Visitor Activities
Experience the ahupua'a from ridge to reef
Ridge to reef in the Kamaole Ahupua'a. From the slopes of Haleakalā to the coral reefs off Kamaole, every activity here connects you to the watershed. Swim at three lifeguarded beach parks, snorkel Keawakapu, surf The Cove, or depart the Kihei Boat Ramp for Molokini and Turtle Town. Rent gear locally and book with South Maui operators who call Kamaole home.
Join the Kamaole Ahupuaʻa
Free membership · Donations fund the vision
Membership is free. By joining, you become part of a community working to restore and sustain a modern-day ahupuaʻa — from the upcountry slopes to the coral reefs of Kamaole. Donations are what fund the vision: they pay for the website, the Kam 1 clean-up project, water-quality work, and the cost of keeping everything moving forward.
All are welcome. Visitors and all global citizens — near and far — are invited to join. You don't need to live in Kamaole to be part of this community.
Choose your level
Whale watching season in South Maui runs roughly late December through March — book trips departing the Kihei Boat Ramp early in your stay.
The Significance of Water
How ancient Hawaiian water principles shape the ahupuaʻa — and this project
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
A federally protected marine sanctuary spanning the shallow, warm waters around the main Hawaiian Islands — one of the world's most important wintering grounds for the North Pacific humpback whale. Each year roughly December through April, thousands of koholā (humpback whales) migrate from Alaska to mate, calve, and nurse in the sheltered leeward waters off South Maui, making the Kihei coast one of the best shore-based whale-watching spots in Hawaiʻi.
The sanctuary is co-managed by NOAA and the State of Hawaiʻi. Within its boundaries it is unlawful to approach humpback whales closer than 100 yards by any vessel, aircraft, or swimmer — so the respectful way to watch is from the beach, a permitted tour boat, or the sanctuary's own educational programs.
Kamaole III Bird Sanctuary
A quiet bird sanctuary beside Kamaole Beach Park III. Tucked along the south end of Kam III, near the Eddie Pu bird trail, is an informal bird sanctuary and one of the easiest places on Maui to watch native Hawaiian waterbirds up close.
Look for the aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) — a tall, black-and-white shorebird with long pink legs and a slender beak, listed as endangered. The area also hosts the ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot) with its white frontal shield, koloa (Hawaiian duck), and migratory visitors like the black-crowned night-heron and Pacific golden-plover. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times; stay on the park side and keep dogs leashed so the birds can rest.
Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center
ActivitiesHawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary — Kihei Visitor Center
Boss Frog's Dive & Surf
2395 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Surfboards and snorkel/dive gear rentals. Located in Dolphin Plaza, South Kihei.
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary — Kihei Visitor Center
726 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
NOAA's on-shore education center for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Free exhibits on koholā (humpback whales), the sanctuary's protected waters, and Hawaiian stewardship. Open weekdays, 10am–3pm. The beach overlook out front is one of the best free shore-based whale-watching spots in South Maui from December through April.
Kamaole Beach Park I
2470 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Lifeguarded swim beach with gentle surf, picnic tables, and showers. Great for families and the most park-equipped of the three Kamaole beach parks.
Kamaole Beach Park II
Across from 2259 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Lifeguarded, popular swim and sunbathing beach with a rocky point. The Maui Coast Hotel sits across the street.
Kamaole Beach Park III
2700 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
The quietest of the three Kamaole beach parks. Good snorkeling along the rocky south end with frequent sea turtle sightings. Short walk to Keawakapu Beach.
Keawakapu Beach
2980 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Sandy beach and snorkeling spot at the south edge of the ahupua'a. Calm waters and reef fish make it a favorite for snorkelers.
Kihei Boat Ramp
2800 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Public small-boat launch and departure point for small rigid-hull rafts running Molokini snorkel trips, Turtle Town, and whale watching runs.
Maui Snorkel Charters
2800 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Family-owned small-group snorkel charters to Molokini Crater, dolphin and turtle trips. Departs from the Kihei Boat Ramp.
Sanctuary Shore Lookout (Kamaole I Overlook)
Kamaole Beach Park I, 2470 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
The grassy dunes above Kamaole Beach Park I look straight out over the sanctuary's protected waters. Bring binoculars from late December through March and watch koholā breach, tail-slap, and spout just offshore — no boat required. The sanctuary asks all watchers to keep a respectful distance and never approach the animals.
The Cove (Cove Beach Park)
S Kihei Rd at the south end of Kalama Park, Kihei, HI 96753
The closest beginner surf break to Kamaole, with soft rolling waves and surf lessons. Just north of the ahupua'a, a 2-minute drive from the Kamaole Beach Parks.