some rock formations. I would recommend taking a look at some beaches when you get here before making your decision.
Apr 04, 2007 6:36PM
We are getting married in Kauai this September, and are looking at beaches. Would this beach be a good location for a small wedding ceremony? We will be staying near Poipu.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 05, 2007 4:58PM
@ Amanda: This is one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai and would make a great location for a wedding. As noted earlier by "Donna Pino", there are some drawbacks. The beach's gate closes at 6pm, there is hiking involved, and sunsets can be obstructed.
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!
Apr 20, 2007 10:54AM
Great place is on top of the rocks at Shipwrecks....My wife and I did this 5 years ago, it is beautiful..and the pictures from the Hyatt etc, are great and easy to setup....We love Mahaulepu, it is the BEST place on Kauai
Jun 06, 2007 5:11AM
What time do they open the gate to this beach? Will be interested in knowing how the weddings turn out, as that sounds like the beach I wish to have my wedding on.
Jun 07, 2007 3:49PM
Does this beach always have strong winds? When will be a good time in the day to visit when the wind is not so bad?
Jun 17, 2007 2:43PM
How far of an walk is it to this beach from the Hyatt? Will it be an easy walk for all ages?
Jun 18, 2007 10:55PM
Please check this page in our new trails section to learn more about hiking to Mahaulepu: Mahaulepu Trail
Jun 19, 2007 7:44AM
will be visiting Kauai in August 07, which beach is the best to see the sun rise, we are staying in Lihue.
Roger Jacobs
Sep 11, 2007 2:03AM
Maha`ulepu is a heritage landscape. Revealing 5 million years of continuous history, it is a living museum - a research site and habitat for rare and endangered plants and animals. Maha`ulepu is sacred and legendary to Native Hawaiians, many of whom are connected to this area by ancestral ties and by continuing cultural uses.
But Maha`ulepu is threatened by development. Over the past thirty years, the landowner, Grove Farm Company, has actively planned hotels, golf courses, second homes and shopping facilities here. Grove Farm regards the area as unsurpassed for resort development. Meanwhile, citizens have opposed past proposals, and 5000 more visitor and residential units have already received partial approvals for the Koloa region in which Maha`ulepu is located.
See: <a href=http://malama-mahaulepu.org>malama-mahaulepu.org</a>
Dec 16, 2007 6:56PM
We will be getting married there the end of March. I am concerned with the wind. Has anyone been there mid day that time of year? What do you think?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 18, 2007 7:33AM
Tiffany - March is a windy month and Mahaulepu is a windy spot. Also winds are generally at their strongest from around 11am to 4pm. That said, pick an area at Mahaulepu that provides a "lee" (a term used to describe an area blocked from wind / elements). There are a number of protected areas at Mahaulepu - just don't have your ceremony on the point where all of the kiteboarders are launching. W
Dec 22, 2007 5:49PM
What about Ha'ula Beach? Would that have less wind?
Thanks
Tiffany
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 23, 2007 8:29AM
I simply cannot go out on a limb to advise you on whether your wedding location will be windy, sunny, or uncrowded. Our objective at Kauai Explore is to provide local info about safety, recreation and preservation of Kauai's beaches and trails.
Perhaps you should hire a local wedding planner.
Good luck.
Dec 25, 2007 2:01PM
HI my name is Jim and I really like to snorkel could you tell me the best beaches to explore and also the ones were there are the least used. Thanks JIM WE WILL BE THERE ON FEB5 TO THE 20
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 26, 2007 7:45AM
Jim - best snorkeling during Feb will be on South-facing shores. The south shore is very developed. You might want to try Salt Pond beach park - not the prettiest onshore but nice water (conditions permitting). For just exploring Mahaulepu is amazing. W
Jan 22, 2008 12:17AM
I was wondering if there is another trail down to Ha'ula beach other than going over the sharp lava rock? Also, Is Ha'ula beach considered leeward?
Thanks Sen
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 24, 2008 7:49PM
You can access this beach from the shoreline. The rough rocks are part of what makes it private but they are navigable. No it is not leeward (unless the wind is North). Also, you should also be advised to watch out for theft in this area.
Should you have more questions about the Mahaulepu area, you can contact the Poipu Beach Resort Association, which serves as a great resource for visitors to the South side of Kauai.
