While we love Waikiki as much as the next person, it certainly isn’t the best beach in the country or even Hawaii. With hundreds of picturesque beaches across the Hawaiian Islands, it seems silly to stick to the most popular stretches of sand. So, instead of fighting tourists for the best spot on the Aloha State’s most popular beaches, today, we’re headed to an underrated paradise nestled along the Maui coast sure to impress.
Welcome to Kalepolepo Beach, a small but lovely stretch of sand in North Kihei that was once the site of a thriving Hawaiian village in addition to its importance as a cultural archaeological site for native Hawaiians.
Kirt Edblom/Flickr
Fine white sand and shady trees make this one of the most picturesque beaches around, and we love having a secluded paradise to which we can retreat — even Kamehameha II recognized its beauty.
Christine Chauvin/Flickr
Ko’ie’ie Fishpond, one of three ancient Hawaiian fishponds in the area, fronts the beach and walls the water off, creating a calm, shallow pool perfect for keiki. It is also one of the most accessible fishponds open to the public today. Ko’ie’ie Fishpond, one of three ancient Hawaiian fishponds in the area, fronts the beach and walls the water off, creating a calm, shallow pool perfect for keiki. It is also one of the most accessible fishponds open to the public today.
James Huckaby/Flickr
The water in the fishpond is not your average saltwater, though: it’s fed by natural springs just below the surface — ancient Hawaiians understood this, and it was for this reason that the fishpond was among the highest class, reserved only for the use of Hawaiian royalty.
James Huckaby/Flickr
Though the beach here is small, it is often uncrowded. With more than a dozen beaches that are the definition of perfection just minutes away, few visitors staying at the resorts further south end up here.
katsuhiro7110/Flickr
With views of the Maui coastline as well as the vast Pacific Ocean, Kalepolepo Beach is ideal for family picnics and parties, paddling, and beachcombing. Conditions are, however, not ideal for surfing and snorkeling.
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Whether you want to steal away for a quiet BBQ with friends (there are several strewn throughout the park) or enjoy a signature Hawaiian sunset in peace, Kalepolepo Beach is the perfect escape for anyone looking to ditch the crowds.
BirdsEyePIx/Flickr
Kalepolepo Beach Park is located at 726 S Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753, and is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Have you ever visited this striking stretch of sand before? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below, then click here to discover another one of our favorite Maui beaches.
Kirt Edblom/Flickr
Christine Chauvin/Flickr
James Huckaby/Flickr
katsuhiro7110/Flickr
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
BirdsEyePIx/Flickr
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