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Maui and Secluded Beaches
I have finally caved in and decided to try out Hawaii...and everyone suggested Maui. I would like to know if anyone knows a good secluded beach I can visit for snorkeling and just relaxing, without the hustle and crowds of a major chain hotel (We of all people are considerind the Marriott there ).......but planning to get a rental car to see other places... any suggestions?
I've never been snorkeling, but of course there are many wonderful beaches on Maui for laying out and relaxing. Definitely get a rental car, so you can explore the island beyond where you stay. Rental cars are generally pretty cheap on Maui, so you'll not only have transportation to and from the airport...you can go to Lahaina or Mama's Fish House for dinner, drive the road to Hana or to the top of Haleakala.
We liked the black sand beach on the road to Hana, a few miles before you get to Hana town. It was fairly secluded last time we were there in May, especially in the afternoon since most tourists don't spend the night in Hana.
Some of the beaches in the Wailea area were fairly uncrowded when we went, compared to Kamaole 1/2/3 in Kihei which was where our hotel was. Kamaole 2 was almost empty at night, great for a romantic walk in the moonlight and a dip in the water after dark.
Similar to Marriott price/area, but further South and more remote, but great snorkeling would be Makena Beach and Golf Resort...sort of the "end of the road location". Previously this was the Maui Prince.
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Similar to Marriott price/area, but further South and more remote, but great snorkeling would be Makena Beach and Golf Resort...sort of the "end of the road location". Previously this was the Maui Prince.
Re Makena area: Be aware that some of that beach area (e.g., Little Beach) are popular with the gay community. I have absolutely nothing against gay men. I am bringing this up because families and the like may feel uncomfortable in such areas. The Little Beach specifically is known for that. But there are non-gay beaches as well.
As for the Makena Beach and Golf Resort (formerly Maui Prince): I visited it recently (I was not staying there, just visited while on Maui, it is a great jogging stretch Wailea all the way to Makena Resort). The resort had a strange feel to it, not what it used to be. It looks sad and neglected, very few guests. Quite different from the other hotels not that far, in Wailea, those looked cheerful and happy. It seems like the Makena Resort is adjusting to the new owner following the recent foreclosure. But not crowded for sure. The area has a lot of land still not built with houses.
They have the Kai Kanani for whale watching, sunset buffet and trips out to Molokini for diving. In fairness, my wife and I have not stayed there before (staying part of our 35 anniversary there), but by the map and description it is remote, quiet, great beach to make up for a plain pool, and great whale watching and diving. Comments on the hotel is tired paint, hiding a great place to stay. We will see. Priceline $122 in February. Must venture out to Kihei for the main dining places...just up the road a piece...150 places to dine (well, at least eat)?
I am sure you will get some comments from locals that will be of value to you.
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In fairness, my wife and I have not stayed there before (staying part of our 35 anniversary there), but by the map and description it is remote, quiet, great beach to make up for a plain pool, and great whale watching and diving. Comments on the hotel is tired paint, hiding a great place to stay. We will see. Priceline $122 in February. Must venture out to Kihei for the main dining places...just up the road a piece...150 places to dine (well, at least eat)?
I guess you are referring to the Makena Resort (formerly Maui Prince)? "Tired paint" is exactly it. They need to paint that building ASAP, or at least powerwash. You will see what I mean when you see the building. The "tired paint" really stands out.
A year or two I used Priceline to get a room in Wailea/Makena area. At that time I got Diamond Resort and Spa, which since then (this year) changed ownership and is now Wailea Hotel (although folks who live in the area still think of it as Diamond Resort). I loved that place, it is delightful. I visited it just recently, it's just as delightful. It looks like they maybe are not participating in Priceline any more?
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If you're referring to Honokalani Black Sand Beach in the Wainapanapa State Park, it has been relatively sparse the couple times I've been there, but I'd never try to swim, let alone snorkel, in the conditions I saw there.
Honolua Bay is one of my favorites for snorkeling away from the crowds, but there's not much of a beach to speak of - which is why the crowds are small.
Makuleia is right down the road - in fact you can snorkel around the point from Honolua - as an alternative.
Black Rock is still one of my favorites, but it's far from secluded or quiet.
Wahikuli was a nice compromise of decent beach, decent snorkeling, and relatively small crowds.
Head to Makena Beach if you want something way away from the hotels, etc. There are no "services" there, so bring whatever you need in a small cooler or backpack. The vast expanse when you first get there is Big Beach - lots of room to roam there. Go way to the right and hike over the cliffs and you will be at Little Beach. The hippies, gays and nudists hang there, so know that ahead of time (I fall into at least one of those groups, so this place is way cool by me ). It's about 1/4 the size of Big Beach, but it is secluded. It has one of the most reliable surfs for body surfing if you like that - I can body surf there all day long; great sunset views from there as well.
If you drive past the entrance to the beach until the road turns to gravel, and you pass the last of the dwellings, you will have the volcano on your left and lava fields/pools to your right. If you have your own snorkel gear, venture into the protected pools for fantastic snorkeling. This area is know as LaPerouse and the snorkeling is know as "The Aquarium." Common sense - don't snorkel alone...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by atttaboy
If you drive past the entrance to the beach until the road turns to gravel, and you pass the last of the dwellings, you will have the volcano on your left and lava fields/pools to your right. If you have your own snorkel gear, venture into the protected pools for fantastic snorkeling. This area is know as LaPerouse and the snorkeling is know as "The Aquarium." Common sense - don't snorkel alone...
I agree La Perouse Nature Perserve and Aquarium in particular is fantastic. We snorkleed there a few years ago. It was the best snorkeling we have ever done (water clarity and variety of sea life). Unfortunately when we were back on Maui this past summer that whole area has been closed. My guess is probably too much damage to the reef from over use caused them to close it. We complied with the closure and didn't try to go. Word on the street was the roads to the La Perouse area were blocked off.
Also note Honolua Bay now has many large catamarans docking there for snorkeling. There were literally six of them when we went. Also for those who walk in from the road there are now some vendors hawking underwater cameras and cold drinks. The Bay now has a commerical feel to it and the water quality has gone down hill (reduced clarity). I liked it much better a few years ago when there were no catamarans and maybe a half dozen to a dozen people on the beach with us. Oh well....
--Jon
Last edited by Jon Maiman; Dec 28, 09 at 7:04 pm..
Please keep in mind the Makena area is (and has been) a prime spot for car break-ins because of its out of the mainstream character. Leave the valuable stuff at your hotel, leave nothing of value visible in the car interior, dont drive a convertible there etc etc etc.
). It's about 1/4 the size of Big Beach, but it is secluded. It has one of the most reliable surfs for body surfing if you like that - I can body surf there all day long; great sunset views from there as well.
