Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the stretch of shoreline between Lahaina and Ma'alaea there are a grand total of zero
resorts. Paddleboards and fishing poles rule this section of coast, and even though the
swimming is poor, there is one spot which offers good snorkeling. Most visitors choose to
pass these beaches by without giving them another thought, but if you do decide to pull
over to watch the whales, visit the beach, or photograph the sunset, don't stop in the middle
of the road. If you're headed in the Lahaina direction, it's easiest to pull off on the right
side of the road and wait for traffic to clear before crossing, or park your car on the right,
wait for a break in the traffic, and then cross on foot to the other side.
Olowalu
Known to visitors as Mile Marker 14, the real name of this beach is
Olowalu,
after the
village which stretches far back into the valley. The snorkeling here is the best south of
Lahaina, although plenty of beachgoers—particularly those with young children—come
here simply to wade in the calm waters. While the water may be calm, however, it's also
shallow, and the swimming area is nonexistent during low tide, particularly on the days of
a full or new moon. Parking is along the side of the highway, although it's easy to get stuck
in the sand.
