Your Guide to Launiupoko Beach Park

Launiupoko Beach Park is a small yet beloved county park on Maui’s west coast. Situated just south of Lahaina at the intersection of Honoapiʻilani Highway and Kai Hele Ku Street, it’s about a 30‑minute drive from Kapalua and marks the only stoplight between Maʻalaea and Lahaina.

The park encompasses nearly seven acres of sandy shoreline and grassy knolls, but don’t let its size fool you, Launiupoko draws visitors in droves. The main parking lot often fills up early, prompting the county to add overflow parking across the highway. Families, surfers, and sunset seekers flock here for its unique mix of amenities and natural beauty.

Family‑Friendly Features

Launiupoko has earned its reputation as one of Maui’s most family‑friendly beaches thanks to a protective pool created by a lava rock wall. When the tide rises, seawater fills the area between the rocks, forming a calm wading lagoon where small children can splash without worrying about waves or currents.

A spacious grassy lawn with natural shade sits alongside the beach, perfect for picnics, birthday parties, and letting kids run around. On weekends, local families often arrive before dawn to secure picnic tables and barbecue spots.

WARNING: Keawe trees line the beach, so you have to be careful of thorns. Also, coral reef here is very shallow and sharp. There’s also quite a bit of sea urchin, so only surf if you know how to handle this.

Activities & Surf

While the keiki pool is ideal for young swimmers, the ocean just beyond the breakwall is a playground for surfers and stand‑up paddle boarders. Several surf peaks break just offshore, creating consistent waves that are well suited to beginners and longboarders. The lagoon and beach offer safe spots to wade, swim, or lounge. Offshore swimming and snorkeling are discouraged, however, because the area is dominated by surfers and there is no lifeguard on duty. For snorkeling, head to nearby Kaʻanapali. The trade winds pick up in the afternoon, and summer south swells bring the biggest waves.

Amenities & Facilities

Launiupoko Beach Park is well equipped for a full day of ocean fun:

• Restrooms and showers: A comfort station with toilets and outdoor showers makes it easy to rinse off after the surf.
• Picnic tables and barbecues: More than a dozen picnic tables and at least five barbecue grills are spread across grassy areas and under shady trees.
• Grassy lawns: Wide, well‑kept lawns provide plenty of space for games, lounging, or hosting a luau.
• Protected lagoon: The sheltered pool created by the lava‑rock breakwall offers a safe spot for young children to swim.
• Natural shade: Mature trees offer relief from the midday sun, making it comfortable to stay all day.
• Keep in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty, so children should always be supervised around the water.

Parking & Access

Parking at Launiupoko can be challenging, especially on weekends and holidays. A small lot on the ocean side of Honoapiʻilani Highway fills quickly, sometimes by 9 a.m. When this happens, drivers can loop back up Kai Hele Ku Street and turn right into an overflow lot across the highway (do not leave valuables in your cars!) After parking, you’ll find the largest beach area on the left, the tide‑pool lagoon in the middle, and grassy picnic areas all around. Because you must cross a busy road to reach the beach from the overflow lot, use the designated crosswalk and follow the traffic signal.

Hours & Tips

Launiupoko Beach Park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. To make the most of your visit:

1. Arrive early: Mornings, especially weekdays, are less crowded and less windy.
2. Bring gear: Surfboards, stand‑up paddle boards, umbrellas, beach chairs, and coolers are worth bringing.
3. Plan for wind: Afternoons can be breezy; secure loose items and consider windbreakers.
4. Respect the environment: Avoid stepping on coral, don’t disturb marine life, and pack out everything you bring in.
5. Watch for wildlife: From December through April, humpback whales often breach offshore, and sea turtles sometimes swim near the rocks.
6. Mind the surf: Summer south swells produce larger waves; beginners may want to watch more experienced surfers first.

Scenic Views & Extras

Launiupoko’s western exposure offers sweeping views of Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi across the Lahaina Roads channel. Sunsets here are spectacular, with the sinking sun casting warm colors over the distant islands and calm sea. The park’s grassy knolls and picnic spots provide perfect perches for taking in the show. If you’re planning a barbecue, stop by the farm stand across from the overflow parking on Kai Hele Ku Street to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables. Even if you don’t surf or paddle, spending an afternoon watching the waves, whales, and sun slipping toward the horizon makes Launiupoko Beach Park a memorable stop.

Launiupoko Beach Park blends natural beauty with thoughtful amenities, making it a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re teaching your children to swim in the sheltered lagoon, learning to surf gentle waves, or savoring a sunset barbecue with friends, this West Maui gem offers something for everyone.