Slaughterhouse Beach, officially known as Mokulē‘ia Bay, is one of Maui’s secret beaches that rewards those adventurous enough to seek it out. Don’t let the name deter you—the old slaughterhouse that overlooked the beach is no longer around. Today, you’ll find a beautiful stretch of beach away from crowds, and a wonderful underwater world perfect for snorkeling.
Whether you’re on Maui for a week-long family vacation, or just stopping by for one day, we wanted to give you all the information you need to venture out to Slaughterhouse Beach and enjoy a day in the sun. Our guide has everything from history to activities, what to bring and how to get there, so the only thing you have to worry about is not forgetting your snorkeling gear.
History of Slaughterhouse Beach
During the early part of the 20th century, the Honolua Ranch operated a slaughterhouse on the cliffs overlooking the bay. At the time, the ranch was a significant economic driver for the area, supplying meat to the local community.
As Maui’s economy shifted away from agriculture and into tourism, the slaughterhouse was no longer used. The buildings were eventually demolished in the 1960s. Now, the beach’s name serves as a reminder about the history of the land.
Slaughterhouse Beach Snorkeling
Removed from some of the more crowded beaches on the island, Slaughterhouse Beach offers a unique snorkeling experience. With crystal clear waters, you’ll snorkel among the amazing coral reefs below the surface, swimming with a colorful cast of tropical fish. Conditions can be challenging at times due to potential waves and currents, but given the more isolated environment and beauty beneath the waves, Slaughterhouse Beach is a great snorkeling choice.
Other Slaughterhouse Beach Activities
Swimming
Slaughterhouse Beach also offers an amazing environment to swim. While it can be a refreshing experience, it’s important you’re aware of the conditions. The mornings tend to be calm, but the beach is more prone to currents and waves in the afternoon and winter months. Some important advice—exercise caution and always prioritize safety when swimming.
Surfing
Surfing at Slaughterhouse Beach is definitely not for beginners due to the more challenging surf conditions. While the waves are exciting to surf, the beach break is fairly exposed and the surf is often inconsistent. Winter is the best time to surf at Slaughterhouse Beach as the waves tend to be larger and more defined. Keep in mind that the beach also becomes crowded with surfers during peak conditions, so be cautious when you’re out there.
Slaughterhouse Beach Parking and Directions
Parking at Slaughterhouse Beach is limited. While there is a small parking lot along Highway 30, spaces do fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. If the lot is full, you may need to park on the side of the road, but always be mindful of traffic and parking rules.
Slaughterhouse Beach is located just north of Kapalua on Maui’s northwest shore. You can turn off of Highway 30 and you’ll see a chain-link fence on the ocean side of the road.
What Else to Know About Slaughterhouse Beach
Public Amenities
There are no public amenities—like restrooms, showers, or lifeguards—at Slaughterhouse Beach. While the beach does offer a natural experience, it is undeveloped in this regard.
What to Bring
Given the lack of amenities, it’s important to be well-prepared for your visit to Slaughterhouse Beach. Some essential items to pack include:
- Water
- Snacks
- Sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen and a hat)
- Beach towel and/or beach chairs
- Comfortable shoes
- Snorkel or surfing gear
- Camera
- First-aid kit
- Trash bags
Being prepared means you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience while also taking care of our beach and reefs.
Conservation Efforts
The beach is part of the Honolua-Mokulē‘ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District, meaning there is a significant conservation effort aimed at protecting the area’s rich marine ecosystem.
Some important conservation efforts include no fishing or harvesting of marine life, following reef-safe sunscreen regulations, and participating in education and awareness campaigns to inform visitors about the importance of marine conservation and responsible beach practices.
Respecting these regulations and practicing beach etiquette helps us preserve not only Slaughterhouse Beach, but all of our beaches for future generations.
After spending the day in the sun at Slaughterhouse Beach, discover the magic of Maui’s marine life and come see us at the Maui Ocean Center. Enjoy delicious cuisine at our Seascape Restaurant or browse our Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop and bring something home from your Maui adventure. No aquarium ticket needed to dine or shop!
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
