Kamaole Beach Park Guide 2026: Kam I Vs Kam II Vs Kam III
May 12th, 2026
| Areas & Town Guides
Written by Maui Snorkeling, operating tours to Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens from Māʻalaea Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG-licensed captains aboard a USCG-inspected passenger vessel.
Last updated October 7, 2026
Quick Answer
Kamaole Beach Park includes three neighboring beach parks along South Kihei Road: Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III. All three have lifeguard service, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Choose Kam I for its broad sandy beach, Kam II for a convenient beach stop near shops and food, or Kam III for grassy picnic space and a playground. Swimming and snorkeling depend on the day’s conditions, and parking rules differ between locations.
Main takeaways:
Best Overall Choice: Kam III for space, families, and longer beach hangs
Most Central: Kam II for walkability and quick beach time
Classic Beach Day: Kam I for sandy beach time, volleyball, and sunset views
Best Time To Go: Mornings often bring lighter winds, but check permitted parking hours before choosing your arrival time
Parking Note: Kam I and III’s paved lots use PARK MAUI. Standard spaces are reserved for residents before 10 a.m. on weekends and County-observed holidays
If you’re staying in Kihei, you’re going to hear about the Kamaole Beach Parks. A lot. Locals love them, visitors love them, and your sunscreen definitely loves them.
But here’s the thing: Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III are three different beach parks with three different vibes. They’re close together, but they don’t feel the same once you’re actually there.
This guide helps you pick the best Kamaole Beach Park for your day, whether you want easy parking, a big grassy picnic area, a mellow swim, a quick snorkel peek, or an effortless sunset sit.
Where Are The Kamaole Beach Parks In Maui?
The Kamaole Beach Parks are in South Kihei along South Kihei Road. They’re super convenient if you’re staying in Kihei, Wailea, or anywhere in South Maui.
They’re also close to food, casual shops, and easy beach-to-beach walking, which is why they’re such a popular “we can just figure it out when we get there” beach day plan.
Kamaole Beach Park Maui At A Glance
Here’s a quick look at what to know before visiting Kamaole Beach Park
in Kihei, Maui.
Topic
Details
Area
South Kihei, Maui, along South Kihei Road
Also known as
Kamaʻole Beach Parks I, II, and III, often called
Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III
Vibe
Sunny, convenient, and family-friendly, with food and
shops nearby
Best for
Beach days, sunsets, picnics, and family outings, with
swimming and snorkeling when conditions suit your ability
Addresses
Kam I: 2400 South Kihei Road
Kam II: 2550 South Kihei Road
Kam III: 2800 South Kihei Road
Hours and parking
Check posted park hours, especially if you’re staying for
sunset. Kam I and III’s paved lots use PARK MAUI, while
Kam II has street parking. See the parking section below
for visitor fees and resident-only parking periods.
Facilities
All three parks have lifeguard service, restrooms, outdoor
showers, and picnic areas. Kam III has the most open park
space and a playground.
Note: Plan your arrival around permitted parking
hours and check ocean conditions with a lifeguard. Stay out if
the water is rough, murky, or breaking hard near shore.
These neighboring parks each offer a different kind of beach day.
Use this comparison to choose the Kamaole Beach Park that fits your
plans, whether you’re packing a picnic or walking over for beach time
and a bite to eat.
Feature
Kam I
Kam II
Kam III
Overall vibe
Classic sandy beach day with coastal views
Compact park close to food and shops
Roomy grassy park with a picnic-friendly feel
Parking
Small paved lot with PARK MAUI; check signs for any
additional parking
Street parking; follow posted restrictions and avoid
private business spaces
Larger paved lot with PARK MAUI; spaces can still fill up
Family highlights
Sandy beach time, volleyball, and sunset views
A convenient beach stop with nearby food options
Picnic space, a playground, and room for group gatherings
Snorkeling notes
Fish may be found near rocky edges when the water is
calm and clear
Snorkeling near rocky edges depends on visibility,
surf, and currents
Consider snorkeling only in calm, clear water;
avoid breaking surf and surge
Best quick tip
Check visitor parking hours before planning an early visit
Walk from nearby accommodations when practical
Bring a picnic if your group wants a longer park visit
Ocean note: Snorkeling suits experienced ocean
swimmers. Ask a lifeguard about conditions and go with a buddy.
If there’s rough surf, murky water, or a strong current, skip
swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy a picnic or coastal views from
beyond the reach of waves instead.
Parking reminder: At Kam I and III’s paved lots,
standard spaces are reserved for residents before 10 a.m. on
weekends and County-observed holidays. The beaches remain open
to everyone. See the guide below for fees and accessible-parking
provisions.
Kam I is the “easy yes” option for a straightforward beach day with good amenities and a classic South Kihei shoreline.
Parking And Access
Kam I has a paved lot, but it’s not huge, so it can fill up quickly. If parking is the main stressor of your trip, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Use our guide: Maui Beach Parking Guide 2026.
Best For
Quick beach time
Families who want restrooms and showers nearby
Easy sunset sitting
Volleyball and classic beach vibes
Snorkeling Notes
Snorkeling can be possible near rocky edges on calm, clear mornings, but Kamaole is more of a swim and chill beach day than a “guaranteed reef safari.” If it’s choppy or murky, don’t force it.
Kamaole Beach Park II
Kam II is the most “right in the middle of everything” option. It’s smaller than the others, but it’s super convenient.
