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Ringed by 120 miles of coastline, Maui boasts over 30 miles of beaches.
Many are easily accessible beach parks with lifeguards, picnic facilities
and restrooms. Others are undeveloped, pristine, "secret spots" off the
beaten path. All of Maui's beaches feature sparkling crystal-blue waters,
tropical tradewinds, and azure skies that go on forever. Most of Maui's
beaches have white sand but black and red sand beaches are also a part of
our island's inventory. Several of Maui's beaches are known worldwide for
unrivaled surfing and windsurfing conditions. Others are well suited for
the beginning snorkeler, beachcombers, families and children.
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Scroll down this page for an overview of Maui's favorite beaches.
PLEASE REMEMBER: Even though the ocean is Maui's playground there are precautions
to observe. Offshore winds and currents can be powerful and they can change
suddenly. That means not straying too far from shore or heading out to kayak,
windsurf or sail if warning signs are posted, or if conditions warrant caution.
WEST MAUI BEACHES
Black Rock -- Ka‘anapali Beach.
Black Rock Beach is excellent for beginning snorkelers and swimmers to experienced
SCUBA divers. Coral and tropical fish are abundant. This is the northernmost
section of Kaanapali Beach. A beachwalk winds through Kaanapali with easy
access to beachfront hotels, shopping and restaurants
D. T. Fleming Beach Park -- Kapalua
A favorite for body and board surfing,
this public park also features good swimming. Facilities include picnic
tables and restrooms. Lifeguards on duty.
Ka‘anapali Beach -- Ka‘anapali Resort
West Maui's "signature beach. Three
miles of whitesand; sailboat and catamaran rides and rentals; surf and windsurf
lessons. Easy walking access from all Kaanapali hotels. Features “Dig Me
Beach. Named "America's Best Beach" in 2003”
Kapalua Beach -- Kapalua Resort
Known to Maui veterans as Old Fleming Beach,
Kapalua is the first of Maui's beaches, and the first beach ever, to be
named “"America's Best Beach" (1991).” A truly beautiful tropical beach
which offers swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Kapalua Bay This beach
was listed as the Best Beach in the World for many years. It is right at
the foot of the Kapalua Resorts, and offers a gorgeous view of the sunsets.
Launiupoko Beach Park -- South of Lahaina
Another local favorite with a
unique natural pool surrounded by a lava rock wall. Excellent for small
children; picnic tables and restrooms.
Napili Bay -- South of Kapalua
Napili Bay is noted for its sandy beaches
and good swimming. An excellent snorkeling spot for novice and expert ocean
adventurers.
Puamana Beach County Park – Lahaina
This beach provides swimming, picnic
tables, restrooms, grills and a grassy park. Waves are excellent for beginning
and intermediate surfers.
Wahikuli State Park – Lahaina
Another local favorite with calm water conditions
for swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. Restrooms, picnic tables and
grills are available.
Olowalu - Mile Marker 14
This is one of the island's best snorkel spots.
The beach itself runs next to the highway for about two miles, the center
of which has the mile marker 14 signpost.
SOUTH MAUI BEACHES
Kama‘ole Beach Parks I, II and III – Kihei
Ample parking, lifeguards, volleyball courts and excellent swimming conditions
make the Kamaole Parks local favorites.
Keawakapu Beach – Kihei
Classic views and varied conditions mark this beach.
A beachcomber's delight, this beach offers a half mile walk to the Wailea
Resort.
Charlie Young Beach - Kihei
This is right in Kihei, on Maui's South Shore. It is one of
the best places to learn how to surf. The water is warm and shallow. and
there are constant, regular breakers, giving beginners a chance to learn
how to control their boards.
Sugar Beach - Kihei
Stretching more than three miles, the South Kihei Beach runs
all the way around to Maalaea. It is one of the longest white sand beaches
in the world, and has a constant breeze coming across the island.
