#1 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Wailea Gold Golf Course
Keoneoio HI
~0.48 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Wailea Gold Golf Course
Renowned for its ideal golf weather, Wailea Golf Resort on the magical island of Maui is rated among the best golf courses in the country. It features championship Gold, Emerald and Blue courses with breathtaking ocean views from every hole.
The home course of The Champions Skins Game from 2001 to 2007, the 7,078-yard Wailea Gold is the most challenging of Wailea’s trio, with a rugged and masterful design that takes advantage of the terrain’s natural undulations. But four to six tee boxes on every hole also make it a suitable track for virtually every player.
Created by architect Robert Trent Jones II, the Gold was honored by both Golf Magazine and Golf Digest as one of the country’s ten best new resort courses when it opened in 1994. It has also been recognized by the Maui Historical Society for its preservation of prehistoric lava rock walls during construction, and hailed as one of the world’s best designed courses by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler in the magazine’s first golf resorts poll.
Called a “thinking player’s course,” the Gold offers a true test of one’s golf skills. But the most difficult hazards on it are the distracting island views. In one round, you can enjoy spectacular vistas of the ocean, Molokini islet, ancient lava rock walls, coconut trees and sparkling white bunkers.
http://www.waileagolf.com
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#2 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Wailea Emerald Golf Course
Keoneoio HI
~0.48 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Wailea Emerald Golf Course
Renowned for its ideal golf weather, Wailea Golf Resort on the magical island of Maui is rated among the best golf courses in the country. It features championship Gold, Emerald and Blue courses with breathtaking ocean views from every hole.
Designed to be fun for practically every player, the 6,825-yard Wailea Emerald Course was one reason Golf for Women Magazine first granted the Wailea Golf Club a Top Fairways Award for the country’s most women-friendly golf clubs, an honor that Wailea has won seven times.
The Emerald delights players with its carpet-like fairways, colorful foliage, and numerous vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Haleakala. Relatively few forced carries and kinder fairways are ideal for players who view golf as an enjoyable form of recreation rather than a grueling test of concentration and precision. For players seeking a greater challenge, four to six tee boxes on every hole allow them to tailor the course to their skill level.
One of the more unusual features of the Emerald Course is the double green shared by holes #10 and #17. The green borders a 2.7 million gallon brackish water lake and is one of the most picturesque spots on the course.
http://www.waileagolf.com
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#3 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Maluaka Beach
Keoneoio HI
~0.90 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Maluaka Beach
On the southern end of Maui's resort coast, development falls off dramatically, leaving a wild, dry countryside of green kiawe trees. The Maui Prince sits in isolated splendor, sharing Makena Resort's 1,800 acres with only a couple of first-rate golf courses and a necklace of perfect beaches. The strand nearest the hotel is Maluaka Beach, often called Makena, notable for its beauty and its views of Molokini Crater, the offshore islet, and Kahoolawe, the so-called "target" island. It's a short, wide, palm-fringed crescent of golden, grainy sand set between two black-lava points and bounded by big sand dunes topped by a grassy knoll. Swimming in this mostly calm bay is considered the best on Makena Bay, which is bordered on the south by Puu Olai cinder cone and historic Keawala'i Congregational Church.
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#4 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Polo Beach
Kihei HI
~1.28 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Polo Beach
Polo beach in Wailea fronts the Fairmont Kea Lani and Polo Beach Club condominiums. For some reason Polo beach is subject to more waves than neighboring beaches, and is usually the best place to boogie board. The beach tends to be busy throughout the week. There are no good snorkeling spots..
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#5 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Wailea Beach
Kihei HI
~1.73 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Wailea Beach
The picturesque Wailea beach with its soft sand is one of South Mauis favorites due to its central location. The beach offers good swimming and a few other fun tourist activities like a big trampoline contraption in the water (for kids). Backed by two very impressive hotels the beach tends to be reasonably busy (as seen in photo). An especially pleasant board walk leads to neighboring Polo beach and Mokapu beach to the north..
