Top 15 Beaches on Maui

Aloha, and welcome to Pride of Maui’s Top 15 Beaches on Maui blog post. The most exciting thing about a vacation in Hawaii is the beach! Maui has over 30 miles of them, offering some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world.

Best Maui Hawaii Beaches Vacation

Have you ever daydreamed for hours while you stared at a beach in Hawaii on a calendar in your cubicle at work? How about those life-like fantasies where you can close your eyes and almost feel the glorious Hawaiian sunshine radiating against your skin? The best beaches to visit on Maui depend on what kind of trip you’re planning. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family vacation to Hawaii, or a surf trip to the North Shore of Maui, we can help to direct you.

Get rid of the hassle of trying to figure out where the best beaches on Maui are. Relax and have confidence in our experience and perspective. Plan for a beautiful holiday full of all the best things to do on Maui! Go snorkeling with Pride of Maui at Turtle Town with your family, or take surf lessons on Maui with your friends. Plan out a delicious Hawaiian-style beach BBQ for a family celebration. Go beach hopping, or just lay out in the sun and work on your well-deserved Hawaiian tan. Enjoy Pride of Maui’s Best Beaches in Maui, and get ready for some fun in the sun!

Top 15 Beaches on Maui
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Makena Beach State Park

Makena Beach State Park has three different entrances and features two beaches. They are the aptly named, “Big Beach” and “Little Beach.” No matter on which one you find yourself soaking up the gorgeous Maui sunshine, you will be quite pleased that you did. Did you know that Makena Beach is the most photographed beach in all of Hawaii?

That’s right, folks! Get your cameras ready, grab some reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, and know that you’re about to see one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Even if you don’t have a full afternoon to spend at Makena, you MUST at least make a stop here for a short visit.

Big Beach is the largest stretch of Baldwin Beach Park. Even if you’re heading to Little Beach, you will have to access Big Beach to get there. The sand stretches about two thirds of a mile long and is roughly 100 yards wide. This is popular beach in Maui for weddings, swimming, body-boarding, skim-boarding and sun tanning. If you plan to swim while at Makena Beach, please heed all of the ocean safety signage. Make sure to NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN. Big Beach is notorious for the frequency of rogue waves, so make sure to always be aware of your surroundings. If you don’t feel comfortable in the ocean here, do not go in. You might be better off climbing over the rocks on the west end of the beach to go swim at Little Beach.

First of all, Little Beach is one of Maui’s very few nude beaches. It’s an eclectic kind of beach with colorful individuals, and great opportunities for swimming. If you’re there late in the afternoon during a full moon, you may have a chance to see some fire dancers and join a drum circle! The best time to swim at Makena Beach is during the mid-morning hours. This is when the ocean is at its calmest, and when you will have the best water visibility. The water is crystal-clear here, but the sandy bottom can skew the clarity when the tide changes.


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  • Location

    South Maui
  • Lifeguard

    Big Beach (8am-4pm)
  • Facility

    Public restrooms & shower
  • Picnics

    Picnics areas
  • Size of Beach

    Big Beach & Little Beach
  • Dangerous

    Beware of rogue waves!
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Bodyboarding
    • Snorkeling
    • Skim boarding
    • Sunbathing
02

Ka’anapali Beach

Ka’anapali Beach is one of the best beaches on Maui for so many reasons. This area appeals to many different types of beach-goers because of all of Ka’anapali’s conveniences.

  • Location

    West Maui
  • Lifeguard

    8am-4pm
  • Close proximity to

    • Whalers Shopping Village
    • Shopping
    • Bars
    • Restaurants
    • Nightlife
  • Facility

    Public restrooms & shower
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Bodyboarding
    • Snorkeling
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    • Sunset cruises
    • Snorkel cruises
    • Parasailing
    • Kayaking
    • Stand up paddle boarding
  • Kids

    Great for kids

Walk all the way through the shops and you’ll find yourself just steps from the sand. The ocean here is divine! The sand is so soft and it gently slopes into the calm and crystal-clear ocean. The water here feels amazing and you can always count on lots of sunshine. For those who will be traveling with a bigger group, this area is perfect. There are so many different restaurants, bars and shops, all within a short walking distance for those who tire of the sun easily. Many fun ocean activities are available from this Maui beach. There is parasailing and boating, and rentals for surfboards, boogie boards and stand-up paddle boards are readily available. The far right side of Ka’anapali Beach is “Black Rock,” a popular place to jump off of a huge lava rock formation into the ocean. It’s also a great place for snorkeling.