Parking Reality
Kam II is known for street parking. Translation: arrive early, be patient, and have a backup plan.
Best For
Visitors who want beach plus food and walkability
Short beach sessions between other plans
People who don’t mind a little parking hunt
Snorkeling Notes
On calm, clear days, experienced ocean swimmers may find fish near the rocky edges. Ask the lifeguard about conditions and give the rocks plenty of space. If visibility is poor or the water is rough, enjoy time ashore instead.
Kamaole Beach Park III
Kam III is the big hangout. More space, a bigger beach park footprint, and that “we’re staying a while” vibe.
Parking And Amenities
Kam III generally has the most parking and the most room for spreading out. It’s also a popular spot for groups, picnics, and families.
Best For
Families who want space and a playground nearby
Picnic days and big beach setups
People who want a lively beach park feel
Water Conditions
Kam III’s shorebreak can be powerful, even when the beach looks inviting. Check with the lifeguard before swimming or bodyboarding, and skip the water when waves are breaking hard near shore. For snorkeling, wait for calm, clear conditions. The grassy park is a great place to enjoy the ocean view when the water isn’t cooperating.
Mornings often bring lighter winds and clearer water, making them a good start to your plans. Check the parking rules first, though: visitors using standard spaces at Kamaole I and III’s paved lots need to wait until 10 a.m. on weekends and County-observed holidays.
Later in the day, the parks are lovely for a picnic and sunset views. Wind and surface chop can increase, so don’t assume an afternoon ocean session will match the morning’s conditions. Check posted closing times before settling in for sunset.
Snorkeling can be a lovely addition to a Kamaole beach day when conditions cooperate. It’s best suited to experienced ocean swimmers who can swim independently.
Ask the lifeguard first: Check the day’s conditions and where to enter and exit.
Go with a buddy: Stay together and head back before you’re tired.
Give the reef room: Watch fish without standing on coral or getting pushed toward rocks.
Keep plans flexible: Rough surf, murky water, or a strong current are reasons to stay out, not switch from snorkeling to swimming.
A little parking planning makes your Kamaole beach day much easier. PARK MAUI operates in the paved lots at Kam I and Kam III, with visitor rates of $10 daily, $50 for seven consecutive days, or $150 for 30 consecutive days.
Check your arrival time: Standard spaces in these paved lots are reserved for residents before 10 a.m. on weekends and County-observed holidays. The beaches themselves remain open to everyone.
Start your parking session: Visitors can use a pay station or the PARK MAUI app. Hawaiʻi residents park free after verifying a valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license, but still need to start a session each visit.
Accessible parking: A valid, unexpired disability placard from any U.S. state allows free parking in designated accessible stalls, including during the resident-only morning period. Display it clearly.
Know which location you’re using: Kam II has street parking and isn’t listed in the current Kam I and III paved-lot parking zone. Follow the signs wherever you park.
All three parks have the basics that make a beach day comfortable: restrooms and showers. Kam III is usually the best pick if you want the biggest picnic and hangout setup. Kam II is the most compact and central.
One tip that makes everything nicer: bring a small dry bag and a simple towel plan, so you’re not juggling a wet mess while trying to leave.
Food, Sunset, And Things To Do Nearby
Kamaole is one of those places where you can do a beach day without feeling isolated. You’re in Kihei, so food and casual stores are close.
For most visitors, Kam III is the easiest overall pick because it has more space and a bigger hangout vibe. If you want the most central and walkable option, choose Kam II. If you want a classic simple beach day, start with Kam I.
Kam III has a larger paved parking area than Kam I, though availability still varies. Both paved lots use PARK MAUI, including resident-only parking in standard spaces before 10 a.m. on weekends and County-observed holidays. Kam II has street parking, so walking from nearby accommodations can be convenient.
Snorkeling can be rewarding on calm, clear days for experienced ocean swimmers, with fish often found near rocky edges. Ask the lifeguard about conditions, go with a buddy, and leave plenty of space around rocks and coral. If the water is rough or murky, stay ashore.
Yes. Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III have lifeguard service, with published daily coverage from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Lifeguard hours are different from park hours. Check with the lifeguard before entering the water and follow posted warnings.
Mornings often have lighter winds, while late afternoons are popular for picnics and sunset views. Match your arrival to the parking rules: standard spaces at Kam I and III’s paved lots are resident-only before 10 a.m. on weekends and County-observed holidays.
Bring a towel, water, reef-safe sun protection, and a simple dry bag setup. If you’re snorkeling, bring gear that fits and keep it conservative. Use our Maui Snorkeling Packing List for a full checklist.
Beach access is free. Visitor parking in Kam I and III’s paved lots uses PARK MAUI, while eligible Hawaiʻi residents can register for free parking. Separate provisions apply to designated accessible stalls. Check the parking section above and follow the signs at your chosen location.
Yes. The parks are close together along South Kihei Road. Use available sidewalks, marked crossings, and designated public beach access points. You don’t need to scramble over shoreline rocks to visit the next beach. Bring sandals and water for the walk.
Final Thoughts
Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III are all great. The best one is the one that matches your day.
If you want classic beach simplicity, start with Kam I. If you want the most central, walkable option, try Kam II. If you want more space for family hangouts and picnic energy, Kam III is your spot. And if the water looks rough or parking feels like a mini boss fight, pivot early and keep the day fun.
Sources & Updates
Before your Kamaole beach day, check current park facilities, parking rules, lifeguard hours, and ocean conditions using the resources below.
