Discovering the Hidden Gem of Maui: Lipoa Street Beach
Quick Facts About Lipoa Street Beach
Lipoa Street Beach is located at the northern end of Kihei on Maui’s south shore, accessible via West Lipoa Street with limited street parking and no facilities.
Before we dive deeper, here’s what you need to know at a glance:
- Location: North end of Kihei, South Maui
- Size: Small beach, approximately 500 feet long
- Parking: Limited street parking at end of West Lipoa Street
- Facilities: None (no bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, or grills)
- Lifeguard: No (see our Maui beach safety guide for tips)
- Best for: Sunset viewing, turtle spotting, photography
- Not ideal for: Swimming, families with young kids
- Crowd level: Usually quiet, mostly locals
The lack of amenities is actually what keeps this beach relatively empty. I think that’s a fair trade-off, though you’ll want to plan accordingly.
How to Actually Find Lipoa Street Beach
To reach Lipoa Street Beach, turn off South Kihei Road onto West Lipoa Street and drive to the very end where you’ll find a few parking spots and beach access.
Okay, so finding this beach is pretty straightforward, but I’ve seen people drive right past it because it’s not exactly well-marked. Here’s how to get there:
Driving Directions
From South Kihei: Head north on South Kihei Road. Turn left onto West Lipoa Street (it’s a residential street, so keep your eyes open). Drive all the way to the end of the road. You’ll see the beach access and a few parking spots.
From North Kihei or Maalaea: Drive south on South Kihei Road and turn right onto West Lipoa Street. Same deal—go to the end of the road.
For GPS: Just search “Lipoa Street Beach” or plug in “West Lipoa Street, Kihei, HI 96753” and it’ll get you there.
Parking Situation (It’s Limited)
Parking at Lipoa Street Beach is limited to a handful of street-side spots at the end of West Lipoa Street, so arrive early or be prepared to walk from nearby lots.
Here’s the thing about parking—there are maybe 3-4 spots right at the beach access, and that’s it. On weekends or at sunset, these spots go quickly. I usually arrive at least 30-45 minutes before sunset to snag a spot.
If those spots are taken (and they often are), you have a couple options. There are some public beach access points along Uluniu Road where you might find parking. Or you can park at one of the nearby Kihei beaches and walk. It’s not a long walk, but in the heat of the day, it can feel longer than it is.
Pro tip I learned the hard way: Don’t park in front of people’s driveways or on any clearly marked private property. Kihei residents are generally friendly, but they don’t appreciate tourists blocking their homes. Fair enough, really.
What the Beach is Actually Like
Lipoa Street Beach has coarse golden sand, a row of iconic palm trees, and typically calm but murky waters with rocky areas—it’s more of a sunset and turtle-watching beach than a swimming beach.
I want to be honest with you here because I’ve read other guides that maybe oversell this place a bit. Lipoa Street Beach is charming in its own way, but it’s not what most people picture when they think “Hawaiian beach.”
The Sand and Beach Layout
The sand here is coarse—not that fine, soft sand you’ll find at some of the resort beaches down in Wailea. It’s a golden-beige color mixed with coral fragments and, honestly, usually some seaweed and debris. When I visited last month, there were a few pieces of trash scattered around, which unfortunately seems pretty common based on what other visitors report.
The beach is fairly narrow, maybe 20-30 feet from the vegetation line to the water at high tide. It’s not a big sprawling beach where you can play beach volleyball or anything. It’s more intimate, I guess you could say. The row of palm trees along the back of the beach is really the standout feature—they’re tall, they lean out toward the water in some spots, and they create fantastic photo opportunities.
Water Conditions and Swimming
Swimming at Lipoa Street Beach is possible but not ideal due to rocky areas, occasional debris, and murky water—most visitors come here for sunset viewing rather than water activities.
Look, I’m going to level with you: this isn’t a great swimming beach. The water is usually calm, which is nice, but it’s often a bit murky. There are rocks in spots, and you’ll sometimes see floating debris. I’ve waded in a few times, but I’ve never gone for a proper swim here.
