Overview: Known to Kihei locals as the "Dog Park," Waipuilani Beach is a thin strip of sand that parallels a large, grassy lawn and numerous Kihei condos.

Mornings here are glorious (and the best time to hit the beach), but afternoons are frequently windy—especially in the summer. You can sometimes find kitesurfers launching from the beach, but you're more likely to spot Humpback whales as they breach offshore in winter. The sunsets here are particularly good (which is probably one of the neighboring condos is called the Maui Sunset...), though visibility fpr snorkeling is generally pretty poor.

Nevertheless, it's a great beach for a stroll and escaping the crowds.

Good For: Calm mornings, epic sunsets, standup paddling when it isn't windy, kitesurfing when it is, sunbathing on your own stretch of sand, and family picnics on the lawn.

Not So Good For: Snorkeling, swimming, windy afternoons, and patches of stinky seaweed on the sand.

Maui Expert Tip For Waipuilani Beach Park: As long as it isn't a windy afternoon, get food to go from a nearby restaurant, stroll the beach until you find an empty spot, and enjoy a picnic with a sunset view that beats an island restaurant.

Directions and Parking Situation: Public parking is available along West Waipuilani Road. From South Kihei Road, turn at the sign for the Maui Sunset and you'll see the lot on your right.

Facilities: Restrooms