Mai Poina Beach Park — Attraction in Maui

This small section of south Maui beach is actually part of a super long stretch of sand that starts in Ma'alaea and ends near the former Maui Lu Resort in south Kihei. It's popular with windsurfers due to its windy conditions. This beach will always hold a special place in my heart but I will not reveal why, lol!

Back in the day, AKA the early 2000's, the park area was heavily covered in brush, masking views from cars passing by on South Kihei Road. As condos went up across the street, the park's camouflage was thinned drastically, making it safer for park users and easier for police officers to patrol. Parking was lessened as the tiny parking lot with head-in stalls was changed to parallel, allowing just two cars max. Street shoulder parking was also cut as curbing was installed.

The official park area is about 5 acres and sports a small pavilion with picnic tables. Restrooms and BBQ grills are available. There are grassy areas with lots of tree shade throughout.

The beach is good for swimming though no lifeguard is on duty. Sand is a mixture of soft yellow and brown.

TIP: There are no convenience stores or restaurants within walking distance, so prepare accordingly.

OVERALL: Great sunsets, not...

Very pretty to look at and take a walk along the beach. However, the wind absolutely whips sand down the shoreline and into every nook and cranny. I am still shaking out the sand. We weren't really able to lay out and get sun because the wind was too severe. I'm pretty used to getting sandblasted on the beach, but this was next-level. I found it to be a bit too rocky for playing in the water. Despite the strong wind when we were there, there was nearly no wave action. I do think it would be great...

Lots of homeless people living on the beach in cardboard box and tarp shanty. I notified police but they did nothing. The shanty had been there for 2 weeks. It is illegal to camp overnight on the beach. Very disappointed when I pay thousands of dollars for a vacation in so called paradise and exposed to trashed out beaches. Thanks socialism you have turned Hawaii into a 3rd...