#beach access

West Maui Construction Inc. is performing modifications to the Kīhei Wastewater Pump Station No. 9, which will result in a temporary closure of the roundabout on Ulua Beach Road, along with a section of parking to be unavailable. Beach access will still be available to the public by way of the existing beach access pathway.

The condo complex could face nearly $2 million in fines if it doesn’t install the beach access pathway that was required in the 1970s as a condition for redevelopment permits.

After the devastating wildfires, her nonprofit partnered with many others in the community to provide relief efforts and is currently focused on affordable housing solutions in West Maui.  Nishiki will update members and guests on these efforts in West Maui.

Resident Justin Edwards tells Maui Now that he has been advocating for safe parking for two years now, since the start of the pandemic, and often sees cars lined along the Hāna Highway, “forcing people to unload their cars and cross the busy highway, often in low light conditions, or with the sun directly in their eyes.”

“I believe the County of Maui can better manage these parcels on behalf of our residents,” said Mayor Victorino. “Unlimited public access to our beaches is crucial for our community and a fundamental common law right in Hawaiʻi.” 

According to Rep. McKelvey, the $75,000 in funding will encompass the design and construction for the replacement of the existing access stairs which have become derelict.

The County has launched a new website with a map viewer to provide an online atlas of more than 200 public access locations and their features. For most sites, the viewer also features 360-degree photos of both the access point and the shoreline area, along with a depiction of the access path.

Mayor Michael Victorino today addressed “rumors and misinformation” he said is spreading on social media about resort bubbles and public beach access. “There has never been any consideration to privatize beaches. All beach parks, beaches and public access to beaches are open and will remain open,” he said.

With today’s announcement of the reopening of select DLNR Division of State Parks units across the state, park managers and aquatic biologists are reminding people to be respectful of the places that are shared with Hawai‘i’s marine creatures.

On Maui, state parks that are reopened for exercise and hiking only during restricted hours are: Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area and Mākena State Park (except Puʻu o Laʻi aka “Little Beach”). Areas on Maui that remain completely closed include: Puʻu o Laʻi “Little Beach” section of Mākena State Park; Halekiʻi-Pihana and ʻĪao Valley State Monuments; and Kaumahina, Wailua and Puaʻakaʻa Wayside Parks. 

A settlement has been reached between a shoreline protection group and the owners of two beach-side condominium properties in Honokōwai.

When driving to the beach, where do I legally park if there’s no designated beach parking or street parking in the area?

We are visiting Maui with my nephew who would enjoy going to the beach; however he is in a wheelchair. Do you know where we can rent a beach wheelchair?

The request comes amid complaints saying resorts and vendors have been reserving space for hotel guests on public land with cabanas and beach umbrellas.

At times, especially during high tides and periods of high surf, the vegetation made up of primarily naupaka and beach heliotropes, completely prohibits people from accessing the beach.

DLNR: At times when the tide is high, people have to walk into the water instead of along the sand because of the overgrown shrubs.