Towards the outside of the bay and to the west is Hekili point, black and white tip reef sharks are usually plentiful. There are no facilities to speak of, except the pay phone at the Olowalu general store. Papalua, Coral Gardens and 1000 Peaks Papalua, the Coral Gardens, and 1000 Peaks area is a long strech of shoreline located between Maalaea and Lahaina, just east of Olowalu. There is good Beginner and Intermediate Diving, average depth is 35 to 45 feet. There are a few locations toward the eastern end of the beach area where Advanced Diving to a maximum depth of about 125 feet can be done.
Entrance is on the beach right where the shoreline becomes rocky.
There is wonderful coral here, some of the best in the area. There are also a lot of turtles which feed off several plants species that grow in the shallow part of the shoreline. There isn't a big variety of reef fish, and the fish are timid and won't let you approach too close. Peaks is the fringing reef area straight off Papalua Beach. This is a very popular surfing area, especially for those just starting out.