A sandy Wailea beach that shares a public lot and a lava-finger reef with neighboring Mokapu Beach. The reef between the two is one of the south shore’s easiest places to snorkel from the sand.
Why we love it
Beginner-friendly snorkeling with restrooms and showers at the lot, in the middle of resort Wailea.
What to expect
Turn off Wailea Alanui at the Ulua–Mokapu sign and drive down to the public lot, which fills early. A sidewalk on the right leads to the sand. The reef sits between Ulua and Mokapu, built on lava fingers that form ridges and valleys about 15 feet deep at most. Water is usually calm in the morning, and the earlier you get in, the clearer it is; afternoon trade winds stir it up. The Wailea Beach Path runs behind the sand. No lifeguard. Two hours covers it.
Know before you go
- Parking
- Free public lot shared with Mokapu Beach. It fills by mid-morning, so arrive early.
- Lifeguards
- None. Ulua isn’t on the state’s lifeguarded-beach list.
- Facilities
- Restrooms, outdoor showers, benches and trash and recycling bins at the beach access.
- Reef care
- Don’t stand on the reef. Hawaiian coral grows only about an inch a year.
- Snorkel area
- The reef lies between Ulua and Mokapu, about 15 feet deep at most. Rated beginner to intermediate.
