WEST MAUI - Maui: Including Molokai and Lanai - page 54

LAHAINA
The beaches of Lahaina are the most underrated on the island. The swimming is poor
due to the offshore reef, but they are sunnier, less crowded, and more protected from the
wind than most other beaches on Maui. If it's raining in Kapalua or Napili, or windy on
Ka'anapali Beach, 90 percent of the time it's going to be sunny and calm on the beaches
of Lahaina.
Makila Beach
Also known as Breakwall, 505, or Shark Pit, this is the most happening stretch of sand
in Lahaina. Most visitors access the beach from Kamehameha Iki Park, and there is beach
parking in a small lot or in the back of the Front Street tennis courts. This is the area where
most of the surf schools set out from. There is also a beach volleyball court which can
get busy during the afternoons. Visitors are encouraged to marvel at the Polynesian voy-
aging canoes on display as part of the Hui O Wa'a Kaulua Canoe Club. This area was
once the playground of Hawaiian royalty. You can hear the drums of the Feast of Lele
lu'au while watching the sunset from here the north end of the beach, which can be busy.
Visitors rarely wander to the south end of the beach where palm trees hang out over a se-
cluded cove. Locals call this area Shark Pit, referencing the harmless reef sharks which
hang around the offshore ledge. The swimming here is poor due to the offshore reef, al-
though it provides calm water for wading with small children. There is one shower but no
restroom at this beach.
Pu'unoa and Mala (Baby Beach)
On the northern end of Front Street, the beach which runs along Pu'unoa Point (and known
to locals as Baby Beach ) is an oasis of tranquility where you have to ask yourself if you're
still in Lahaina. Shielded from visitors by its residential location—and protected from big
surf by the offshore reef—the sand running along this lazy promontory is the perfect spot
for a sitting in a beach chair and listening to the waves. Numerous trees provide shade, and
the calm waters are ideal for beachgoers with young children or those who want to tan on
a raft.
Finding the beach can be a challenge, and parking can be an issue. For the access point
with the largest amount of parking, turn off Front Street onto Ala Moana Street by the
sign for Mala Ramp. Instead of heading down to the boat launch, proceed straight on Ala
Moana until the road ends by the Jodo mission. From here you will see the beach in front
of you, and the best section of beach will be a five-minute walk to your left along the sand.
Transients sometimes hang out around this parking lot; don't leave any valuables in your