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#6 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Makena Beach State Park
Keoneoio HI
~1.94 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Makena Beach State Park
Although it's commonly known as "Big Beach," its correct name is Oneloa ("long sand"), and that's exactly what it is—a huge stretch of heavenly golden sand without a house or hotel in sight. More than a decade ago, Maui citizens campaigned successfully to preserve this beloved beach from development. It's still wild, lacking in modern amenities (such as plumbing) but frequented by dolphins and turtles; sunsets are glorious. At the end of the beach farthest from Wailea, skim-boarders catch air. On the opposite end rises the beautiful hill called Puu Olai, a perfect cinder cone. A climb over the steep rocks at this end leads to "Little Beach," which, although technically it's illegal, is clothing-optional. On Sunday, it's a mecca for drummers and island gypsies. On any day of the week watch out for the mean shore break—those crisp, aquamarine waves are responsible for more than one broken arm.
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#7 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
The Shops at Wailea
Keoneoio HI
~1.96 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to The Shops at Wailea
Stylish, upscale, and close to most of the resorts, this mall brings high fashion to Wailea. Luxury boutiques such as Gucci, Fendi, Cos Bar, and Tiffany & Co. have shops, as do less-expensive chains like Gap, Guess, and Tommy Bahama's. Several good restaurants face the ocean, and regular Wednesday-night events include live entertainment, art exhibits, and fashion shows.
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#8 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Wailea Blue Golf Course
Keoneoio HI
~1.99 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Wailea Blue Golf Course
Renowned for its ideal golf weather, Wailea Golf Resort on the magical island of Maui is rated among the best golf courses in the country. It features championship Gold, Emerald and Blue courses with breathtaking ocean views from every hole.
Dominating Maui's skyline is the majestic 10,023-foot dormant volcano, Mt. Haleakala. Meandering across her lower foothills are the pristine fairways of the Wailea Old Blue Course. Stretching 6,765 yards from its tips, this classic Arthur Jack Snyder beauty has charmed her way into the heart of many a Wailea golfer.
With cooling fountains, serene lakes, exotic blossoms and coral sand bunkers, the Old Blue is a true Hawaiian resort course. Her immaculate fairways are woven through the resort, offering a picturesque "tour" of Wailea, with spectacular views of the azure ocean and dramatic volcanic slopes. Her graceful design and generous fairways offer a pleasing repast for "weekend" golfers, but elevation changes and strategically placed hazards have tested some of the best professional players.
Ocean vistas are to be found at every hole. In fact, years back when the LPGA Women's Kemper Open was played here, tournament officials had to admonish some of the competitors for slow play. Turns out the pros were dallying at the 12th hole to do a little whale watching.
http://www.waileagolf.com
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#9 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Mokapu Beach
Kihei HI
~2.37 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Mokapu Beach
Description:
This is an excellent beach for families. It is located just a mile down from South Kihei Road. Mornings here offer ideal snorkeling conditions, while afternoons are good for sunning and evenings feature gorgeous Maui sunsets. The beach itself is fairly small and tends to be crowded. However, it offers excellent facilities and easy access to a midday snack. As with many Maui beaches, be careful what you leave locked in your car; break-ins are common after dark.
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#10 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Keawakupu Beach
Kihei HI
~3.11 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Keawakupu Beach
Keawakapu Beach is a sparkling jewel set at the far southern end of South Kihei Road in South Maui. At 1/2 mile long, there's plenty of room for everyone and the beach is very popular with tourists and locals alike. Multi-million dollar houses line the shore, but they're unobtrusive and the number of people in them doesn't overwhelm the beach at all. The sand is very fine and super soft, and slopes gently into the water, producing a superior swimming experience. In the mornings you might find a glassy smooth ocean to swim in.
Keawakapu is a delightful beach to swim the length of, since it is 1/2 mile long and there's a lava outcropping that extends into the water halfway down the beach to break up the monotony and let you know you've made it that far (of course, you can't really go ashore right there, so you need to keep going or turn around!).
This is a very dog-friendly beach, and many people walk their dogs there daily. Some of the people who own the houses on the shore have dogs, too. Officially, dogs must be on least at all times, but this rule seems to be rarely obeyed and even more rarely enforced, at least at this beach.