Enjoy your stay. W
Jan 28, 2008 2:36AM
I am getting married in August of this year and I really wanted to get married on Polihale but I am hearing it will cost me alot more to have the minister and others drive out there. So I am trying to find another beach. I have been to Kauai four times already and it is very hard to pick a beach. They are all beautiful! I considered this beach because ship wreck gets a little crowded but now after reading the response to getting married on this beach, I'm thinking twice. What is your opinion on ship wreck beach??? will there be a crowd being that the Hyatt is right on the beach?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 28, 2008 8:50PM
Aloha Jessica. Due to its popularity with locals and the hotel, Shipwrecks often sees a crowd, though "crowds" on Kauai are often relative. It doesn't mean it's not a beautiful place to get married. Maybe some other Explorer users can offer some advice to you here, or ask the person who will be marrying you for a recommendation. J
Mar 01, 2008 10:20PM
Aloha staff,
We will be on Kaua'i mid April 2008.
Which beachs would be calmest for snorkeling?
Mahalo for your service.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 03, 2008 6:44PM
Aloha Lenore. Surf fluctuates, though it is generally smaller in April on the South and West shores. Check out Poipu Beach Park or Lydgate for snorkeling. Should the swell be small, Haena Beach park or Anini are other good spots on the North shore. Lifeguards are at all locations but Anini, and can give you advice if you're unsure. J
Mar 13, 2008 9:30PM
I was wondering how the drive is to get to Maha\'ulepu beach. I\'ve heard that it is not paved and very rutted.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 14, 2008 1:58AM
Aloha Beth. The road is not paved which means the weather can affect it greatly, often meaning it is rutted. If you don't mind a few bumps, Mahaulepu is worth the journey. J
Jun 07, 2008 5:12AM
This is one of the best beaches of Kauai. Many people complain of the wind and the drive, but I think that it makes the beach better. And here a tip, if you walk down the beach at the left(facing the ocean) there is some awesome trails and very pretty views.
Jun 08, 2008 2:16AM
My wife and I love to snorkel and will be in Kauai the last week of Oct 2008 staying in Poipu. Suggestions for best snorkeling places for that time of year would be greatly appreciated. Mahalo!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 09, 2008 8:09PM
Hi Chris. With surf being large on the North shore in the winter, your best bet is to snorkel on the South/West side. Poipu is a good bet and there is a lifeguard there, so you can check in with them, too.
On the North shore, there is decent snorkeling at Anini Beach, but double check the ocean report to learn about conditions this time of year. This area is protected by a reef, but huge surf can create conditions that may not be safe for snorkeling. J
Jun 11, 2008 6:41PM
Could I get some specific directions for getting to this beautiful sounding beach. I'll be traveling from The Point at Poipu and appreciated the tip about hiking from the Hyatt or from Shipwrecks but the old lady will do better if we can park nearby if at all possible.
Thanks.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 11, 2008 8:26PM
Hi Dad. Certainly the Point can give you specific directions. Basically, you follow the main road through Poipu until it ends onto a dirt road. Continue on the dirt road until you come to a cross. Turn toward the ocean (right). Follow the dirt road to a parking area. Enjoy. J
Jul 01, 2008 3:28AM
I am getting married in Kauai in October and have no clue where to start. I'm looking for a beach (cove) with rocks and palm trees. As private as possible for a small group at sunset. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jodi
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 03, 2008 8:29PM
Hi Jodi. Mahaulepu is a good bet for a less populated and beautiful spot. They do close the gates at sunset, time, however, so it is probably not going to work if you want a sunset wedding. The South side is more likely to be dry in October than the North shore. You could check out Shipwrecks as a possible option or maybe Wailua beach. J
Aaron
Jul 05, 2008 3:23AM
I love kauai so beautiful mucho amour
Oct 24, 2008 2:40PM
Has anyone been here at sunrise? I\'m looking for a unique, breathtaking view for a short documentary I\'m doing. Looking for \"romantic.\" I\'m staying on South side of island, heard Ke\'e beach is great at sunset, what about sunrise or early morning. Really not up to the drive from North to south after dark. Maybe Polihale State Park? Any suggestions?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 24, 2008 5:11PM
Rob - Mahaulepu is a good choice for sunrise and Polihale has beautiful sunsets. W
Oct 28, 2008 3:25PM
Mahaulepu is a magical place. It took me three visits to the island to get there and I can not wait to go back. I love Kauai.
