The three Kamaʻole Beach Parks (also called the Kam Beaches) lining Kīhei’s coast are all a bit different. Kam 1, the northernmost (and windiest) of the triad, is one of the best beaches on Maui for swimming. Kam 2 is essentially the same as Kam 1, but has less wind and calmer waters, making it extremely family-friendly and great for stand-up paddle boarding. Kam 3 is a lovely beach with a large grassy picnic area and a small boat launch. Read on to see why Kama’ole beaches in Maui are some of the best.
Kamaʻole Beach Park History
The Kamaʻole Beach Park area was originally the site of a vast Hawaiian fishing community, and was a recreation area for Hawaiian ali‘i (royalty). In 1778, Capt. George Vancouver landed on the Kama‘ole shores across from where the Aston Maui Lu now stands. During WWII, a large number of military personnel were stationed in Kīhei at the Navy Demolition Training Center. After the war, Kīhei remained a small, sleepy town until the tourism industry discovered the area in the 1960s. Since 1970, the Kīhei population, which was then 1,636, has ballooned to currently about 30,000 residents, and is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.
Kamaʻole Beach Parks Facilities
All three Kama‘ole Beach Parks have paved parking, picnic tables, brick barbecue grills, pavilions, lifeguards, restrooms, and showers.
Kamaʻole Beach Parks Swimming Conditions
Kama‘ole beaches in Maui offer great swimming, paddle boarding and snorkeling, especially in the morning. As with all Hawaiian beaches, check the current conditions and pay heed to all posted signs regarding ocean conditions and safety.
How to Get There
All three Kama‘ole Beach Parks are on South Kīhei Road. Kam 1 is across from the Azeka Shopping Center; Kam 2 is just before the corner of South Kīhei Road and Keonekai Road, and Kam 3 is a little further on, just past Keonekai Road.
