The Best Guide to Kihei’s Hidden Gem: Charley Young Beach
Charley Young Beach is one of Kihei’s most popular and peaceful places to visit. It is located on the southern shores of Maui. This beautiful stretch of golden sand gives visitors a real Hawaiian beach experience without the huge crowds that can be found at more touristy places.
Charley Young Beach is different from other Maui beaches because it has the perfect mix of natural beauty and easy access. The beach has calm, clear waters that are great for swimming and snorkelling. It is also centrally located in Kihei, making it easy for people staying anywhere on the island’s south-west coast to get to.
Charley Young Beach is a great place to relax and watch Maui’s famous sunsets, go for a quiet morning swim, or snorkel with tropical fish in the afternoon. This complete guide will give you everything you need to have the best time possible in this amazing Hawaiian paradise.
Where to Find It and How to Get There Kihei Beach Charley Young
Charley Young Beach is in the middle of South Kihei, which makes it one of the easiest beaches to get to on Maui’s south-west shore. The beach runs along South Kihei Road between Kamaole Beach Park I and Kamaole Beach Park II. It’s a quieter option than the busier beaches nearby.
How to Get to Charley Young Beach
No matter where you are on Maui, it’s easy to get to Charley Young Beach:
- From Kahului Airport, drive south on Highway 380 (Kuihelani Highway) for about 8 miles.
- Take Highway 311 (Mokulele Highway) towards Kihei and merge onto it.
- Continue for 6 miles until you reach South Kihei Road
- Go right on South Kihei Road and drive for about two miles.
- You can either park near Kaleo Place or keep going to the beach access points.
From Wailea or Makena:
- From Wailea or Makena, go north on South Kihei Road for about 3 to 5 miles.
- On your left side, you will see the beach access points.
From Lahaina or West Maui:
- From Lahaina or West Maui, go south on Highway 30 until you reach Highway 380.
- Take Highway 380 to Highway 311, which will take you to Kihei.
- Continue as directed above
Parking Information
If you want to park at Charley Young Beach, you need to plan ahead, especially during busy times. There are a few choices:
Street parking: There isn’t much parallel parking on South Kihei Road, but it fills up quickly in the morning and afternoon.
How to Get to Kaleo Place: The best way to get to the northern part of the beach is to park in a small lot near Kaleo Place.
Parking at Nearby Resorts: Some visitors park at nearby resorts, but they should always follow the signs and time limits for private property.
Best Way to Park: For the best chance of finding a good parking spot, arrive before 9 AM or after 3 PM.
Things to Do at the Beach and What to Expect
Conditions for Swimming
Beach Charley Young Some of the best swimming conditions on the island’s south shore are at Maui. The beach faces west, so the strong trade winds that can make other places rough don’t usually hit it.
The sandy bottom slopes down slowly into deeper water, which is great for swimmers of all levels. The water temperature is always comfortable, usually between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 and 27 degrees Celsius).
Best Times to Swim:
- In the early morning (7–10 AM): Calmest weather with water that looks like glass
- The lighting is beautiful in the late afternoon (4–6 PM), and the seas are usually calm.
- Don’t swim in the middle of the day when the trade winds are strongest.
Beach Charley Young Snorkelling
Many of Maui’s more well-known underwater spots can’t compare to the snorkelling at Charley Young Beach. The rocky parts at both ends of the beach are great places for tropical fish and other marine life to live.
What You’ll See:
- Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu) are often seen near rocky areas.
- Butterflyfish, tangs, and parrotfish are some of the colourful reef fish.
- Hawaiian monk seals sometimes take a break on the beach.
- Coral reefs that are very colourful along the rocky edges
Snorkeling Tips:
- For the best view of marine life, go into the water near the rocks.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to keep Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem safe.
- You can rent snorkel gear from stores along South Kihei Road.
- Always go snorkelling with a friend and keep an eye on the ocean.
Kayaking and paddleboarding
The calm mornings at Charley Young Beach make it a great place to start a stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking trip. The safe waters let beginners practice and give experienced paddlers access to nearby snorkelling spots and chances to explore the coast.
Amenities and Facilities
Facilities that are open
Charley Young Beach feels more natural and undeveloped than the nearby Kamaole Beach Parks, but there are a few things that make it more comfortable for visitors:
Restrooms: There aren’t many at nearby Kamaole Beach Park I (a short walk to the north).
Showers: There are outdoor rinse-off showers at nearby beach parks.
Shade: There isn’t much natural shade, so it’s best to bring beach umbrellas or pop-up canopies.
Picnic Areas: There are no real picnic tables on Charley Young Beach, but the soft sand makes it easy to find a place to eat.
What to bring
To get the most out of your time at Charley Young Beach, think about bringing:
- A pop-up shade structure or a beach umbrella
- Sunscreen that is safe for reefs (Hawaii law requires this)
- Bring your own snorkelling gear or rent it locally.
- Lots of clean water to drink and wash with
- Beach chairs to sit in comfort
- Waterproof phone case for photos
- Lunch and light snacks
The Best Times to Visit and Tips from Locals
Best Times to Visit
Early morning (7–10 AM) is the best time to go to Charley Young Beach. The best time to visit is in the morning when the water is calm, there are fewer people, and the light is perfect for taking pictures. You are also most likely to see sea turtles come close to shore at this time.
Late afternoon (4–7 PM) is another great time to go, especially to see the sunset. From this beach on the west side, you can see the famous Maui sunsets. Also, the winds usually calm down at this time.