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#11 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Kihei
Keoneoio HI
~4.71 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Kihei
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#12 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Kalepolepo
Kihei HI
~7.36 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Kalepolepo
Kalepolepo Fishpond, known by its older name Ko?ie?ie Loko I?a, is an ancient Hawaiian fishpond estimated to have been built between 1400–1500 AD. The fishpond is located in Kalepolepo Park in Kihei on the island of Maui. In 1996, the ?Ao?ao O Na Loka I?a O Maui (Association of the Fishponds of Maui) began renovating Ko?ie?ie, working closely with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Ko?ie?ie ("rapid current") is classified as a loko kuapa (walled pond), a type of fishpond that uses lava rock and coral walls (kuapa) to keep water circulating while a wooden sluice gate (makaha) allows small fish to enter the pond to feed, but prevents them from leaving after they grow too large to escape the gate. Species of fish once farmed by ancient Hawaiians includes the awa (milkfish, Chanos chanos), ama?ama (flathead mullet, Mugil cephalus), and the aholehole (Hawaiian Flagtail, Kuhlia xenura).
The fishpond was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, as Kalepolepo Fishpond with alternate names Ko?ie?ie Fishpond and Ka?ono?ulu Kai Fishpond.
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#13 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Downtown Kihei (Neighborhood)
Kihei HI
~8.13 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Downtown Kihei
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#14 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Haleakea National Park
Keoneoio HI
~12.71 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Haleakea National Park
Haleakala National Park is a United States national park located on the island of Maui in the state of Hawai?i. The park covers an area of 30,183 acres (122.15 km2), of which 24,719 acres (100.03 km2) is a wilderness area.
It was originally created as part of the "Hawaii National Park" along with the volcanoes of Mauna Loa and Kilauea on the island of Hawai?i in 1916. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was made into a separate national park in 1961. The park area was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. The name Haleakala is Hawaiian for "house of the sun." According to a local legend, the demigod Maui imprisoned the sun here in order to lengthen the day.
The park features the dormant Haleakala (East Maui) Volcano, which last erupted at around 1490. The park is divided into two distinct sections: the summit area and the coastal Kipahulu area.
The two sections of the park average 1,450,000 visitors per year.
The summit area includes Haleakala Crater, the summit of the volcano, and the area surrounding the summit. This part of the park is accessed by Hawaii state road 378.
The main feature of this part of the park is undoubtedly the famous Haleakala Crater. It is huge: 11.25 kilometres (6.99 mi) across, 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) wide, and some 800 metres (2,600 ft) deep. The interior of the crater is dotted by numerous volcanic features, including large cinder cones. Two main trails lead into the crater from the summit area: the Halemau'u and Sliding Sands trails. Hikers in the crater can stay in one of three cabins (which need to be reserved through the park first).
Each morning, visitors come to the summit of the volcano to watch the spectacular sunrise. More visitors come each afternoon to watch the equally amazing sunset. One attraction of the park is Hosmer's Grove, a unique forest of alien trees including deodar (Cedrus deodara) from the Himalayas, sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) from Japan, eucalyptus from Australia, and several species from North America (pine, spruce, cypress, fir, and others). Native plants and trees are also present in the forest but are not very common due to the little light available (because of the taller alien trees).
The park is known for its unique volcanic features, its long scenic drive with numerous overlooks, and the unusually clear views of the night sky available. Haleakala is one of the best places in the United States for amateur astronomy, and binoculars and telescopes are available for rent from many local merchants. Nene (Hawaiian Geese, Branta sandvicensis) can also be seen in their natural habitat in Haleakala Crater. Although nene died out entirely in the park, in 1946 they were re-introduced with the help of the Boy Scouts, who carried young birds into the crater in their backpacks.
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#15 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Downtown Kahului (Neighborhood)
Kahana HI
~16.08 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Downtown Kahului
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#16 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
Kahana HI
~16.37 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (7 acres), formerly known as the Maui Zoological and Botanical Gardens, are botanical gardens located at 150 Kanaloa Avenue, Kahului, Maui, Hawaii. They are open Monday through Saturday. Admission is free.
