

Best for beginner divers, shore entry, moderate current.
Palauea Beach, also known as White Rock, is a reef site in South Maui featuring rocky points at both ends of the beach. This shore entry site is suitable for beginners, though conditions vary with moderate currents, surge, and surf. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of potential hazards including jellyfish, rip currents, sea urchins, sharks, and sharp coral. Visibility can be low at times. The water temperature ranges from 25C to 27C throughout the year. It is a popular location for both diving and snorkelling, offering a varied underwater topography along the rocky shoreline.
20.67047, -156.44297
The beach is not clearly marked and visitors should look for the port-a-potty and large boulders where the path meets the road.
Travel along Wailea Alanui Drive, continue to the bottom until you arrive at the beach access path which leads through the kiawe trees. The beach is located about 100 feet from the access road.
Recorded at this site
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
25-27°C
Current
Moderate
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, though users should remain aware of potential hazards like surge, surf, and currents.
Yes, this site is well-suited for snorkelling and holds a rating of 4/5 for the activity.
Access to the reef is via a shore entry from the beach.
Divers and snorkellers should watch for jellyfish, rip currents, sea urchins, sharks, sharp coral, strong currents, surf, and surge.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Palauea Beach (White Rock) in Kihei. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 27°C.
Expect moderate currents at Palauea Beach (White Rock) in Kihei. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.