Family-friendly, easy access beach for all ocean recreation. Free parking and good facilities.
Kahekili Beach Park – Airport Beach
Kahekili Beach Park, also known as Airport Beach, offers a long sandy stretch of picturesque beach located on the northwest coast of Maui. This beach earned the nickname “Airport Beach” from the Kaanapali Airport that was built here in 1965. Interestingly, the old runway was situated a mere 30 feet from the shoreline, making for some exhilarating flying experiences on blustery days! It is now one of the longest stretches of sandy beach on Maui and a popular destination for both locals and tourists due to its beautiful scenery, calm waters, and a range of recreational activities it offers.
Kahekili Beach Park is situated in the Kaanapali area, off Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30), just 10 minutes north from Auntie Snorkel Lahaina. Turn left on Kai Ala Drive, and follow it to the parking lot.
Parking and Access
Kahekili Beach Park is easily accessible with a free parking area right by the beach. It’s important to note that parking can get crowded during peak times, so arriving early can be a good idea.
Access to the beach is very easy with clear walkways.
Click image to access a live webcam at Kahekili Beach Park, hosted by Maui Ka’anapali Villas.
Facilities and Amenities
All the amenities you might need are present here, including outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic tables, trash and recycle bins.
The beach features soft, golden sand and is known for its calm and clear waters, making it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. The gradual slope into the ocean also makes it suitable for families with children.
Be mindful that sand can shift, so some areas get deep quickly. Always exercise caution getting in and out of the ocean.
The offshore reef at Kahekili Beach Park provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. Snorkelers can explore colorful coral formations and encounter a variety of marine life, including tropical fish and large sea turtles. In the winter months at the peak of humpback whale season, whale song is easy to hear just underwater here!
The long stretch of beach and water that gets deep relatively quickly here, combined with easy access, make Kahekili Beach one of our top spots for stand-up paddle boarding! Be sure to get started early when winds will be light, and stay close to shore.
Explore the entire length of the beach on the Ka’anapali Beach boardwalk.
Environment and Seasonal Variation
Get to Kahekili Beach early as the winds will typically start picking up by about 11am.
You’ll find little to no shade here, so be bring items like umbrellas to protect yourself from strong sun.
As with many beaches in Hawaii, it’s important for visitors to respect the environment and adhere to local regulations. Protecting the coral reefs and marine life is crucial for the long-term health of the area.
Summer months from May – September tend to offer the calmest waters, while winter months can bring more elevated surf and choppy waters. If in doubt, don’t go out!
Remember to respect the natural beauty and environment of Kahekili Beach by leaving no trace and following any posted rules and regulations. Kahekili Beach Park is a relaxed and family-friendly destination where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Maui’s coastline, partake in water activities, or simply unwind on the beach.
About
Auntie Snorkel
Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers since 1985. We're the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop 10 years ago from Auntie, we decided to keep the name. The name "Auntie" is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I'm living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island that I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We're the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you're supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We're the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic! Mahalo and Aloha”. ~Mark Noble (Owner & Maui Fun Expert)
Callie was super sweet & very helpful with locations to snorkel & very knowledgeable about the ocean conditions & visibility. I highly recommend Auntie Snorkel.
Bryan M.
Burton was the best! Very informative helpful and friendly. If you’re looking for great beach rentals or need to book some activities go to AuntieSnorkel. They have great prices and tons of great beach equipment for rent.
Dave L.
First time using Auntie Snorkel and we’ll definitely use again when we return. Cali was super helpful and got us hooked up with 2 snorkel sets (mask, snorkel, anti fog spray), 2 yellow flotation devices (highly recommend to allow you to snorkel longer without getting tired!), a small cooler, a boogie board, and a GoPro - all for about $200 for the week! I thought that was a great deal! They explained everything very thoroughly and even gave good recommendations for snorkel spots and even restaurants. When I realized after day one that I had gotten the wrong size flippers, it was super easy to just pop in and swapped them out in two minutes. Can’t recommend enough!
Scott F.
I visited Maui for the first time in two years. It was a great week for some long boarding and Burton was able to give me a map and show me where the waves were for the week!! Amazing pricing, and he showed me the best way to secure the board to my rental!
