Wailea Beach in South Maui is one of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its soft sand, resort-style amenities, and calm waters in the morning. But if you’re planning a family trip, you might be wondering: Is snorkeling Wailea Beach with kids a good idea? This guide covers everything parents need to know, including the safest snorkeling areas, best times to visit, entry points, and practical tips to keep your family safe while enjoying the water.
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Getting to Wailea Beach: Parking and Facilities
Wailea Beach sits just south of Kihei and serves as the beachfront for two major resorts—the Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons Maui. Despite this, it’s still a public beach, and families are welcome to visit, use the facilities, and explore the area.
- Public parking: There’s a relatively large lot, but it fills up early—especially in high season. Arrive before 9 a.m. for the best chance at a spot.
- Facilities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, a barbecue area, and a picnic table are available. These are helpful for families planning a longer beach day.
- Best time to visit: Mornings are ideal. As with many South Maui beaches, wind and surf conditions worsen in the afternoon, reducing visibility and making snorkeling harder for beginners.
Looking for more family snorkeling spots nearby? Check out our guide to Snorkeling with Kids in Kihei
Safety Tips for Snorkeling at Wailea Beach with Kids
Wailea Beach’s popularity comes with a downside: it gets crowded. The Grand Wailea and Four Seasons offer water sport rentals—kayaks, paddleboards, and boogie boards—which can create hazards for snorkelers, especially younger ones.
Parents should note:
- Many guests renting equipment are inexperienced and may not see snorkelers in the water.
- Stay alert and maintain distance from paddleboard and kayak zones.
- Consider brightly colored rash guards or snorkeling floats to make kids more visible.
If you have beginner swimmers or young snorkelers, stick close to the calmer areas and avoid venturing too far from shore unless they are very comfortable in the water.
Best Entry Point for Snorkeling
To enter the water, simply walk to either end of the beach and step in barefoot. The sandy bottom makes it easy for kids. Once you’re floating, you can help your child put on fins and a mask.
Where to Snorkel at Wailea Beach: Right vs. Left End
Right End (North Side): Best for Families
If you’re choosing between the two ends of the beach, the right end (when facing the ocean) is usually better for snorkeling—especially for families.
- Healthier coral: More vibrant and structured reef areas after swimming out past the first few coral fingers.
- More marine life: Higher likelihood of seeing fish and sea turtles (parents report spotting three turtles in one trip).
- Recommended swim route: Swim out about 850 feet (roughly a 10–15 minute swim depending on experience) and curve around the point until you’re facing the nearby condos. That’s where visibility and reef quality improve.
- Depth: Visibility improves at about 10 feet deep, making it suitable for confident kids with snorkeling experience.
💡 Parents of strong swimmers might consider snorkeling to Ulua Beach and back—a nearly 1-mile round trip. For most families, this is a bit long unless you’re confident in your kids’ stamina.
Left End (South Side): Skip or Use with Caution
Snorkeling past the left end of Wailea Beach is possible, but the water is often murky due to kicked-up sand from swimmers and wave action.
- Near shore: Poor visibility and sparse coral/fish life.
- Better spot: Swim out about 900 feet to the point near the large tree. Past this, the coral gets healthier and fish populations increase slightly.
- Depth: Around 15 feet.
- Beyond this: The reef becomes a boring sandy flat with little to see. You can continue to Polo Beach if you’re experienced and want a longer swim (~1 mile round trip), but this is not recommended for younger kids.
For most families, the left end isn’t worth the effort unless you have older teens who are strong swimmers.
Snorkeling Video at Wailea Beach
Final Tips for Families Snorkeling Wailea Beach
- Go early: Morning hours mean better visibility, calmer water, and easier parking.
- Bring your own gear: Rentals from the resorts can be pricey and sometimes limited in child sizes.
- Use flotation devices: For younger kids or beginner snorkelers, bring a pool noodle or snorkeling vest for safety.
- Avoid mid-day crowds: As the beach gets busier, the water conditions deteriorate and collisions with paddleboarders become more likely.
Is Wailea Beach Worth It for Family Snorkeling?
Wailea Beach offers solid snorkeling, especially on the right end of the beach. While it’s not the most beginner-friendly spot on Maui due to resort activity and crowding, it can be a great experience if you plan well and arrive early. For parents with confident swimmers or teens, the right end has enough marine life and coral to make it worth your time.
Families with younger kids may want to consider nearby alternatives like Ulua Beach or check out our guide to the Best Snorkeling Beaches in Maui for Families.
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.
