Poolenalena Beach stretches nearly a quarter mile along South Mauis Makena coastline where golden sand, calm swimming conditions, and excellent snorkeling around the rocky north and south points create a beloved local beach offering the combination of easy access, basic facilities including portable toilets, and the relatively uncrowded atmosphere that makes this a favorite among Maui residents seeking quality beach experiences without the tourist crowds that pack nearby Wailea resort beaches during peak seasons. Also affectionately known as Poo Beach through a shortened version of the Hawaiian name Poolenalena, this beautiful strand sits between the upscale Wailea resort area to the north and the remote wilderness beaches of Makena to the south, occupying the sweet spot where some infrastructure exists yet development remains minimal and the character stays authentic rather than resort-manufactured. Located off Makena Alanui Road approximately two miles south of Wailea resort with roadside parking along the beach access points, Poolenalena offers families, snorkelers, swimmers, and sunbathers a classic South Maui beach experience where clear turquoise water, soft sand, scattered rocks creating tide pools, and the dramatic backdrop of Haleakala volcano rising inland combine to create postcard scenery without requiring four-wheel-drive access or accepting completely zero facilities like the more remote Makena beaches further south.
Swimming and snorkeling conditions at Poolenalena Beach remain generally excellent throughout the year with the gradual slope, sandy bottom, and protected position creating safe swimming for families with children who can play in gentle surf near shore while parents supervise from the beach, though winter months occasionally bring larger south swells that create shore break requiring increased caution particularly for small children and weak swimmers. Snorkeling around the rocky points at both the north and south ends of the beach reveals healthy coral formations, lava rock structures, and the diverse marine life including Hawaiian green sea turtles, yellow tangs, parrotfish, Moorish idols, butterflyfish, and occasionally spotted eagle rays that make South Maui snorkeling exceptional, with morning hours before trade winds strengthen delivering the calmest seas and best visibility often exceeding 60 feet when conditions cooperate. The north end near the rocky point provides slightly more interesting snorkeling terrain with better coral development, while the south end offers good turtle sightings as these creatures feed on algae covering rocks and rest in the shallow protected areas between feeding excursions to deeper water. The middle section of beach features primarily sandy bottom ideal for swimming, boogie boarding, and playing in the gentle surf that characterizes calm summer conditions when families can safely enjoy the water without significant hazard concerns. Winter months from December through March deliver prime whale watching from shore as humpback whales breach, tail slap, and blow spouts in the channel between Maui and Kahoolawe Island visible offshore, adding wildlife viewing to the beach activities that make Poolenalena special.
Dining options near Poolenalena Beach require driving to nearby Wailea resort area approximately two to three miles north where upscale restaurants include Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman featuring farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a stylish setting, Ko Restaurant at the Fairmont Kea Lani offering plantation-era inspired dishes blending Asian and Hawaiian flavors, Ferraros Bar e Ristorante serving authentic Italian cuisine in a romantic oceanfront setting with sunset views, and Morimoto Maui presenting Chef Masaharu Morimotos signature Japanese-Western fusion menu at the Andaz Resort. The Shops at Wailea provides additional dining including Lineage restaurant offering contemporary cuisine with local ingredients, Tommy Bahama Restaurant Bar Store for casual resort dining, and Pita Paradise serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes in the heart of the shopping complex. Kihei town located approximately 10 minutes north offers casual dining at lower price points including South Shore Tiki Lounge featuring fresh fish and tropical drinks in a tiki bar atmosphere, 808 Bistro serving comfort food and local favorites, and various food trucks and plate lunch restaurants providing affordable options for budget-conscious visitors. The Makena area immediately surrounding Poolenalena Beach has minimal commercial development with occasional food trucks including Jaws Taco operating irregular hours, making advance meal planning essential for beach days when visitors should bring coolers with food, beverages, and snacks rather than counting on finding dining options nearby.
Parking at Poolenalena Beach consists of limited roadside spaces along Makena Alanui Road at multiple access points spaced along the beach length, with the parking areas filling by mid-morning particularly on weekends when local families and visitors combine to claim the limited spots, making early arrival before 9am advisable for securing convenient parking close to preferred beach sections. Portable toilets provide basic restroom facilities, representing more infrastructure than completely undeveloped beaches like nearby Changs Beach though still minimal compared to resort beaches with full facilities, and trash receptacles help visitors dispose of waste properly though Leave No Trace principles including packing out all trash remain the ethical approach to preserving pristine beach conditions. No showers, drinking water, shade structures, lifeguards, or other amenities exist, requiring visitors to bring all necessary supplies including portable shade for sun protection since natural shade is extremely limited along most of the beach. The beach provides no accessibility accommodations, with sandy access paths and lack of paved walkways, accessible parking, or facilities making Poolenalena challenging for visitors with mobility limitations who may find resort beaches like Wailea Beach and Polo Beach with ADA infrastructure better suited to their needs. The long beach length means crowding spreads out even during busy periods, allowing visitors to find relatively private spots by walking to the far north or south ends away from the main access points where most beachgoers concentrate, and local families often set up in favorite spots staking claim to areas with shade or good snorkel access. The excellent swimming and snorkeling, beautiful setting, basic facilities providing more than completely wild beaches yet less than developed resort beaches, and authentic local character make Poolenalena a sweet spot for visitors seeking the Maui beach experience that balances natural beauty with minimal infrastructure, where families can safely enjoy swimming, snorkelers can explore healthy reefs, and the atmosphere remains distinctly local rather than tourist-manufactured, creating the kind of genuine Hawaiian beach day that rewards those willing to accept limited parking and basic facilities in exchange for uncrowded conditions and pristine coastal beauty that defines South Maui beyond the resort developments.