Jan 23, 2009 4:06AM
A few year ago we where on Mahaulepu beach there was ahouse right on the beach I cant find the name I had writen down Iknow they close the gates at dusk Iwould like to rent the house if its still avalable Thanks Dave
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 23, 2009 4:19PM
Hi David - I don't think they rent that house anymore. W
Jan 27, 2009 8:30PM
My husband and I were married on Mahaulepu Beach at sunset in August of 2000 and it was the absolute most perfect setting for a small wedding. I highly recommend it. It was just the two of us, the minister, the photographer, our wedding planner and a mother monk seal and her pup!
May 04, 2009 12:07AM
My family & I are looking at a possible trip to this general part of Kauai in late June / early July. I have been reading all the comments for different beaches & have a couple questions:
1) I am reading a lot on this beach about wind & wind surfing. What would typical winds be like in June /July & more importantly - onshore or offshore (or is it like many beaches - offshore in the AM & onshore in the PM) - mostly thinking about how it will effect the surf.
2) I am reading how Shipwrecks & Poipu are "crowded". I am planning on doing some bodyboarding & was wondering - how many people should I expect out in the line up on a typical day?
3) I have seen your surf chart & know that the south shore gets it's best swells during the summer, but I haven't been able to get anything more quantitative. For a typical day - just a run of the mill swell - at beaches like Shipwrecks or Poipu, how big will the surf be? Waist High? Head high? Bigger? Obviously, this is a huge generality, but clearly you guys know what an "average" day is like (although I know few days will be average -just trying to get a better handle on what to expect)
4) Would you characterize Shipwrecks as a beachbreak or a shorebreak? From comments, I am having trouble deciding what the better description is.
Thanks a ton for your help & all the info on you website!
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 06, 2009 8:43PM
Hi Jeff - here are some answers...
1) Mahaulepu will typically have side shore NE trade winds in June / July. If the prevailing wind is not that strong, expect calmer conditions in the morning and evening.
2) Basically all of the really good Kauai spots will be crowded. We don't have that many breaks and the general skill-level is high. If the waves are good, there will be competition for every set wave.
3) Summer South swells are usually in the 3-5' range, head-high. We get a few larger swells each summer.
4) Shipwrecks is primarily sand-bottom with random coral heads.
May 21, 2009 5:10PM
Since this is pretty secluded beach, there are females here that go topless without hesitation. Don't bring your husband/boyfriend here if you get pretty jealous easily.
Aug 27, 2009 6:12PM
@ Kauai Explorer Staff
Regarding the comment you made about the NE trade winds in June/July in this beach... what does that mean? I am planning to get married at the end of July and I was thinking about getting married at this beach. Will it be windy? What is the best time to try to avoid the winds. Also, is this place good for larger parties?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 29, 2009 6:27PM
Hi Clarissa - I don't really recommend having any larger wedding parties at a public beach or without a local planner. It depends on your definition of large. A good local planner will have knowledge of sensitivities and weather to make sure there are no bummers on your special day. It could be windy at Mahaulepu but there are protected areas too. W
Sep 07, 2009 4:50AM
I was looking to camp at Haena Beach Park for a few days in November. Can you give any hints, tips, regulations that I should follow? Thanks!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Sep 07, 2009 6:22PM
Hi Mark - Haena is a County park and they issue permits in Lihue. A nice alternative is YMCA Camp Naue. It's about a mile towards Hanalei from the Beach Park, is quieter, has hot showers and costs $15 / night. Have fun.
Oct 25, 2009 8:02AM
I have been coming here for 4+ years and have NEVER seen anyone topless.
Anna
Dec 07, 2009 7:36PM
Aloha ! I am planning on visiting Kauai in Feb. 2010. I lived in Maui for seven years and visited all the islands. My favorite island was Kauai. I have only been there one time: I went to this awesome beach. I did not get the name of it. I was wondering if you could help me figure this out. The beach had golden cliffs and was very private. I could not drive the car to it, due to the deep sand. People were getting stuck- even in jeeps. I walked a good long time before making it to the beautiful beach. this beach was very secluded. This beach was the most beautiful beach I had ever seen. I am planning to get married, and would love to do it at this beach. I hope you can help me figure out the name of this beach. I would greatly appreciate your help. Mahalo. Anna deen!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 08, 2009 5:30PM
Anna - sounds like you are describing Polihale.
Dec 10, 2009 9:57PM
Hawaiian monk seal and new born pup (born 11/27) currently on this beach. Volunteers are stationed there to prevent disturbance. Wonderful opportunity to speak to the volunteers and see - from a distance, of course! - this wonderful event.