The water temperature is typical for South Maui—around 75-80°F year-round, which feels pretty perfect. But the visibility just isn’t great for snorkeling like you’d find at some of the better snorkeling spots in South Maui. I think there might be some fish around the rocky areas, but I’ve never seen anyone snorkeling here with any success.
If you’re looking for good swimming beaches in the area, I’d honestly point you toward the Kamaole beaches or Keawakapu Beach instead. Those are much better suited for families and swimmers.
The Famous Palm Trees
Now, these palm trees—they’re kind of the whole reason to come here for photos. There’s something about the way they frame the sunset that just works. I’ve taken probably a hundred photos here, and I keep coming back because every sunset is different. The trees create these dramatic silhouettes, and if you time it right, you can get the sun setting right between the trunks.
A lot of locals and photographers know about this spot for exactly this reason. It’s not a secret exactly, but it’s not on most tourist radars either, which I personally appreciate.
Green Sea Turtles (Honu) at Lipoa Street Beach
Green sea turtles frequently rest on Lipoa Street Beach in the late afternoon and evening, making it one of the more reliable spots in Kihei for turtle sightings.
This is honestly the main draw of Lipoa Street Beach for me. The honu (green sea turtles) like to haul out here in the afternoons to rest, and I’d say maybe 60-70% of the time I visit around sunset, there’s at least one turtle on the beach.
When and Where to Spot Them
The best time to see turtles is typically late afternoon into evening. I’ve had the most luck arriving between 5:00-6:30 PM. They’ll often rest on the sand near the rocks at either end of the beach. Sometimes they’re right in the middle, just chilling like they own the place—which, I suppose, they kind of do.
I remember one evening last year, there were three turtles all resting within about 20 feet of each other. Everyone on the beach was just sitting there quietly watching them. It was actually kind of magical in a low-key way.
Important Etiquette and Rules
Maintain at least 10 feet distance from sea turtles, never touch or feed them, and avoid blocking their path to the ocean—these are protected endangered species with strict federal laws.
Okay, this is really important, and I’ve seen too many tourists mess this up: green sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act. You must stay at least 10 feet away from them. Don’t touch them, don’t try to feed them, don’t chase them into the water for a photo. Just don’t.
I’ve seen people get way too close trying to get selfies, and it’s not okay. The turtles come to shore to rest and warm up. Stressing them out defeats the whole purpose. If you want to learn more about how to safely observe wildlife in Hawaii, check out our comprehensive beach safety guide.
Also, never block their path to the ocean. If a turtle wants to go back in the water, move out of the way. They’ll usually just sit there, but you never know.
Best Time to Visit Lipoa Street Beach
The best time to visit Lipoa Street Beach is during sunset (5:00-7:00 PM depending on season) when green turtles are most likely to appear and the palm trees create dramatic silhouettes.
Okay, so timing really matters with this beach. Unlike some beaches where you can show up anytime and have a great experience, Lipoa Street Beach has definite sweet spots.
Time of Day
Sunset hours are optimal, hands down. This is when the lighting is beautiful, the turtles often appear, and the beach has this peaceful, golden-hour glow. I’d say arrive about 45 minutes before actual sunset to get parking and settle in.
Early morning can be nice too—it’s usually empty, and you might see some locals walking their dogs. The light isn’t as dramatic, but if you’re just looking for a quiet spot to sit and think, mornings work well.
Midday is honestly the worst time. There’s not a ton of shade (just what the palm trees provide), the sand gets hot, and there’s really no compelling reason to be here during the heat of the day. The water isn’t inviting enough to make it worth it.
Best Months and Seasons
April through October offers the best weather for visiting Lipoa Street Beach, with less rain and calmer water conditions typical of Maui’s dry season.
South Maui, where Kihei is located, is generally sunny year-round. But if I had to pick the absolute best months, I’d say April through October. This is Maui’s dry season, and you’ll have the best chance of clear sunsets with minimal rain.
That said, I’ve visited in January and February, and it’s still perfectly nice. You might get some rain showers, and the water can be a bit choppier in winter, but the temperatures are still in the mid-70s to low 80s. It’s definitely not bad.