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03

Baldwin Beach Park

Baldwin Beach is certainly one of the most frequented beaches in Maui’s North Shore area, but not just because it’s insanely beautiful. There are also some nice amenities like a huge parking lot, public restrooms, showers and many different areas to throw down a towel and chill out.

  • Location

    North Maui
  • Lifeguard

    8am-4pm
  • Close proximity to

    • Historic Paia Town
    • Shopping
    • Bars
    • Restaurants
    • Nightlife
  • Facility

    Public restrooms & shower
  • Picnics

    Picnics areas
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Snorkeling
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    • Sunset cruises
    • Snorkel cruises
    • Parasailing
    • Kayaking
    • Stand up paddle boarding
  • Kids

    great for kids

If you’re headed out towards Historic Paia Town, you will get to Baldwin Beach about 2 minutes before you reach the town, pending traffic. There are two great beaches in the vicinity. First there is Baldwin Beach Park, marked by the baseball diamond, field and yellow lifeguard tower. Then you have Paia Bay, marked by a skate park and the Paia Youth and Cultural Center. Many newcomers to the area get these two beach spots confused.

There are so many things to enjoy at Baldwin Beach Park in Maui. Some favorite activities include running, dog walking, swimming, skim boarding, body boarding, sunbathing, socializing and hunting for seashells. This is a great beach for the whole family to have fun. The west end of Baldwin is known as “Baby Beach.” Here you’ll find a protective sea wall that provides a sheltered salt water pool. It’s perfect for little kids and babies! The east end of Baldwin is known as “The Cove”. Here you will find a great spot for swimming or just laying out in the sun. The Cove is also a place where you’ll see North Shore residents basking in the glory of their life on family outings and with drum circles, musicians, yogis and more. The middle section of Baldwin Beach should be reserved for those who are confident swimmers. It’s not a difficult place to swim, but if you’re not totally comfortable with ocean entry and exit, this may not be the best area for you.


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04

Wai’anapanapa State Park

  • Location

    East Maui
  • Close to Areas

    Hana town
  • Facility

    Public restrooms & shower
  • Picnics

    Picnics areas
  • Activities

    Short hikes
  • Kids

    Great for kids
  • Culture

    Hawaiian culture

Wai’anapanapa State Park is a 120-acre protected area. It has picnic pavilions, 12 rental cabins, tent camping areas, and all of the facilities needed for maximizing a beautiful East Maui adventure. The serenity of this place is like no other. Everywhere you look there is pure natural beauty, with vibrant green flora and the true essence of “Old Hawaii.”


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05

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is about a 20-minute drive north of Lahaina. Not only is Honolua Bay a famous Maui beach for surfing and snorkeling, but it is one of the most beautiful and vibrant beaches in all of the Hawaiian Islands.

  • Location

    West Maui
  • Lifeguard

    No Lifeguard
  • Close to Areas

    Ka’anapali & Kapalua
  • Close proximity to

    • Bars
    • Restaurants
    • Golfing
  • Facility

    No Public restrooms & shower
  • Dangerous

    Do not leave valuables in your vehicles
  • Activities

    • Surfing
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    Snorkeling
  • Kids

    Great for kids
  • Experience

    Great for experienced surfers

During the winter months, Honolua is a huge surf spot for experienced surfers. During the calmer summer months, this is one of the best places on Maui for snorkeling and scuba diving. The bluffs above the beach provide a perfect spot to watch surfers from a safe distance, or to view an incredibly gorgeous West Maui sunset.

To snorkel at Honolua Bay, guests have a couple of choices. First you can book a snorkel cruise that will bring you right to the bay. You can also drive to Honolua, park near the sign for the Honolua-Mokule’ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District, and take a short hike through Honolua’s forest. When you plan to snorkel at Honolua Bay, make sure to enter the water on the right hand side of the rocky beach. Most people choose to go left to the sandy entrance, but the water there is sometimes cloudy due to a freshwater stream on that side of the bay.


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Palauea (White Rock)

In the ancient Hawaiian language, Palauea translates to “lazy.” Palauea Beach, also known as White Rock, is seldom visited by tourists and is mostly frequented by South Maui locals. Just south of the Kea Lani Beach Hotel in Wailea, White Rock is a medium-sized sandy beach with excellent spots for snorkeling and diving.

