Ma'Alaea Beach / Sugar Beach

Near Ma'Alaea Beach and Sugar Beach, there are several excellent dining options. Nalu's South Shore Grill is a top choice for its open-air, locally sourced dishes and live music atmosphere. Moose McGillycuddy's - Kihei offers a casual setting with a wide menu range. For breakfast enthusiasts, Kihei Caffe provides a hearty start to the day with omelets and cinnamon rolls. South Maui Fish Company is renowned for its fresh seafood and casual dining atmosphere. Lastly, Monkeypod Kitchen offers a stylish setting with farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine.

Sugar Beach Resort is the primary accommodation located directly on Ma'Alaea Beach. It features oceanfront rooms, a pool, whirlpool spa, and units equipped with full kitchens. The resort is central to exploring Kihei and Wailea's attractions, such as world-class golf courses and shopping centers.

For further options, nearby hotels like Kohea Kai Hotel Maui and Maui Sunset offer alternative stays with excellent reviews and amenities. These hotels provide easy access to the beach and nearby dining options.

Ma'Alaea Beach lacks typical beach amenities such as restrooms and showers. However, it offers a small parking lot with ADA-accessible stalls and an elevated coastal boardwalk for bird-watching. Nearby in Kihei, amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers are readily available.

Visitors can enjoy the tranquil natural environment of the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, which is rich in birdlife and features interpretive signs. The nearby Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea provides additional facilities and educational experiences.

Ma'Alaea Beach is perfect for those who enjoy water activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming. The beach is also ideal for long walks and beachcombing, with its extensive shoreline offering ample space to find seashells and other treasures. Bird-watching is another popular activity due to the nearby Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

During the winter months, the beach offers breathtaking views of humpback whales breaching in the ocean. Additionally, visitors can explore the tidepools and rocky outcroppings to observe marine life such as octopuses and stingrays.

Ma'Alaea Beach offers some accessibility features, including an ADA-accessible parking area and an elevated coastal boardwalk with ramps that provide easy access to the beach and views of the wildlife refuge. However, there are limited amenities and no wheelchair-accessible restrooms at the beach itself.

Nearby in Kihei, several hotels and restaurants offer wheelchair-accessible facilities, including Sugar Beach Resort, which has accessible rooms and common areas. Planning ahead to ensure accommodations are available is advisable for visitors with specific needs.

Parking at Ma'Alaea Beach is limited to a small lot with a few spaces. Visitors often park along the road if the lot is full. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot. Nearby in Kihei, larger parking facilities are available, especially at shopping centers and restaurants.

There are no parking fees for using the small beach lot, but caution should be taken not to leave valuables in the car, as theft can be a concern. For those staying at nearby resorts like Sugar Beach Resort, parking is typically included with the stay.

Ma'Alaea Beach has a unique history, being part of the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1953 to protect wetland habitats and native bird species. The beach itself is a nesting ground for the Hawaiian hawksbill turtle.

One interesting historical note is that a part of the refuge was once used as a runway for one of Maui's first airports, adding a fascinating twist to its natural beauty. The area is also known for seasonal whale watching, where visitors can observe humpback whales from the beach.

Ma'Alaea Beach is adjacent to the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, a major attraction for birdwatchers. The refuge is home to several endangered Hawaiian bird species and offers a 400-yard-long elevated boardwalk with interpretive signs.

For other nearby attractions, visitors can explore the scenic area around McGregor Point, enjoy stunning views of the Maalaea Bay, or head to the nearby town of Kihei for more diverse activities like golfing at the Wailea Golf Club or dining at local restaurants like Monkeypod Kitchen.