Ulua Beach Park is ideal for families looking for a wide sandy beach with good snorkeling, right in the heart of Wailea and just a stone’s throw from The Shops Of Wailea. You can’t go wrong by Ulua Beach, as it’s a beautiful light-brown sandy beach with incredible views of Kaho’olawe and the West Mau’i mountains. The water is calm and very clear, with visibility up to 20 plus feet in the early morning hours and numerous species of fish literally a few feet away from the shoreline.
Situated just south of Mokapu Beach, Ulua Beach is perfect for families with children of all ages and sizes, and you’ll find that Ulua Beach is a great place to meet new friends. The waves are not strong, with the blue water gently lapping the wide beach.
The Wailea Elua, with romantic cottages as a background, sits mountain-side of Ulua Beach. Stand on the beach in the early morning or late afternoon, and you’ll spectacular views of the 10,030 foot volcano – Haleakala. While it’s unusual to see the top of the volcano, you’ll often see rain showers high above in the later afternoon.
Facing the ocean and looking to your right, you’ll see the best place to snorkel and also see Maui’s famous ocean life of fish and coral reefs. The water is very clear in the morning and up until about 2pm, when the waves often increase in size and stir up the sandy bottom.
The water is not very deep as you enter the water, and you’ll easily have time to adjust your snorkel, mask and fins. As you snorkel along the reef system, it’ll be several minutes before the water gets over your head, so relax and enjoy the sights and sounds the underwater world offers you.
Be careful as you work around the various rocks sticking up out of the water. This beach offers a fun, almost maize-like system of rocks and reef and you’ll want to be aware of the wave conditions as you move between the rocks.
Ulua Beach is noted for a wide variety of sea life, and you’ll often see quite a few Needlefish close to the surface of the water. I did not see a Honu – Hawaii’s Green Sea Turtle on my last visit, but head out to around the 100 foot range and the point of the reef, and you have a good chance of spotting one.
Read the colorful display describing the ocean conditions just before the drop-off to the beach area. It’s a good way to learn more about the ocean life of Mau’i. Also, use the handrail on your left as the stones are often wet and slippery.
Suggestions
- Look for the Mokapu/Ulua Beach Park sign just off Wailea Alanui Drive. There is ample parking in two locations as you drive toward the water.
- Ulua Beach shares restroom and shower facilities with Mokapu Beach. The public facilities are clean and look new.
- As you approach the beach, you’ll see a small grassy hill just past the restroom facilities. Walk up for a spectacular view of Ulua Beach.
- Just past the parking area there is a drop-off location. If you have a lot of stuff with you – or an elderly person needing a shorter walk – this is an excellent place to park temporarily and load or unload.
- Ulua Beach has nice trees near the beach area, ideal for shade from the hot mid-day sun. Make sure you secure a location under one of the large trees, in case you get too much sun and need some shade.
Bonus
Ulua Beach is, literally, a short walk from Mokapu Beach. Both share the same parking area and personal restroom/shower facilities. Check out both beaches – and decide which one looks the most attractive at the time. You can’t go wrong with either beach!