  • Location

    South Maui
  • Lifeguard

    No Lifeguard
  • Facility

    No Public restrooms & shower
  • Dangerous

    Don’t go into the ocean if the water is murky
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    • Surfing
    • Snorkeling
  • Kids

    Great for kids
  • Wedding

    Most popular wedding beach on Maui

This part of the coast is well protected, so guests can enjoy some calm wind conditions and clear visibility while snorkeling here.

To get to Maui’s White Rock Bay, follow Wailea Alanui Drive towards Makena. Take a right at the intersection that is after the entrance to the Kea Lani Beach Hotel. Drive down the paved road just until you reach a dirt road. Follow the path approximately 100 feet down to the beach.


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07

Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Bay is one of the most beautiful sheltered beaches in all of Hawaii. The greater area here is mostly dominated by the Kapalua Resort and condominium communities, but the bay is still open to the public. Conde Nast named Kapalua Bay as the “Best Beach in the World,” and the Travel Channel called it the “Best Beach in America” back in 1991.

  • Location

    West Maui
  • Lifeguard

    No Lifeguard
  • Close proximity to

    • Shopping
    • Restaurants
    • Golfing
  • Facility

    Public restrooms & shower
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    Snorkeling
  • Kids

    Great for kids
  • Sightseeing

    The Hawaiian green sea turtles

Another reason Kapalua Bay is awesome is that it is one of the best places to snorkel. This is a great spot if you’d like to chance a meeting with a parrot fish, butterfly fish, wrasse, boxfish, scorpion fish, or the state fish of Hawaii, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a. You may also get to see a Hawaiian green sea turtle! The waves break ever so gently upon the shore, and the water is a clear blue with an inviting underwater playground. This Maui beach is great for couples on a romantic Maui beach outing, or for families looking for a quiet day on the beach. For those who are interested in ocean activities, there is a beach activities desk where you can rent water sports equipment and learn some information about local activities.


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08

Hamoa Beach

Hamoa Beach is a gorgeous, crescent-shaped East Maui beach that is about half of a mile past Mile Marker 51 on Highway 31. Hamoa shares a space with the Hana-Maui Resort, so some of the facilities here are only open to hotel guests. This beach is a great place for soaking up the East Maui sunshine and some calm aloha vibes.

  • Location

    East Maui
  • Lifeguard

    No Lifeguard
  • Close to Areas

    Near Hana Town and Travaasa Hotel
  • Facility

    No Public restrooms & shower
  • Dangerous

    Do not leave valuables in your vehicles
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    • Surfing
    • Snorkeling
  • Camping

    Camping allowed

Some of the more popular Maui beach activities at this spot include swimming, body-surfing, snorkeling and surfing. This family friendly beach has salt-and-pepper sand, clear water, and plenty of shaded areas for a family picnic. This is a fabulous Maui beach for decompressing in a lush setting with gorgeous views of the coastline. Take it from us, you will not want to leave Hamoa Beach.


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09

Olowalu

Olowalu Beach can be found on the West Side of Maui, roughly 4 miles south of Lahaina on the Honoapi’ilani Highway. If you’re coming from South Maui and headed to the west, you will find Olowalu before you reach Lahaina.

  • Location

    West Maui
  • Lifeguard

    No Lifeguard
  • Close to Areas

    Close to Lahaina
  • Facility

    No Public restrooms & shower
  • Dangerous

    Do not leave valuables in your vehicles
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    • Surfing
    • Snorkeling
  • Camping

    Camping allowed

You will first drive through a grove of trees, and then see the Olowalu General Store and Leoda’s Bakery. The entrance to the beach is just before them, across the road at Mile Marker 14.

At Olowalu, beachgoers can find hundreds of acres of beautiful reef for snorkeling.This beach is perhaps best experienced on a snorkel tour since your charter will perch right where the snorkeling is best (roughly 200-400 yards offshore). If you are a confident swimmer, the best snorkeling can be found at 20+ yards out. The beach at Olowalu is great for families who are traveling with small children. The coastline is shallow and protected, and the ocean here has very clear visibility.


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10

Ho’okipa Beach Park

Ho’okipa State Beach Park is one of the most famous beaches for water sports in the whole world! When you visit Ho’okipa, look forward to some awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and the chance to see many of Maui’s most adept water sports athletes and pros in action.

  • Location

    North Maui
  • Lifeguard

    Lifeguard at Ho’okipa Beach Park (8am-4pm)
  • Close to Areas

    Near Historic Paia Town
  • Close proximity to

    • Shopping
    • Bars
    • Restaurants
    • Nightlife
  • Facility

    Public restrooms & shower
  • Picnics

    Picnics areas
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    • Surfing
    • Snorkeling
    • Windsurfing
    • Stand up paddle boarding
  • Kids

    great for kids
  • Sightseeing

    The Hawaiian green sea turtles

The most popular things to do at Ho’okipa are surfing, windsurfing, kite-boarding, stand up paddle-boarding, and snorkeling, all pending the season.

