Palauea Beach - Beach in Wailea-Makena - , USA

Great beach! Not too busy probably because parking is at a minimum. Get there early. You can see turtles if you watch for them. Nice sandy beach, some rocks in the water so be careful. Facilities: portapotty. Lots of people snorkeling there.

One of my favorite beaches, hidden away, seldom that crowded. Not much for utilities, just one port-a-potty, now showers. Street parking, no lot.

Very busy beach, but it's a great place to see turtles swimming in the ocean. We saw them from the beach both times we were at this location. There is ample parking along the road, and it is a short path to the beach. Our daughter was married on the beach at 9 a.m., and there were already quite a few people around. We were able to find a nice spot to the left when you walked in from the parking lot. We were far from any other people over by a rocky outcropping. It was beautiful. Get to the beach early if you want a nice spot. 😉

We’ve had family photos taken here twice now. It’s just a beautiful beach.

PLenty of shade, decent snorkeling on the right (ocean facing). White rock on the left isn't that great unless you go all the way around to the other side (next beach south).

Beautiful beach with perfect size waves and a few turtles. Great for learning to snorkel and sunsets.

Great quiet beach that we visited several times on our trip. Only downside, tight parking on a residential lane, no restrooms or showers. Couple porta potties on site.

Low score = over development Higher score = beautification of the beach (alone) Such, such fond memories. OG family friends from Oahu (dad went to college in California in the early 1950’s with a good friend who was born/raised in Oahu) who was co-investors in a charming, low key, Hawaiian designed compound bungalow from the 1970s. Granted any development on the water is STILL considered UNFAIR and UNJUST to the true founders of the Hawaiian Islands. It was told to us very early on that the lands across from this Palauea Bay Beach were Hawaiian burial grounds….with an understanding nothing would ever be developed. Fast forward 10 years - my stomach! What happened?!?! Who allowed this? It’s a gross, pretentious, who has the BIG $$$ to get a slice of what was so natural and undeveloped and land of the forefathers. The beach - still beautiful, blue and amazing. Deep breaths, wonderful experience (minus the mansions). The vibe (as I said), pretentious, crowded with massive homes. We witnessed one resident yell (from one of the phat homes) to a local who was docking his boat (due to high winds) to move his vessel….what is going on here? We had a nice revisit and re-grounding, but hurts my heart of what the rich are doing to the islands.