The summer months (June-September) can get a bit hot—temperatures in the high 80s or even low 90s some days. Bring extra water and be prepared to sweat a bit if you’re visiting during summer afternoons.
If you’re trying to avoid crowds (not that this beach gets super crowded), weekdays are better than weekends. And shoulder season months like April-May and September-October tend to have fewer tourists overall in Kihei while still maintaining great weather.
Sunset Times Throughout the Year
Sunset times vary quite a bit depending on the time of year. In summer (June-July), sunset can be as late as 7:00-7:15 PM. In winter (December-January), it’s more like 5:45-6:00 PM. Check the sunset time for your specific visit date so you don’t miss it.
What to Bring to Lipoa Street Beach
Since Lipoa Street Beach has zero facilities, bring everything you’ll need including water, snacks, sunscreen, a towel, and a beach chair or mat—and pack out all your trash.
This is crucial: there are NO facilities at Lipoa Street Beach. No bathrooms, no showers, no water fountains, no snack shack, nothing. You’re on your own, so plan accordingly.
Essential Items
- Water: Bring more than you think you need. I usually bring at least two bottles per person, especially if visiting in the afternoon heat.
- Sunscreen: Reef-safe sunscreen is required by law in Hawaii. The sun here is no joke, even late in the day.
- Towel or beach mat: The sand is coarse and sometimes has debris, so you’ll want something to sit on.
- Beach chair: Optional but nice, especially if you’re planning to stay for a while.
- Hat and sunglasses: For sun protection, obviously.
- Camera or phone: The sunset photo opportunities are really the whole point for many visitors.
- Trash bag: Please, please pack out your trash. There are no trash cans here, and the beach already has a bit of a litter problem.
Nice-to-Have Items
- Snacks: If you’re staying through sunset, you might get hungry.
- Light jacket or cover-up: Sometimes it gets breezy in the evening, and you might want an extra layer.
- Sandals or water shoes: The sand can get hot, and there are rocks in some areas.
- Beach umbrella: If you’re visiting during the day, shade is limited.
- Binoculars: For watching the turtles from a respectful distance or spotting whales offshore during winter months.
A word about bathrooms: the closest public restrooms are at the Kamaole Beach Parks or at shopping centers along South Kihei Road. Plan your bathroom breaks before coming to Lipoa Street Beach. I learned this the hard way my first visit.
What to Actually Do at Lipoa Street Beach
Lipoa Street Beach is primarily for relaxation, turtle watching, sunset viewing, and beach photography—it’s not an activities-focused beach.
So here’s the thing: if you’re looking for a beach where you can do a bunch of activities, this isn’t it. Lipoa Street Beach is more of a “sit, relax, observe” kind of place. And I think that’s perfectly fine—not every beach needs to be an adventure.
Sunset Watching and Photography
This is the main event. The combination of those palm trees, the western-facing shore, and the often-colorful Maui sunsets creates some really beautiful scenes. I’ve experimented with different camera angles here—shooting from low to the sand to make the palms look taller, shooting from farther back to include more of the beach, getting close-ups of the palm fronds silhouetted against the orange sky.
If you’re into photography, this is a great spot to practice golden hour and sunset shots. The light changes quickly, so you’ll want to arrive early and stick around until the sun fully sets. Sometimes the best colors come 10-15 minutes after the sun drops below the horizon.
Turtle Watching
As I mentioned earlier, this is a reliable spot for seeing green sea turtles. Bring a book or something to do while you wait, because sometimes they show up fashionably late. But it’s always worth it when they do.
Remember: watch from a distance, stay quiet, and let them do their thing. That’s the whole experience right there.
Walking and Beachcombing
You can walk along the beach, though it’s not particularly long. At low tide, you can walk south toward other Kihei beaches. Some people like to look for shells and coral fragments, though honestly, I haven’t found anything particularly remarkable here.
The rocky areas at the ends of the beach can be interesting to explore, but watch your step—the rocks can be slippery and sharp.
