Planning a family beach day in South Maui? Snorkeling Ulua Beach with kids is one of the best ways to enjoy Wailea’s calm waters, vibrant marine life, and family-friendly shoreline. This crescent-shaped bay offers gentle waves, a shallow reef close to shore, and clean public facilities — perfect for young snorkelers and first-time swimmers alike.
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Why Ulua Beach Is Great for Families
Ulua Beach is located between Mokapu Beach and the Andaz Resort in Wailea. The beach itself is a gently sloping bay with soft white sand, calm morning waters, and a nearby reef that starts just feet from shore. The layout makes it easy for kids to enter the water, try out snorkeling gear, or enjoy shallow swimming close to parents.
The reef, found near the north end of the beach, creates an accessible underwater experience that doesn’t require strong swimming skills. This is especially reassuring for parents introducing younger children to snorkeling.
Highlights for families:
- Calm conditions (especially in the morning)
- Easy snorkeling access right from shore
- Clean bathrooms and outdoor showers
- Free public parking nearby
- Partial shade under trees lining the back of the beach
Where to Snorkel at Ulua Beach
Snorkeling at Ulua Beach is best on the north side, where the reef begins and stretches toward Mokapu Beach. This area has rocky outcroppings and lava formations that support a healthy reef system, making it ideal for spotting tropical fish and even Hawaiian green sea turtles.
For beginners and younger kids, the shallows closer to shore offer plenty of marine life without the need to venture far. More experienced snorkelers can explore deeper along the reef’s edge, where depths reach 10–15 feet and visibility is often excellent.
Marine life to watch for:
- Hawaii’s state fish: the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa
- Goatfish (weke) and mountain bass (aholehole)
- Red pencil urchins (look, but don’t touch!)
- Occasional green sea turtles feeding on algae-covered rocks
Remember to keep a safe distance from all marine life and never touch turtles, which are protected under federal law.
Snorkeling Video at Ulua Beach
Swimming Conditions at Ulua Beach
Ulua Beach is known for its calm, swimmable waters — especially in the early morning before trade winds pick up. The beach is protected from strong currents, and the sandy bottom makes for a comfortable and safe swimming area.
While there are no lifeguards on duty, most families find it easy to supervise kids thanks to the wide, open layout of the beach and gentle water slope.
Facilities and Parking
Ulua Beach is well-equipped for families planning to spend a few hours or even a full day. There are clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and trash/recycling bins to help keep things tidy. While there are no picnic tables or BBQ grills, many families bring blankets or beach chairs and set up under the shade near the trees.
Facility Overview:
| Facility | Available? |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | ✔️ Yes |
| Showers | ✔️ Yes |
| Free Parking | ✔️ Yes (limited) |
| Lifeguards | ❌ No |
| BBQ Grills | ❌ No |
| Picnic Tables | ❌ No |
| Playground | ❌ No |
The main parking lot for Ulua/Mokapu Beaches is located just south of the Andaz Resort. Look for a yellow gate and a beach access sign. The walk to the sand is short and stroller-friendly. However, the lot fills up early — arriving before 9 AM is recommended during busy travel seasons.
Tips for Visiting Ulua Beach with Kids
- Arrive early for parking and the calmest ocean conditions.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to help protect Maui’s coral ecosystems.
- Pack a pop-up shade or beach umbrella, since shady spots are limited.
- Use water shoes or reef socks for kids with sensitive feet.
- Bring snorkel vests or flotation belts for younger or less confident swimmers.
- Pack snacks and water — there are no concessions at the beach.
For more snorkeling tips for beginners, check out our Family Snorkeling Guide to Maui.
Nearby Beaches and Things to Do
If Ulua Beach gets crowded or you want to explore more of Wailea’s coastline, consider checking out these nearby family-friendly beaches:
- Polo Beach – quiet and scenic, with mellow snorkeling conditions.
- Wailea Beach – beautiful but busier, with more space to spread out.
Final Thoughts: Is Ulua Beach Worth a Visit?
Yes! For families visiting Wailea or South Maui, Ulua Beach is a top choice for beginner snorkeling, easy swimming, and a relaxed beach day. With just enough marine life to keep kids excited and enough space to set up comfortably, it’s the kind of beach you’ll want to return to during your trip.
Just be sure to arrive early, pack responsibly, and leave the beach better than you found it.
More South Maui Guides for Families:
- Best Snorkeling Beaches in South Maui for Kids
- Top Family Hikes on Maui
- What to Pack for a Maui Beach Day with Kids
Have you seen our ranked lists?
Top family friendly Maui hotels
Beaches: Amazing Hawaii – here are the best beaches in Maui ranked
Fun kids activities in Maui
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on Maui.