Ho’okipa Beach Park is an extremely popular spot for locals. The beautiful bunch of Maui residents who frequent Ho’okipa Beach does so on daily and weekly bases, most having done so for their entire lives. When you visit Ho’okipa, make sure that you make the most of your trip. Bring with you only good vibes, and you might find yourself BBQing and sharing laughs with some locals. If you don’t want to head down to the beach, there is a great lookout point above the beach park. The Ho’okipa Lookout is a perfect place to tailgate and take in a sunset, get some cool shots of surfers, and enjoy food from local vendors or a freshly cracked coconut.

The Hawaiian green sea turtles are known to frequent Ho’okipa’s shores. If you do see them, please do not touch or harass them in any way. Watch them from afar. They are still classified as an endangered species and are protected by both the NOAA and the State of Hawaii, as well as by Ho’okipa’s local families. Ho’okipa means “hospitality” in the ancient Hawaiian language, so make sure to bring an essence of that with you when you visit. Ho’okipa Beach Park is one of the most incredible beaches in the universe. You’ll quickly see and feel why once you get there.


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11

Oneuli Beach

Seated on the north edge of the Maluaka Wetlands in South Maui, Oneuli (aka Naupaka Beach) is a bit of a “secret beach” on Maui. It is mostly frequented by locals, experienced scuba divers, and naturalists.

Naupaka Beach is actually part of the Makena State Park, even though it is on the Wailea side of the Pu’u Ola’i Cinder Cone.

  • Location

    South Maui
  • Lifeguard

    No Lifeguard
  • Close to Areas

    Near Hana Town and Travaasa Hotel
  • Facility

    no Public restrooms & shower
  • Dangerous

    Do not leave valuables in your vehicles
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    • Surfing
    • Snorkeling
  • Camping

    Camping allowed

In the ancient Hawaiian language, Oneuli means “black sands,” and that is exactly what you will see at this South Maui beach. Here, you’ll find that the black sand is actually ground lava rock. Also, as you reach the shore, you will notice that the edge of the water is actually hardened lava.

Oneuli Black Sand Beach is not the best spot to choose for a lazy day of sunbathing on Maui or for taking frequent dips in the Pacific. This beach is best for experienced swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers.

To find Oneuli Black Sand Beach, drive south from Wailea towards Makena. About 4 miles south of the Grand Wailea Resort, you will see a dirt access road just before the parking lot for Makena’s Big Beach.


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12

Kamaole Beaches

In South Maui, and more specifically in South Kihei, you will find Kamaole I, II and III. They are collectively known as “Kamaole Beaches.” For those who live in Maui, these beaches are referred to as Kam 1, Kam 2, and Kam 3. They all compose the same coastline, but each has its own unique set of characteristics.

  • Location

    South Maui
  • Lifeguard

    8am-4pm daily
  • Close to Areas

    • Kihei and Wailea
    • Shopping
    • Restaurants
    • Food trucks
    • Gas stations and more
  • Facility

    ADA Accessible, parking, restrooms
  • Picnics

    BBQ, picnic tables
  • Size of Beach

    Approx. 1.5 mi total (Kamaole 1, 2, 3)
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Snorkeling
    • Paddling
    • Kayaking
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    Snorkeling and swimming
  • Culture

    Hawaiian culture, family beach
  • Area Size

    Kamaole Beaches encompass over 1.5 miles of Kihei’s shoreline. They are accessed by driving South from Central Maui on Route 310 to Route 31.

While venturing down to Maui’s south shore, there are so many beaches to explore and experience. For snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming, the options here are plentiful. Collectively, the Kamaole beaches offer a unique experience for all to enjoy. As they are close to one another, all three are just across the road from restaurants, food trucks, shopping, gas stations, and more. All three of Maui’s Kamaole beaches are fun-filled, yet convenient.

Kam 1 is a great place for sunbathing and a light ocean swim. With white sandy beaches all around you, it’s a no-brainer. Kam 2 is a beach park with plenty of parking, and big open spaces to BBQ and celebrate with family and friends. Kam 3 has the largest recreational park. It’s a sweet spot where you can meet new friends, skate, snorkel, and socialize during all times of the day and evening.

