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Hoʻokipa Beach Park

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A North Shore beach park known for worldclass windsurfing and surfing, with an easy roadside overlook. It's a short detour just past Pāʻia, best treated as a quick stop to watch the waves and, in the afternoon, the sea turtles that rest on the sand.

⏱ 15 – 30 min at stop 🚗 10 min from Pāʻia ✓ Free to access

At a glance

Access & parking: Easy roadside overlook — There's a high lookout right off the highway and a lower parking area by the beach. Paid parking. It's a simple pull-in stop.
What you'll see: Waves, surfers, sea turtles — Panoramic views of surfers and windsurfers working the breaks. Winter brings the biggest surf. Hawaiian green sea turtles often rest on the far end of the beach.
Best time: Late afternoon — Turtles typically haul out later in the day, so morning visitors may not see them. The location also features beautiful sunsets with the West Maui mountains in the background.
In the water: Not a casual swim spot — Strong rip currents, shallow reef, and fast-building winds make this marginal for swimming. The surf is for experienced riders only.

About Hoʻokipa Beach Park

Hoʻokipa sits just past Pāʻia, a short distance into the drive, and it's an easy stop on your road to Hāna journey with a high overlook right beside the highway (accessed via paid parking). You don't have to commit to anything; you can pull in, take in the view, and move on.

The beach is best known as a surfing and windsurfing destination with an international reputation. On most windy days you can watch experienced riders out on the water, and in winter the surf can be large and dramatic. For sightseers, the appeal is simply watching skilled people read the ocean from a safe vantage above it.

For some the biggest draw are the Hawaiian green sea turtles which often haul out to rest on the sand at the far end of the beach. They tend to come ashore later in the day, so an afternoon visit gives you the best chance. If you do see them, keep a respectful distance as they're a protected species.

Good to know

Park in the upper parking to make a quick exit back onto the highway - the lower parking doesn't allow left turns back onto the highway so you have to drive back toward Pāʻia and make a u turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hoʻokipa Beach Park worth stopping at?
Yes! It's an easy roadside overlook with a good chance of seeing sea turtles in the afternoon. It's quick and requires no walking, so it fits easily into the drive (although the parking area is often busy). The difficultly is timing the stop for sunset photos on the drive back.
When is the best time to see turtles at Hoʻokipa?
Late afternoon. This is when the sand and rocks have been heated by the sun and these ectothermic (cold blooded) reptiles can recoup energy and 'rest and digest'.
Can you swim at Hoʻokipa Beach?
It's marginal for swimming. Strong rip currents, shallow reef, and fast-building winds make it better for watching than for getting in. The surf conditions suit experienced riders only. For swimming there are better beaches nearby (Baldwin or Kaulahao Beach).
How much time do you need at Hoʻokipa?
About 15 to 30 minutes. Enough to enjoy the overlook, watch some surfing, take photographs, and look for turtles.