Situated just north of the Ka’anapali area near the Kapalua Airport, Pohaku Park is a low-key beach with not much to offer to swimmers or snorkelers thanks to a mountain stream that finds its terminus right in the center of the beach. There’s an off chance that you might catch it on a clear day, but odds are you’ll find it cloudy. This, coupled with some prolific seaweed blooms over the years, effectively keeps tourists out of the water and generally mitigates crowds. What it can offer the leisurely traveler, though, is a phenomenal sunset and a view of Molokai that looks so close you could almost touch it—from this vantage point, you’re a mere 8 miles away from it.
Known as S-Turns because of the curvaceous old highway that used to meander by, this beach is most popular for surfers during the winter months when the north swells is in, though you’ll find stand-up paddleboarders paddling around regardless of season.
The waves break far away from the beach, here, so if you do decide to bring or rent a SUP, be up for the challenge of athletic paddling to get out far enough.
Nearby Kahana Beach offers similar vibes—the water is a bit less murky and you'll find that it's peppered with partially-exposed lava rock for good swimming and exploring if you’re staying at the resort or a nearby condo. We’ll straight-shoot you, though: The general consensus is that it’s not quite worth traveling for.
If you do find yourself SUPping around Pohaku or Kahana, be sure to swing by Maui Brewing Co.’s brewpub that’s a block away for libations and a relaxed vibe.
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