Ukumehame Beach Park is a popular coastal area for locals and visitors alike in West Maui. Its unique combination of natural beauty and roadside access make it a fun recreational destination for beginning and intermediate surfers, paddle boarders, kayakers, and families gathering for a day at the beach.
Ukumehame Beach Park is just a 15-20 drive south from Auntie Snorkel Lahaina.
Parking and Access
There is a small parking lot at Ukumehame Beach Park, but it is frequently full on a beautiful day, so an early arrival is best. Otherwise, park on hard pack sand on the beach, or parallel on the beach side of the road. Just be sure you’re fully off the road way and not blocking anyone else.
Once you’ve parked, you’re already at the beach!
Facilities and Amenities
Ukumehame beach park has minimal facilities, which include a pair of portable toilets. Be prepared to bring everything you need for a day at the beach and pack out all your opala (trash).
Snorkeling is possible here on calm water days, but not the best. Olowalu Mile Marker 14 just to the north is a much more spectacular spot for the snorkelers in your group.
This beach park is more well known for surfing. The surf spots known as “Ukumehame” and “1000 Peaks” are actually 2 distinct areas with different surf and crowds.
Ukumehame is straight out from the parking lot, and largely a right-hand reef break. More experienced local surfers frequent this spot, usually on longboards. The lineup generally works like a point break, so be aware of your etiquette. The inside of this break is very shallow and can be dangerous. This can be a soft, fun, long running wave but can also become quite large and powerful depending on the swell and conditions. Always check with local surf reports before going out.
1000 peaks is everything else – almost literally 1000 peaks! There are lots of spread out peaks breaking right and left all down the beach. This can be a fun playground for beginning and intermediate surfers alike. There is a shallow area of rocky and reefy patches between the sandy shore and the waves. So, use caution paddling out, paddling in, or catching a wave to the inside. This is a fun family surf area on knee to waist high waves. On larger swells, this area generates powerful close-out waves that are not suitable for beginners.
On calm water and calm wind days, this is a beautiful stretch to stand-up paddle board. Wind can pick up suddenly and strongly here, so stay relatively close to shore and go out early for best conditions.
Always be aware of the local forecast, your abilities, and your immediate surroundings in the water.
Environment and Seasonal Variation
The beach is characterized by a mix of soft golden sand and rocky areas. It offers clear waters and is known for its stunning views of the West Maui Mountains and the neighboring islands of Kaho’olawe and Lanai. The scenic beauty of the location is a notable feature of this beach park.
Summer south swells bring the most waves to this area, while winter will have more calm water days. This is a great spot to whale watch from shore during the humpbacks’ winter migration!
It’s important for visitors to respect the local rules and regulations, including not touching or damaging the coral, not collecting or harassing marine life, and not disturbing the natural habitat.
Remember to respect the natural beauty and environment of Ukumehame Beach Park and 1000 Peaks by leaving no trace and following any posted rules and regulations. Ukumehame Beach Park and 1000 peaks is a fun, family friendly beach destination on Maui. It provides opportunities for lots of activities such as surfing, paddle boarding, picnicking, and enjoying the spectacular coastal and mountain views.
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)
Thanks Dave for all your snorkelling tips. The gear was first rate. We saw amazing fish and coral in beautiful clear water.
Nikita D.
Great experience with Burton at the Lahaina shop
david X.
Ridiculous good value. Super friendly staff Burton was extremely helpful will rent here again!
BARBARA R.
We had such a great experience renting our surfboards here. Jake helped us out and was super friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. He made the whole process simple and gave us great recommendations for spots around Maui. Burton was also awesome and made us feel really welcome. The prices were very fair and everything was in great condition. You can really tell they care about their customers and want you to have the best time possible. We’ll definitely come back next time we’re in Maui.
