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Keawakapu Beach

Maui is known for its beautiful beaches, and one of the most popular is Keawakapu Beach. Keawakapu Beach is just under a mile long. It goes to the end of Kihei, which is where the road leaves the shoreline.

Throughout the year, residents and visitors alike can be seen lying in the sun, enjoying the sandy beach, or trying to catch a few waves with their surfboards or boogie boards. Furthermore, Keawakapu Beach is known for its amazing snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Unique plants and animals lurk beneath the waves, which create a symphony of underwater colors that cannot be found anywhere else.

What to Expect at Keawakapu Beach

The shoreline at Keawakapu Beach has been developed. Now, there are large beach houses, hotels, restaurants, and condos just a few steps from the water; however, much of the development is situated far enough away from the beach that the sound itself has not been disturbed. When compared to other beaches on Maui, Keawakapu Beach is not nearly as commercialized. Therefore, Keawakapu Beach provides a nice respite from many of the businesses that have grown throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

What Does Keawakapu Beach Mean?

While there are multiple translations of Keawakapu Beach, one of the most popular is “forbidden cove.” There are numerous reasons the native Hawaiian people might have given Keawakapu Beach this nickname.

Some people believe that Hawaiians were not meant to settle on this shoreline. Other people believe that storms used to hit the area with greater frequency than they do today. While the shoreline looks idyllic throughout the year, it does get hit by the occasional storm.

Do Not Miss the Tide Pools Under a Full Moon

While there are beautiful sites throughout Keawakapu Beach, it is important to pay close attention to the tide pools. If there is a full moon out, residents and visitors love to take a closer look in the middle of the night. Some of these gorgeous scenes cannot be spotted anywhere else. Of course, do not venture out alone. Always take someone with you for safety purposes while on the water.

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