This may come as a shock, but many of the most beautiful places on Maui are not advertised to the rest of the world. “S Turns” would be one of these places. It is a small beach, nestled in a neighborhood of condos and apartment buildings in the Kahana area on the west side of Maui. Most visitors stumble upon the beauty of this beach in passing as the Lower Honoapiilani Rd. runs right along side it. An unassuming driver will be cruising along, turn the corner and go breathless at the sight of “S Turns”. How does this beach get its name? “S Turns” is a surfing maneuver where the surfer will do that exact thing. The breaks that form here start further out and shift in an unpredictable manner. The waves will actually change direction as they roll in because of the structure of the reefs, quite fun for a surfer.
The beach, although small actually is a combination of two beaches split by a small park. The south section of beach is only about 20 to 30 yards long but is perfect for wading in the waves and is safe for small children. The north section of “S Turns” is a few hundred yards long and runs along the condos. The beach is only a few yards wide so the best activities are taking a stroll, lying out or, if there’s room, throwing horseshoes.
The water is the main attraction because it is warm, crystal clear, and safe from large surf and reef. Stand up paddleboards; kayaks, skin divers and snorkelers take to the water daily at “S Turns”.
The small Park has two picnic tables, two barbeques, a shower and two portable toilets. Because “S Turns” is not well known, it’s a great place to get away from the crowds and into the sun. To get there, head up Highway 30 north of Lahaina and turn left at Hoohui Rd. Take a left on Lower Honoapiilani Rd. and head south for a half a mile. The park will be on your right. You can’t miss it.