Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
side by Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge and the waters of Ma'alaea Bay on the other,
this undeveloped strip runs for five miles all the way to the condos of North Kihei. Nest-
ing green sea turtles often haul out on the sand here to lay their eggs, and the Turtle X-ing
signs which once graced the highway were the target of memorabilia thieves for years.
There isn't any snorkeling. Although there can sometimes be waves for boogie board-
ing during summer, the main attraction here is taking a long, quiet stroll. Most afternoons
are marked by fierce trade winds, so the early morning hours are the best time to visit. To
access Sugar Beach you can begin at the northern terminus at Haycraft Beach Park, the
southern terminus in North Kihei, or at numerous entry points along North Kihei Road.
Mai Poina 'Oe Ia'u Beach Park
For locals this beach is essentially known as the “Kanaha of Kihei” due to the windsurfers
who gather along the shoreline. In the morning this is a nice beach for a stroll, as it's much
more tranquil than the fast pace of South Kihei. There isn't any swimming or snorkeling,
though there are picnic tables and pavilions if you're thinking of having a picnic. This is
also a nice place for stand-up paddling in the morning.
