Changs Beach sits along the Makena coastline between Wailea and Big Beach where a tiny crescent of golden sand tucked between lava rock outcrops creates one of South Mauis most intimate beach settings offering excellent snorkeling when ocean conditions cooperate, complete solitude compared to crowded resort beaches just miles north, and the pristine undeveloped character that rewards visitors willing to navigate the limited parking and zero facilities in exchange for the kind of authentic beach experience increasingly rare on Mauis developed shores. Also known as Ulupikanui Beach, this small cove accommodates only a handful of beachgoers before feeling crowded, creating the exclusive atmosphere where couples seeking romantic beach time and experienced snorkelers pursuing healthy reef encounters find the privacy and natural beauty absent from infrastructure-heavy resort areas. Located 1.5 miles south of the Fairmont Kea Lani along Makena Alanui Road near fire hydrant number 616 on the right side of the road, the beach access involves parking in limited roadside spaces and following a short trail to the sand where lava formations frame the cove and create the protected snorkel zones that make this tiny beach a gem for underwater exploration when water clarity and calm conditions align.
Snorkeling at Changs Beach ranks among Mauis finest on days when clear water and calm seas allow exploration of the healthy reef systems flanking both sides of the small cove, where tropical fish including yellow tangs, parrotfish, Moorish idols, butterflyfish, and wrasses dart among coral formations while green sea turtles occasionally glide through feeding on algae covering the rocks and surfacing for air in graceful displays that create the magical encounters snorkelers seek in Hawaiian waters. The lava rock outcrops that define the cove create natural barriers blocking alongshore current and protecting the bay from wave action during normal trade wind conditions, though direct south swell exposure means summer storms can generate surf that creates dangerous conditions transforming the normally calm cove into a churning mass of white water unsuitable for entry. Morning hours between 7am and 10am deliver the calmest seas, best visibility often exceeding 70 feet, and smallest crowds before the limited parking fills and afternoon winds roughen surface conditions, making sunrise the optimal time for serious snorkelers planning extended underwater exploration. The sandy beach area remains extremely small with zero shade from the intense tropical sun, requiring visitors to bring portable umbrellas or shade structures for extended sessions and plan accordingly since no trees or natural shelter exist, and high tide reduces the already minimal sand to nearly nothing, making tide timing important for visitors wanting actual beach space beyond just water access.
The remote location between Wailea resort area and the Makena coastline means no dining options exist at or near Changs Beach, requiring visitors to bring all food and beverages or rely on nearby Wailea and Kihei for restaurants including Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman offering Hawaiian regional cuisine with farm-to-table ingredients approximately three miles north in Wailea, Ko Restaurant at the Fairmont Kea Lani featuring plantation-era inspired dishes in upscale settings, and the various resort dining options at The Shops at Wailea including Lineage, Tommy Bahama Restaurant Bar Store, and Pita Paradise. Portable toilets are available at nearby Poolenalena Beach located less than half a mile south, providing the nearest facilities for visitors needing restrooms during beach sessions at Changs. Kihei town approximately 15 minutes north offers grocery stores, casual plate lunch restaurants, shave ice stands, and beach supply shops including Boss Frogs and Snorkel Bobs for renting underwater equipment, purchasing reef-safe sunscreen, and obtaining the provisions needed for self-sufficient beach days at remote locations lacking services. The small food truck scene in Makena including Jaws Taco provides casual Mexican fare, though hours can be irregular and visitors should not rely on finding food trucks operating without advance confirmation.
Parking at Changs Beach consists of limited roadside spaces along Makena Alanui Road that accommodate perhaps half a dozen vehicles before becoming full, with overflow parking along the road creating potential traffic hazards and requiring careful attention to not blocking access for emergency vehicles or local residents, making early morning arrival before 8am essential for securing legal parking spots near the beach access trail. No facilities exist at this completely undeveloped beach including no restrooms, showers, drinking water, shade structures, trash receptacles, or lifeguards, requiring visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all waste, bringing sufficient water and supplies, and leaving the pristine beach cleaner than found. The nearest facilities including portable toilets are at Poolenalena Beach approximately 1000 feet south, making the short walk necessary for restroom access since Changs itself offers absolutely zero infrastructure. The complete absence of shade makes sun protection essential including reef-safe sunscreen applied frequently, protective clothing such as rash guards, wide-brimmed hats, and portable shade structures for breaks from direct sun exposure that can cause burns and heat exhaustion during extended beach sessions. The tiny beach size means groups larger than four to six people will find space inadequate, making Changs ideal for couples and small groups seeking intimate settings rather than families or large parties requiring substantial sand space for equipment, games, and group activities. The excellent snorkeling when conditions cooperate, profound solitude, pristine undeveloped character, and intimate cove setting make Changs Beach a treasure for experienced beach users who value natural beauty and healthy reefs over facilities and convenience, though the limited parking, zero infrastructure, tiny size, and exposure to south swells that can create dangerous conditions mean this beach rewards planning, flexibility to visit alternative locations when conditions are poor, and realistic expectations that Changs delivers premium snorkeling and solitude in exchange for accepting minimal amenities and the kind of authentic undeveloped beach experience that defines South Maui's character beyond the resort zones.