The gardens were established in 1976 by Rene Sylva within a coastal dune system, and are primarily focused on conserving native Hawaiian plants of the dry forest and coastal areas of Maui Nui (Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe). The gardens also contain a good collection of Polynesian-introduced plants. At present, plantings include some 40 sugarcane varieties, 15 sweet potato varieties, and 20 of the 60 known taro varieties.
The gardens also include a greenhouse and shade house for plant propagation, picnic tables, a playground, and restrooms.
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#17 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Maui Arts and Cultural Center
Kahana HI
~16.40 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Maui Arts and Cultural Center
In 1994 when the Maui Arts & Cultural Center opened its doors, it was the culmination of a 30-year dream of Maui's people for:
A place where the community could gather and celebrate together
A first-class venue where the world's most exciting artists could be enjoyed
An excellent educational resource serving all ages
Thousands of people, acting on extraordinary faith, contributed over $32 million to make the non-profit Maui Arts & Cultural Center a reality.
The MACC currently serves more than 260,000 people annually, through approximately 1,800 events: major music and theater productions, hula, symphony, ballet, taiko drumming, drama,
children’s art, slack key guitar, popular music, acrobatics, storytelling, and more. In addition, the MACC is a frequent gathering place for community meetings and school events.
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#18 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
H.A. Baldwin Beach State Park
Paia HI
~18.01 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to H.A. Baldwin Beach State Park
Where else can you find an uncrowded white sand beach with a consistent shore break for bodysurfing. This popular park has restrooms, showers, a pavilion, picnic tables and grills. A busy place on the weekends that still leaves plenty of empty beach for strolling or sunning. This is where we take a Sunday walk and picnic on the beach. You never can tell what will turn up.
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#19 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Hookipa Beach Park
Pauwela HI
~19.66 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Hookipa Beach Park
Ho‘okipa Beach Park is located on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii. It is perhaps the most renowned windsurfing site in the world, The waves here are largest during the winter, and break across a system of reefs that extend across the bay. During the summer the waves are smaller. Ho'okipa is ideal for windsurfing because of its large well-shaped waves and strong winds. The name Ho‘okipa means "hospitality" in Hawaiian. While ever-present strong winds and powerful currents do not make the beach a place for beginners, experienced surfers and windsurfers continually flock to Ho'okipa for both recreation and windsurfing competitions.
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#20 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Lahaina
Kahana HI
~21.37 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Lahaina
In this historic whaling village, the old grog shops and ships’ chandlers have been transformed into more than 40 art galleries and a wide range of restaurants.
Once known as Lele, which means “relentless sun” in Hawaiian, Lahaina’s sunny climate and oceanfront location offers a beautiful view of the island of Lanai and stunning West Maui sunsets.
Once the capitol of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina is also on the National Register of Historic Places. You can still explore Lahaina’s rich history by following the signs on Lahaina’s Historic Trail located throughout town.
While you dine at a seaside restaurant, don’t forget to scan the ocean for humpback whales – Maui’s warm waters are a whale sanctuary during the winter. Even these magnificent humpbacks can’t get enough of Lahaina.
Top places to visit in Lahaina:
Banyan Tree
This is the largest banyan tree in the U.S. at over 60 feet high and covering almost an acre.
Lahaina Historic Trail
Follow the signs of the Lahaina Historic Trail and see Lahaina’s past today.
Lahaina Art Galleries
See the world through the eyes of Maui artists in the numerous galleries of Lahaina.
Lahaina Luau
Eat, drink, and watch the traditional dances of Polynesia at one of Lahaina’s seaside luau.
Lahaina Jodo Mission
Visit one of the largest statues of Buddha outside of Japan right here in Lahaina.
Lahaina Whale Watching
During whale season, Lahaina Harbor is your gateway to some of the best whale watching in the world.
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#21 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Banyan Tree Park
Kahana HI
~21.37 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Banyan Tree Park
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#22 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Downtown Lahaina (Neighborhood)
Kahana HI
~21.57 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Downtown Lahaina
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#23 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Whaler's Village
Kaanapali HI
~24.56 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Whaler's Village
Whaler's Village is a beautiful open air mall on Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii. There are over 90 stores and services, three family/fine dining restaurants and seven food court venues. It also features the Whalers Village Museum which will take you back in time through the eyes of an ordinary sailor or “whaleman.”