What Lipoa Street Beach is NOT Good For
Let me save you some disappointment:
- Swimming: Water is too murky and rocky
- Snorkeling: Poor visibility, better options nearby
- Surfing/Bodyboarding: Wrong type of beach break
- Beach sports: Too small and narrow
- Kids’ beach day: No facilities, not much to do for children
- All-day beach hangout: Limited shade, no amenities
For those activities, I’d really recommend checking out our guide to the best beaches in Kihei where you’ll find better options.
Safety Considerations at Lipoa Street Beach
Lipoa Street Beach has no lifeguards and limited safety resources, so visitors should be aware of potential ocean hazards and take personal responsibility for their safety.
Since this is an unguarded beach with no facilities, you need to be a bit more self-sufficient here than at some of the more developed beaches. I don’t mean to sound alarmist—it’s generally a safe beach—but there are some things to keep in mind.
Ocean Hazards
No lifeguards: This is probably the biggest safety consideration. If something goes wrong in the water, you’re on your own until emergency services arrive. That’s one more reason I don’t recommend swimming here unless you’re a confident ocean swimmer.
Rip currents: While the water is usually calm, rip currents can occur at any beach. If you do wade in and feel yourself being pulled out, don’t panic. Swim parallel to shore until you’re out of the current, then swim back to beach. For more detailed safety information, check out our complete Maui beach safety guide.
Rocks and coral: There are rocky areas that can be sharp. Wear water shoes if you’re going in. I’ve seen people cut their feet on hidden rocks, and it’s not fun.
Jellyfish: Occasionally present, especially in the 8-10 days after a full moon. If you see jellyfish warnings posted anywhere in Kihei, be cautious.
Sun and Heat Safety
The Hawaiian sun is intense, even late in the day. I cannot stress enough how important sunscreen is. Reapply every couple hours, especially if you get wet. Dehydration is also a real concern—I mentioned bringing extra water, and I meant it.
If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or develop a headache, you might be getting too much sun or becoming dehydrated. Find shade (maybe under the palm trees or in your car), drink water, and cool down.
Personal Safety
Lipoa Street Beach is generally safe in terms of crime, but like anywhere, use common sense. Don’t leave valuables visible in your car. Keep your phone and wallet with you. I’ve never felt unsafe here, but I also don’t leave my stuff unattended and wander off.
At dusk and after dark, the beach isn’t well-lit. Bring a flashlight if you’re planning to stay after sunset. The walk back to your car will be easier, and you won’t trip over any debris or uneven ground.
Wildlife Safety
We’ve already talked about keeping your distance from sea turtles. I’ll add that you should never attempt to touch any marine life. Also, while rare, monk seals occasionally haul out on Kihei beaches. Same rules apply—stay back, don’t approach, just observe from a distance.
Where to Eat Near Lipoa Street Beach
Lipoa Street Beach is in north Kihei with numerous dining options within a 5-10 minute drive along South Kihei Road, ranging from casual fish tacos to sit-down restaurants.
One nice thing about this beach’s location is that you’re close to a bunch of good restaurants in Kihei. After watching the sunset, you can grab dinner nearby. Here are some places I’ve personally tried and can recommend.
Casual and Quick
Coconut’s Fish Cafe (1279 S Kihei Rd) – This is probably my go-to spot after a beach day. Their fish tacos are legitimately excellent, and the prices are reasonable. It’s casual—you order at the counter and find a table. The fish is fresh, and they have options for non-seafood eaters too. Expect a bit of a wait during peak dinner hours.
Nalu’s South Shore Grill (1280 S Kihei Rd) – Right across from Coconut’s, Nalu’s has a more extensive menu with burgers, Hawaiian-inspired dishes, and good cocktails. They have live music on weekends, which is fun. The atmosphere is laid-back, and it’s popular with both locals and tourists.
Sit-Down Restaurants
Pita Paradise (34 Wailea Gateway Pl) – If you want something a bit different, this Mediterranean place is really good. Their gyros and falafel are solid, and the baklava is house-made. It’s a bit more of a drive (toward Wailea), but worth it if you’re craving something other than typical beach food.
