Polo Beach Vs Keawakapu Beach

We are considering Wailea Ekahi village or Mana Kai on Keawakapu beach. Also considering Polo beach club on Polo beach. Any insight or recommendations as to which choice is best?

Thanks in advance

Choosing between Polo Beach and Keawakapu Beach for your stay in Wailea really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Both areas are beautiful, but they each have slightly different vibes and conveniences.

Polo Beach / Polo Beach Club: This beach is known for its soft sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling in some spots. It’s very family-friendly and generally less crowded than Keawakapu. Polo Beach Club offers resort-style amenities including pools, tennis courts, and direct beach access from the property, making it convenient if you want a mix of beach time and resort conveniences.

Keawakapu Beach / Mana Kai: Keawakapu Beach is a long stretch of sand that’s perfect for walking and jogging. The water can be slightly rougher than Polo Beach at times, but it’s still generally safe for swimming. Mana Kai gives you a more relaxed, low-key vibe with fewer crowds and easy access to local shops and restaurants along South Kihei Road. The beach here is wide, great for sunrise walks, and is often praised for its beauty and sunsets.

  • Beach Type: Polo Beach – smaller, quieter, better for easy swimming; Keawakapu – longer, scenic walks, good for families who want space.
  • Amenities: Polo Beach Club – pool, tennis, organized facilities; Mana Kai – more low-key, casual beach experience.
  • Crowds: Polo – tends to be less crowded because of resort access; Keawakapu – can be busier near public access points, but the beach is long enough to spread out.
  • Nearby Dining & Shopping: Polo – a bit more secluded; Keawakapu – closer to restaurants, grocery stores, and shops in Kihei.
  • Sunrise/Sunset: Keawakapu is excellent for both sunrise and sunset walks; Polo is also good, but more limited in the walking stretch.

In summary, if your priority is resort amenities and a quieter, contained beach experience, Polo Beach / Polo Beach Club is likely the better choice. If you prefer a more relaxed, scenic beach with a long stretch of sand for walking and easy access to local spots, Keawakapu / Mana Kai may suit your style better. Since both locations are close together, either choice offers access to the beautiful Wailea beaches and nearby attractions.


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