Live camera and webcam information for Charley Young Beach:
There are a number of websites that show you what the beach is like in real time. To see what the weather is like right now, type “Charley Young Beach Maui webcam” or “live webcam Charley Young Beach Maui HI” into a search engine.
Things to think about for safety
Safety at Sea:
- Before going into the water, always check the current ocean conditions.
- Be aware that things can change quickly.
- Don’t ever turn your back on the ocean.
- When the surf is high, strong currents can happen near rocky areas.
Sun Protection:
- Protect yourself from the sun: Hawaii has strong UV rays all year long.
- Find shade during the hottest parts of the day (10 AM to 3 PM).
- Put on sunscreen again and again, especially after swimming.
Wildlife Respect:
- Wildlife Respect: Maintain at least 10 feet distance from sea turtles
- Don’t ever touch or bother marine life.
- If you see Hawaiian monk seals, stay at least 50 feet away.
Local Tips and Secrets
Turtle Spotting: The northern rocky area near Kaleo Place is where sea turtles most frequently rest and feed. The best times to see them are early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Photography: The rocky lava formations at sunset make for striking silhouettes. For the best sunset pictures, stand at the southern end of the beach.
Avoiding crowds: Weekdays are much less crowded than weekends. Arrive before 8 AM or after 4 PM if you are going on a weekend.
Things to do and see nearby
Things to do within walking distance
The Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III: These developed beach parks are only a few minutes away on foot and have more amenities and slightly different beach experiences.
South Kihei Road Dining: Numerous restaurants, food trucks, and cafes line the road directly across from beach access points.
Shopping: It’s easy to walk to local surf shops, convenience stores, and souvenir shops.
Places to Go on a Short Drive
Keahole Point: A 10-minute drive south will take you to tide pools and quieter beach areas.
The Wailea Beach Resort Area is 15 minutes south of high-end restaurants, stores, and golf courses.
Molokini Crater Snorkel Tours: A lot of tour companies leave from the Kihei Boat Ramp, which is close by, for half-day and full-day snorkelling trips.
The Beach Charley Young: Its History and Cultural Importance
The Past of Charley Young Beach
Charles “Charley” Young, a longtime resident of Kihei who helped the community grow in the middle of the 20th century, is the name of the beach. People knew Young for his commitment to keeping the beach open to the public and making sure that local families could keep enjoying this part of the coast.
Before development transformed Kihei into a resort destination, this area was primarily used by Native Hawaiian families for fishing, gathering, and recreational activities. The calm waters and lots of fish made it a natural place for people in the area to meet.
Cultural Significance
Charley Young Beach is important to Native Hawaiians because it is a beach in Hawaii. People used the shoreline for:
- Lawai’a (Fishing): The reef areas were full of fish that local families could catch.
- Gathering: This is where people collected seaweed, shells, and other things from the ocean.
- Spiritual Connection: In Hawaiian culture, the ocean (kai) has a lot of spiritual meaning.
- Community Gathering: Families would get together for celebrations and other traditional events.
Visitors today can pay tribute to this cultural heritage by:
- Practicing Leave No Trace principles
- Respecting animals and plants in the sea
- Being aware of and respectful of local customs and traditions
- Helping businesses and communities in your area
Conservation Efforts Today
Current conservation initiatives at Charley Young Beach focus on:
Marine Life Protection: Ongoing efforts to protect coral reefs and sea turtle nesting areas through education and responsible tourism.
Checking the Quality of Water: Regular testing makes sure that the beach stays a great place to swim and snorkel.
Community Stewardship: Local groups often set up beach cleanups and educational programmes for both residents and visitors.
Weather Patterns and Things to Think About in Each Season
Conditions All Year
Beach Charley Young Maui has pretty stable weather all year, but the seasons can change your experience:
Summer (April-October):
- Calmer ocean conditions with lighter trade winds
- The water is at its warmest (78–80°F).
- More visitors, especially in July and August
- Best for families and people who are just starting out
Winter (November-March):
- Sometimes there are bigger waves from storms that are far away.
- Water temperatures are a little cooler (75–77°F).
- There are fewer people, especially on weekdays.
- On calm days, snorkelling is very clear.
Monthly Highlights
During the months of December to February, humpback whales migrate and you might be able to see them offshore.
March to May: The best time for snorkelling because the seas are calm and the visibility is great.
June to August is the busiest time for visitors, but the weather is also the most stable.
September through November is often thought to be the best time to visit because the water is warm, there are fewer people, and the weather is stable.
Your ideal Hawaiian beach vacation is waiting for you.
Everything that makes Maui’s beaches so great can be found at Charley Young Beach. This beautiful beach in Kihei is the real deal when it comes to Hawaiian beaches. Its clear waters are great for snorkelling, and the sunsets are breathtaking.
The fact that it is easy to get to, has beautiful scenery, and has a lot of marine life makes it a great place for everyone, from solo travellers to families with young kids. Charley Young Beach has everything you need, whether you want to relax on clean sand or go on an adventure like snorkelling or paddleboarding.
Don’t forget to go at the right times, be respectful of the local wildlife and environment, and bring the right gear and sun protection. Most importantly, take the time to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural significance of this unique place.
Are you ready to see the magic of Charley Young Beach for yourself? Hawaii Guide Hub can help you plan the perfect trip to Maui by giving you all the information you need about the beaches, places to stay nearby, and things to do in the area. Call us to start planning your amazing Hawaiian vacation and find out why Charley Young Beach should be the first place you visit in Maui.