For a comprehensive list of dining options in the area, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Kihei where I cover everything from breakfast spots to fine dining.
Grocery and Snacks
If you want to grab supplies before heading to the beach, there’s a Safeway and Foodland in Kihei. The Azeka Shopping Center (1279 S Kihei Rd) has a variety of shops and eateries too.
Other Things to Do Near Lipoa Street Beach
Lipoa Street Beach is centrally located in Kihei, giving easy access to other South Maui beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and the Maui Ocean Center within 10-20 minutes.
If you’re spending time in Kihei, you’ll probably want to explore beyond just Lipoa Street Beach (as nice as it is for sunset). The good news is you’re well-positioned to check out a lot of other cool spots in South Maui.
Other Kihei Beaches
The Kamaole Beach Parks (Kam I, II, and III) are all within a few minutes’ drive south. These are much better for swimming, have facilities, lifeguards, and are great for families. Kam III especially is popular with bodyboarders. Our complete Kihei beaches guide breaks down all 15 beaches in the area if you want to beach-hop.
Keawakapu Beach is a beautiful, less-crowded beach that’s better for swimming and snorkeling than Lipoa. It’s a bit more of a walk from parking, but it’s worth it.
Snorkeling and Water Activities
For actual snorkeling, you’ll want to go elsewhere. Ulua Beach and Mokapu Beach in Wailea are excellent for snorkeling, especially in the morning. You can also book a boat trip to Molokini Crater, which is one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii. Tours typically leave from Maalaea Harbor or Kihei Boat Ramp.
I’ve written a whole guide about where to snorkel in South Maui with detailed information about marine life, best times to go, and equipment rentals.
Cultural and Educational Attractions
Maui Ocean Center (192 Maalaea Rd) – This is a great aquarium showcasing Hawaiian marine life. If you’re interested in learning more about the sea turtles you might see at Lipoa Street Beach, or about Hawaii’s ocean ecosystems in general, it’s worth a visit. It’s about a 15-minute drive north from Lipoa Street Beach.
Iao Valley State Park – If you want to see some of Maui’s lush interior, this valley is gorgeous. There’s the iconic Iao Needle, easy walking trails, and it’s historically significant. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Kihei.
Shopping
For souvenirs or supplies, the Azeka Shopping Center is right in Kihei and has a mix of local shops and practical stores. If you want more upscale shopping, The Shops at Wailea has boutiques, art galleries, and high-end stores.
The Maui Swap Meet (Saturdays only, in Kahului) is fun for finding local crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs. It’s a bit of a drive but has that authentic local market vibe.
Sunset Alternatives
If you want to see sunset from different vantage points during your trip, there are several other great sunset viewing spots in South Maui. Wailea Beach Walk offers beautiful views, and the restaurants along the coast often have sunset-view dining.
My Personal Take on Lipoa Street Beach
I’ve probably been to Lipoa Street Beach a dozen times now over several trips to Maui, and I keep going back. Not because it’s the best beach on the island—it objectively isn’t—but because it has this quiet, unpretentious quality that I really appreciate.
The first time I went, I was actually a bit disappointed. I’d read something about it being a “hidden gem,” and I think I was expecting more. The sand was rougher than I anticipated, there was some trash around, and the water didn’t look inviting. But then the sun started setting, and those palm trees created these incredible silhouettes, and a turtle showed up and just… sat there, resting. And I got it.
This isn’t a beach for doing activities. It’s a beach for being present. For watching the sky change colors. For observing a 300-pound sea turtle breathe slowly while resting on the sand. For sitting in the sand and feeling that particular kind of peace that comes from being somewhere quiet and beautiful.
I think the lack of facilities actually adds to this experience, weirdly enough. Because there’s no infrastructure, there’s no crowd. Because it’s not great for swimming, families with energetic kids go elsewhere. What you’re left with is mostly locals, photographers, and travelers who’ve figured out that this is a special spot despite—or perhaps because of—its imperfections.