Dec 17, 2009 5:09AM
It looks like the weather has been pretty nice on Kauai lately. How is the road to Polihale State Park? We were there last Christmas and it was closed due to flooding and mud.
Also - are there any beaches where nudity is allowed?
Thanks
Jan 21, 2010 6:00AM
We are hoping to get married mid-March at Maha'ulepu beach. We are hoping to get some sunset pics after but are concerned about the gate closing at 6pm. If March sunset is ~6:45pm, what are the chances that we wouldn't be able to get out?
May 09, 2010 6:29PM
My fiancee and I want to go to Kauai in mid-March to get married in a very small and private ceremony. Just us, and six other immediate family members. I have two questions: I know that is spring break time for most people so I want to know the best place(s)to avoid crowds. Also, can anybody suggest the best beach or location for our small, intimate and (hopefully) private ceremony?
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 10, 2010 7:08PM
As we have said many times - get a planner with local knowledge.
Pat Schurr
Oct 20, 2010 2:39PM
They do rent the house on the beach at Maha\'ulepu beach.It is called Gillin\'s Beach house and can be found on the net at www.gillinbeachhouse.com. It is expensive but if you want privacey it is the way to go!
Jan 23, 2011 12:42AM
My husband and I will visiting Kauai the 3rd week in February. What beaches are likely to be good for swimming at that time in the year?
Jul 18, 2011 11:28AM
I will be in Poipu from December 3, 2011 for six nights. I have the opportunity to stay in a small house on the beach at Baby Beach. How close is this to beaches where adults can swim? I would love to hear the ocean crashing while I sleep and to be able to look out over the ocean while sitting on the Lanai, but I am not sure how far the other beaches are. Can you give me some insight on other beaches, how close, walking distance?, etc.
Aug 23, 2011 3:06PM
I saw a video on Mahaulepu Beach with a Kauai resident fishing off of the rocks. With this stretch of coastline being a preserve, is fishing the coast from shore even allowed..???
Jan 05, 2012 1:46PM
We got married on Halloween on Mahaulepu around 4PM. Perfect weather, not too windy, easy walk to the sand, a bit of a bumpy drive from the Grand Hyatt but well worth it. Great photos, very intimate!
Feb 19, 2012 4:50PM
im looking for a nice, calm, not loud beach for a wedding. do you recommend any on the island of Kauai?
Mar 17, 2012 9:31PM
we married on feb 29 2012 on a small private beach just past lawai beach. on lawai rd, past beach house restaurant on the left, past that beach, past a couple of houses and you will see a rock wall. there are stairs that go to the beach. it was fabulous. small area so only good for small wedding.
Oct 11, 2012 9:12AM
We are coming to Kauai for our 25th anniversary Oct 24 - Nov. 1, and are wanting to do some snorkeling, and enjoy secluded beaches. Where would you recommend this time of year? Where is the best part of the island to stay to avoid mosquitoes, crowds and rain? :)
Thanks much!!
Aug 01, 2013 6:45AM
We will be in Poipu at the end of September. Do you recommend snorkeling at Mahaulepu beach or along the trail? Thanks so much!
Jan 03, 2014 1:21PM
My Wife and got married on the cliffs overlooking Mahaulepu almost 14yrs ago and I wouldnot pick any other beach than that. It is the best and secluded!
Jan 24, 2014 5:37PM
Mahaulepu beach is one of the best on Kauai. My husband and I are on the island now and spent a beautiful afternoon on this beach two days ago. But beware of the dirt road!!!! It is a shame that this road is not kept in better shape - it is the worst it has been in a long time!! The pot holes are so numerous and so deep that you could very easily damage your car.
Jun 08, 2014 12:49PM
Does this please get pretty good for bodyboarding because the way you described the waves sounds like it could be nice little spot that does not get crowded, only for advanced experts only.
Is there a strong bodyboarding crew that rides there when some south swells in a d the tides high? Being so shallow and ledgy I would guess that.
Thanks a ton
Bi
Jan 21, 2016 9:38PM
Hi! I keep reading that the gate closes at 6pm for this beach... I am just trying to figure out where the gate is and what time you actually need to leave the beach so that you are not locked in. Thanks!!
Sep 13, 2016 9:42AM
Why are there no directions and where to park on this site for these beaches?
Dec 04, 2016 7:07AM
Hi there, My husband and I are traveling to Kauai over Christmas. Can you recommend good surf spots for beginning to midlevel? Thank you!
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