Kihei Beach – Kihei
A series of beaches, coves and tidepools along over
six-miles Kihei coastline. Some areas offer lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic
facilities
Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia‘u Beach Park – Kihei
Excellent swimming kite-surfing, and
windsurfing. Facilities include picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Wintertime
whale sightings are almost guaranteed.
Makena Beach State Park - Makena
Makena Big Beach at Makena is one of Maui's signature beaches with a seemingly
endless expanse of white sand. Picnic facilities and restrooms are available.
The adjacent Little Beach is an informal (and nominally illegal) clothing
optional beach with excellent body surfing. Makena - Big Beach This is one
of Maui's most famous beaches. Over a mile long, and a hundred yards wide,
it is possible to have hundreds of people sharing the beach, and still have
nobody sitting near you! The waves are big enough for body surfing, without
getting too dangerous. It's one of the farthest points along South Maui,
but it's worth the drive!
Little Beach
Right around the corner from Big Beach is the Little Beach.
Same sand, same sun, but this one is clothing-optional, for the people who
want the all-over tan.
Maluaka Beach – Makena
This beach, adjacent to the Maui Prince Hotel, offers
excellent swimming and snorkeling. Keep your eyes peeled for the green sea
turtles which are abundant here.
Mokapu Beach Park – Wailea
Excellent swimming and snorkeling. Water sports
equipment rentals are available at concessions in front of the Renaissance
Wailea Beach Resort.
Polo Beach Park – Wailea
Another superb Wailea beach, popular
with Maui residents and visitors. Excellent swimming and snorkeling, picnic
tables and restrooms are available. Named "America's Best Beach" in 1999.
Ulua Beach Park - Wailea
Another local favorite with excellent swimming,
snorkeling, and beachcombing. Early morning and sunset walkers and joggers
abound
Wailea Beach – Wailea
Excellent swimming with restrooms and equipment rentals.
Along with most other Wailea beaches, the venue for a paved beachwalk meandering
past Wailea's hotels, restaurants and shops. Named "America's Best Beach"
in 1999.
CENTRAL MAUI BEACHES
Kanaha Beach Park – Kahului
Famous the world over for its excellent windsurfing
conditions, Kanaha also offers good swimming and diving. Close to town,
this beach is a popular spot for lunch and local volleyball enthusiasts.
Lifeguards, restrooms, showers and picnic tables. This beach is most notable
for windsurfing. Near the airport in Kahului, this beach has a constant
wind coming off of the ocean. It is a great place to learn how to windsurf,
or just sit back and watch the pro's.
Waihe‘e Beach -- Waihe‘e
This beach is narrow and relatively free of crowds.
It faces east and is a popular surfing spot.
EAST MAUI BEACHES
H. A. Baldwin Beach Park – Paia
A picture-perfect Hawaii beach
with excellent swimming and bodysurfing. Also features a "baby beach" with
a protected lagoon. Lifeguards, restrooms and picnic facilities.
Ho‘okipa Beach Park -- Pa‘ia
A world-famous venue for professional windsurfing
and board surfing. Many contests are held at Ho'okipa. Winter surf can be
massive, with excellent and safe viewing and photography. Picnic tables
and restrooms are available.
Hamoa Beach - Hana
Author James Michener called Hamoa Beach the most beautiful
in the Pacific. Outstanding swimming and bodysurfing
Hana Beach Park – Hana
A favorite with local families, Hana Beach Park is
one of the safest swimming beaches on the island. Many local community events
are held here
Red Sand Beach - Hana
A "secret beach" with volcanic red sand and good swimming
and snorkeling. Free spirits love this beach despite its challenging location
-- not for the faint of heart!
Wai‘anapanapa State Park – Hana
Excellent camping facilities, as well as
cabins make Wai‘anapanapa State Park one of Maui's best beaches. Overlooks
a black-sand beach with good swimming, snorkeling and freshwater pools in
caves.