That said, I’ve also learned to manage my expectations. I don’t come here hoping to spend hours. I usually visit for sunset, stay until the light fades, and then head to dinner. It’s perfect for that. But I wouldn’t recommend making this your only beach visit in Kihei, especially if you’re traveling with kids or really want that classic Hawaiian beach experience.
If you’re deciding between staying in Kihei or Wailea, know that spots like Lipoa Street Beach are part of Kihei’s charm—it’s less polished, more local, and you’ll find hidden spots like this that resort areas don’t really have.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
To make the most of Lipoa Street Beach, arrive 45 minutes before sunset, bring all necessary supplies, respect the turtles, and have a backup plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Here are some final tips based on my experiences:
Timing Your Visit
- Arrive 45-60 minutes before sunset to get parking and find a good spot
- Check sunset time for your specific date before going
- Weekday evenings are generally less crowded than weekends
- Mornings are nice if you want total solitude, but you’ll miss the turtles and dramatic lighting
Photography Tips
- Shoot from different angles—low to the sand makes the palms look taller
- Stay through the blue hour after sunset; sometimes the best colors come late
- If there’s a turtle, photograph from a distance and use zoom
- Bracketed exposures work well for the high dynamic range of sunset
- The silhouettes of palms are often more striking than trying to expose for foreground detail
What to Expect
- This is not a pristine, manicured beach—there will likely be some debris
- Turtles appear frequently but not every single evening
- There will probably be other people, especially photographers, but it rarely feels crowded
- Parking can be challenging at peak times
- The experience is weather-dependent; cloudy days won’t have dramatic sunsets
Beach Etiquette
- Keep noise to a minimum; people come here for peace
- Pack out everything you bring in—there are no trash cans
- Give turtles at least 10 feet of space (it’s the law)
- Be respectful of locals who live nearby
- Don’t blast music; this is a quiet beach
- If you’re taking photos of the turtles, don’t use flash
If the Weather’s Bad
If it’s raining or super cloudy, honestly, skip Lipoa Street Beach. The whole appeal is the sunset, and if you can’t see it, there’s not much reason to be here. Check out one of the covered Kihei beaches instead, or explore some of the indoor attractions like the Maui Ocean Center.
How Lipoa Street Beach Compares to Other Kihei Beaches
Lipoa Street Beach is quieter and less developed than Kamaole beaches but also has fewer amenities and is less suitable for swimming—it’s best for sunset viewing while other Kihei beaches are better for water activities.
Since Kihei has about 15 different beach access points, it’s worth understanding how Lipoa Street stacks up.
Lipoa Street Beach vs. Kamaole Beaches
The Kamaole beaches (especially Kam I and II) are much better for families. They have facilities, lifeguards, softer sand, and better swimming. They’re also more crowded. If you want a full beach day with swimming and picnicking, go to Kamaole. If you want a quiet sunset spot, come to Lipoa.
Lipoa Street Beach vs. Keawakapu Beach
Keawakapu is longer, has better snorkeling, and better swimming. It’s also less developed (no lifeguards), so in that way it’s similar to Lipoa. But Keawakapu doesn’t have the palm trees and isn’t as good for sunset viewing. I’d say Keawakapu is better for a morning beach visit, Lipoa is better for evening.
Lipoa Street Beach vs. Charley Young Beach
Charley Young is a small beach with decent snorkeling and swimming. It’s more of an “all-around” beach than Lipoa, which is more specialized for sunset viewing. If you only have time for one beach, Charley Young might be the better choice for most people.
For a detailed comparison of all these beaches, check out our comprehensive Kihei beaches guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lipoa Street Beach
Is Lipoa Street Beach good for swimming?
Not really. The water is often murky with rocks and debris. While it’s calm enough that you could wade in, I wouldn’t recommend making this your swimming beach. There are much better options nearby.
Are there facilities at Lipoa Street Beach?
No, there are no facilities. No bathrooms, no showers, no water fountains, nothing. Bring everything you need and plan bathroom breaks before arriving.
Is there parking at Lipoa Street Beach?