This is the only oceanfront shopping area on the island. Lushly landscaped and quite convenient to the Ka'anapali resorts, this is a popular West Maui tourist destination. Between 60 and 70 shops and restaurants are in the village, ranging from Waldenbooks to Chanel. Cinnamon Girl, Maui Dive Shop and Lahaina Scrimshaw are just a few of the local merchants you will find. Favorite dining spots include the Rusty Harpoon and Hula Grill. Shuttles transport tourists from various locations in West Maui to the shopping center. Credit card acceptance varies by merchant.
http://www.whalersvillage.com/
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#24 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Ka'anapali Golf Club
Kaanapali HI
~24.56 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Ka'anapali Golf Club
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#25 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Downtown Kaanapali (Neighborhood)
Kahana HI
~24.59 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Downtown Kaanapali
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#26 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Kaanapali Resort
Kaanapali HI
~24.76 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Kaanapali Resort
Ka'anapali is a three-mile stretch of beach that has been touted as one of the best beaches on Maui, and even in America. Long ago, these sands and lush gardens were enjoyed by Hawaiian kings and queens who sought a relaxing, rejuvenating retreat. The land itself was once comprised of green sugar cane and taro, grown with the help of the Maui sun and a freshwater spring. This magical spot is steeped in culture, from when it was used as a training ground for Hawaiian warriors in ancient times, to the romantic days of "Old Hawaii" in the '30s and '40s, to the present.
Today, couples, friends, and families still gravitate here for all this renowned beach has to offer, but also for its fabulous resorts and condos. And Ka'anapali Beach Resort provides the best of the best, with easy access to everything you want to see and do. For beauty, excitement, convenience, and comfort, it simply can’t be matched.
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#27 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Kaanapali Beach
Kahana HI
~24.78 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Kaanapali Beach
Along with Wailea, this is the resort hotspot of the island. Ka'anapali is Maui's equivalent of Waikiki Beach, although it comes nowhere close to being that big or busy. The entire beach is open to the public. Access is available through resort grounds, as are public restrooms and showers. Plenty of shops and restaurants are located right along the strip. The sands are warm and gold; the water is clear and flat. A major Ka'anapali landmark is Black Rock. Once known as soul's leap, this rock is still a popular jumping point for locals and particularly brave visitors.
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#28 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Whalers Village Museum Shoppe
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy # G8 Lahaina HI - 808-661-5992
~24.81 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Whalers Village Museum Shoppe
2435 Ka'anapali Parkway,
Lahaina
West Maui
808-661-5223
Catch a glimpse of the wild days of Maui's whaling expeditions where seafarers would sign up for 3-5 year voyages to Japan and the Arctic. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sea-faring life of the 19th Century.
The Whalers Village Museum displays over seventy species of whales. Introductory films about whaling history and Hawaii's state mammal, the Humpback Whale, are shown daily. Photo murals and the skeletal remains of a 40-foot Sperm Whale are dramatically exhibited. An authentic whale boat, complete with gear and a re-created ship forecastle, graphically illustrates how 25 men lived in cramped quarters for years.
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#29 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
Kahanu Garden
Maui Island HI
~27.57 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to Kahanu Garden
This garden houses the world's largest collection of breadfruit and the largest ancient place of worship for the Polynesian people.
Attraction type: Historic site, Garden, Religious site
Address: Hana, Maui, HI
Tel: 808-248-8912
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#30 of 30 Things To Do in Makena
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
Kahana HI
~27.62 miles from Makena city center
Hotels Close to D.T. Fleming Beach Park
DT Fleming Beach Park offers good swimming with occasional boogie boarding surf. This is a big beach that can easily accommodate its patrons, but it does get busy on weekends. No snorkeling as the water tends to be cloudy. Many cite DT Fleming beach as being named the best beach in the USA at some point in time. We thought we were very generous by naming it the 18th best in Hawaii. The beach is best enjoyed in the morning before the winds pick up.
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