Stretching out from South Kihei to Wailea, the Kamaole beaches boast a coastal landscape like no other. It’s possible to find hidden coves, and it’s a great place to hunt for seashells. More importantly, there is an array of places to perch for the day with your family and friends.

Kams 1, 2 and 3 provide grassy lawns, BBQ areas, and restroom facilities. There are also areas covered by shade-trees, and many opportunities to enjoy some ocean activities.

Within walking distance from the Kamaole beaches there are many places where visitors can book activities. There are Maui snorkel trips, Maui surf lessons, and a variety of experiences for those who are in the know.


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13

Charley Young Beach

Charley Young Beach can be accessed through a neighborhood at the most northern end of Kamaole Beach Park (Kam 1). It is seated at the intersection of Ili Ili Road and Kaiau Place. The best time to go to this beach is in the morning, when the ocean conditions are at their calmest, and before any trade winds pick up.

  • Location

    South Maui
  • Lifeguard

    Lifeguard on Charley Young Beach (8am-4pm)
  • Facility

    Public restrooms & shower
  • Picnics

    Picnics areas
  • Activities

    • Swimming
    • Sunbathing
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    • Surfing
    • Stand up paddle boarding
  • Kids

    Great for kids

This Maui beach was named after a man who owned a home above the beach for many years. He was a very lucky man indeed! The length of the beach is roughly a third of a mile long, which makes it a great beach for a run on the soft golden sand, a sunset walk, swimming, sunbathing, or day-long picnics with the family. This is also a perfect Maui beach for stand-up paddling or snorkeling around the lava rock formations near the baby tide pools.


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14

La Perouse Bay

La Perouse Bay is a must-see in South Maui! Located at the very end of Makena Alanui Road (Highway 31), guests will be completely blown away by this lava-rock-ridden bay, and the trail that opens into Maui’s historical and famous Kings Hawaii.

  • Location

    South Maui
  • Lifeguard

    No Lifeguard
  • Facility

    No Public restrooms & shower
  • Activities

    Short hikes
  • Kids

    Great for kids
  • Culture

    Hawaiian culture
  • Sightseeing

    Frequent sightings of Spinner Dolphins

La Perouse Bay is named after French explorer Jean-Francois de Galup Comte de La Perouse. He was the first westerner to map out this area of the Island of Maui.

The Bay at La Perouse is the site of Maui’s most recent lava activity (approx. 1790). It is also home to some of Maui’s most playful Spinner dolphin pods. If you’re traveling to La Perouse to see the dolphins, make sure to arrive early, right at daybreak.

This South Maui bay is not a great beach for swimming, snorkeling, or too much exploring. La Perouse does offer a beautiful vantage point from which you can see the outer island of Kaho’olawe on a clear day. When you are at La Perouse, you will see a trail that heads towards East Maui. This trail has so much Hawaiian cultural and historical significance, and it is protected Hawaiian archeological land. If you do venture down this coastline trail, please do not travel off of the main path, and absolutely do not touch or move any rocks or stones. This area is part of Maui’s King’s Trail, and as such has many protected cultural and spiritual sights including salt pans, heiau stones (religious shrines), and fishing shrines. Look, but do not touch!


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15

Kanaha Beach Park

Located in the scenic coastal area between Kahului Bay and Spreckelsville Beach, Kanaha Beach is the birthplace of kiteboarding. This gorgeous beach serves as a base for canoe clubs and fishermen. It even has a campground with a place to gather and BBQ with ohana (family.) As this beach was built around the needs of our island’s residents and not for tourism, it has a great family vibe. Kanaha Beach is easy to find as it is right next to the airport.

  • Location

    Central Maui
  • Lifeguard

    Lifeguard on Kanaha Beach (8am-5pm)
  • Facility

    Showers & Bathrooms
  • Popular Ocean Activities

    Kitesurfing, swimming, canoeing
  • Culture

    Hawaiian Culture

Features:

  • Lifeguards (8 am – 5 pm)
  • Showers and bathrooms
  • Picnic tables (13 with grills)
  • Volleyball courts
  • Camping
  • ADA accessible

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Many thanks for taking the time to read Pride of Maui’s Top 15 Beaches on Maui! We know that you will have the most fantastic time while visiting all of Maui’s gorgeous beaches.

Alexandra Mitchell

Alexandra is a marketing professional with a passion for writing about travel to the Hawaiian Islands, vacation rentals, and luxury real estate. She exposes readers to glimpses of 'Old Hawaii,' new destinations to explore, local events, and all the best things to do on Maui.