Limited street parking only. There are about 3-4 spots at the end of West Lipoa Street. Arrive early or be prepared to park nearby and walk.
When is the best time to see turtles at Lipoa Street Beach?
Late afternoon and evening, typically between 5:00-7:00 PM. They’re not guaranteed every day, but I’d say you have a 60-70% chance of seeing at least one turtle during sunset hours.
Is Lipoa Street Beach family-friendly?
Not particularly. The lack of facilities, limited activities, and poor swimming make it less ideal for families with young children. It’s better suited for adults or older kids who can appreciate sunset viewing.
Can you snorkel at Lipoa Street Beach?
You could, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The visibility is poor compared to other Kihei snorkeling spots. Head to Ulua Beach, Wailea Beach, or take a boat to Molokini instead for better snorkeling.
Is Lipoa Street Beach crowded?
Generally no. It’s one of the quieter beaches in Kihei. You’ll usually find a handful of other people, especially at sunset, but it rarely feels crowded.
How long should I spend at Lipoa Street Beach?
1-2 hours is typical. Most people arrive before sunset, watch the sun go down, maybe see some turtles, take photos, and leave. It’s not really an all-day beach.
What’s the best season to visit Lipoa Street Beach?
April through October offers the best weather, but honestly, anytime is fine for sunset viewing. Just check the weather forecast to make sure you’ll have clear skies.
Is Lipoa Street Beach safe?
Generally yes, but there are no lifeguards. Don’t swim alone, watch for rocks, and use common sense. See our Maui beach safety guide for detailed information.
Final Thoughts: Is Lipoa Street Beach Worth Visiting?
Yes, Lipoa Street Beach is worth visiting if you’re looking for a quiet sunset spot with frequent turtle sightings and great photo opportunities—but set appropriate expectations about facilities and swimming conditions.
Look, I’m not going to tell you that Lipoa Street Beach will be the highlight of your Maui trip. It probably won’t be. But I do think it’s worth an evening if you’re staying in Kihei, especially if you appreciate the quieter, more authentic side of Hawaii.
This isn’t a beach for everyone. If you’re looking for white sand, clear turquoise water, and resort amenities, this isn’t your spot. But if you want to watch the sunset through palm trees, maybe see a sea turtle up close, and experience a beach that hasn’t been completely polished for tourists, then yeah, I think you’ll like it here.
The key is managing expectations. Don’t come expecting Wailea Beach or the Kamaoles. Come expecting exactly what it is: a small, coarse-sand beach with no facilities, where local families come to relax and green turtles come to rest. Come for sunset, not for swimming. Come for peace, not for activities.
I’ve spent probably a dozen evenings at Lipoa Street Beach now, and I’ll keep going back. It’s become one of my regular spots when I’m in Kihei—not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real. And sometimes that’s more valuable than perfect.
If you’re planning a broader trip to South Maui, I’d recommend balancing your beach visits. Spend your swimming and snorkeling days at the better-equipped beaches, and save an evening for Lipoa Street when you want something different. That’s the sweet spot.
And hey, if you do visit and catch a spectacular sunset with a turtle in the foreground, trust me—you’ll understand why this unassuming little beach has earned its quiet reputation among those in the know.
Planning Your South Maui Beach Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Kihei and want to explore beyond Lipoa Street Beach, here are some additional resources that might help:
- Complete Guide to All 15 Kihei Beaches – Detailed breakdown of every beach in Kihei with recommendations for different activities and groups
- South Maui Snorkeling Guide – Where to see turtles, fish, and coral, plus equipment rental information
- Maui Beach Safety Guide – Ocean conditions, rip currents, marine life, and staying safe in Hawaiian waters
- Best Restaurants in Kihei – Where locals actually eat, from casual to upscale dining
- Kihei vs. Wailea: Which is Right for You? – Deciding where to stay in South Maui
- Best Sunset Viewing Spots in South Maui – Alternative locations for spectacular sunsets beyond Lipoa Street
Have questions or want to share your own Lipoa Street Beach experience? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your visit, especially if you managed to see the turtles!