15 Best Beaches in Maui to Visit

Surrounded by dreamy, warm Pacific waters, Maui’s beaches are legendary worldwide. Visitors come to snorkel alongside turtles, surf the waves, or simply lay back on the pristine sand and catch some rays.

If you’re trying to decide which of Maui’s beaches to visit, you’ll have your work cut out for you—with 120 miles of coastline, there are dozens of sandy spots to choose from, ranging from tucked away coves to bustling resort beaches.

Book your stay at Let’s Go Travel Maui, and read on to find out where to go when you get here.

1. Wailea Beach

Photo Credit: Kent Buckingham via Flickr CC2.0
  • Best for: Everything! (snorkeling, boogie boarding, swimming)
  • Address: Wailea-Makena, HI

Wailea Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Maui, and as such, it’s also one of the busiest. But it’s still worth a stop to at least grab a pic in this stunning location, surrounded by some of the most iconic shoreline architecture on the island. Bop over to the The Shops at Wailea for a little retail therapy or the KAPA Bar and Grill for a bite to eat – both within walking distance.

If you do choose to sit down and stay a spell, you could spot turtles while snorkeling in the calm blue waters. Kids will love boogie boarding the small swells. Alternatively, the whole family can sit back on the beach to soak up the views of nearby islands.

2. Polo Beach

Photo Credit: Circumnavigation
  • Best for: Snorkeling and boogie boarding
  • Address: Wailea-Makena, HI

Flanked by two large resorts, Polo Beach typically sees some major crowding, particularly along the north end. However, take note: the south beach often remains less busy, and both beautiful beaches offer ample public parking.

Bring along your snorkeling gear and boogie boards for an afternoon in the balmy water, or pack a lunch to eat at the nearby picnic area. Just watch your feet and tread lightly during your visit—sharp lava rocks can be found across both ends of the beach.

3. Kamaole Beaches

Photo Credit: IndustryAndTravel
  • Best for: Sandy beaches with great views
  • Address: Kihei, HI

The Kamaole Beaches in South Maui comprise three different adjacent parks, known colloquially as Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III. The soft sand is perfect for a game of volleyball, especially in the mornings or in the evenings when you can beat the crowds to this (understandably) popular spot.

Lay back on your beach towel and enjoy views of Molokini, Kaho’olawe, and Lana’i islands, or break out the boogie boards and ride some waves.

4. Keawakapu Beach

Photo Credit: Circumnavigation
  • Best for: Swimming and snorkeling
  • Address: South Kihei Road &, Kilohana Dr, Kihei, HI

The name of this beach translates to “forbidden cove,” potentially due to its often stormy weather. Luckily, it isn’t forbidden these days—visitors get to experience nearly a mile of sandy coastline, warm waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and much more.

Divers may be interested in the offshore artificial reef, built from old car bodies in 1962. It can get windy here, which in turn picks up Keawakapu’s fine sand, but you can always rinse off in the waves.

5. Makena Beach

Photo Credit: Chris Howey
  • Best for: Adults looking for peace and quiet
  • Address: 6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI

The white sands of Makena’s Big Beach and Little Beach are located well away from many large resorts, surrounded by lava rock outcroppings. The slightly more popular Big Beach has amenities like portable toilets, as well as great views of Molokini and Kahoʻolawe islands. Meanwhile, those truly hoping to escape the crowds should look no further than the small, secluded Little Beach, which doesn’t have much in the way of amenities but compensates in quietude.

Undertows and surf can be strong at this state park, so keep any youngsters close at hand. Or, better yet, come here with just the grown-ups for some snorkeling and spectacular sights.

6. Oneuli Beach

Photo Credit: Regusso
  • Best for: Snorkeling and diving
  • Address: 5550 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI

Near Makena Beach, Oneuli Beach is one of the few black sand beaches in South Maui. That’s right—you can experience this photo-worthy geological phenomenon without having to travel too far from your vacation rental!

While snorkeling, you may have the chance to spot wildlife like turtles and eels. You might need a pair of good shoes to get past the tough, sharp lava rocks at the water’s edge, but once you’re submerged, the sights will more than make up for the walk.

7. Ulua Beach Park

Photo Credit: Tiffgirls
  • Best for: Snorkeling and diving
  • Address: Ulua Beach Rd, Kihei, HI

Ulua Beach Park and Mokapu Beach Park stretch before the famous Grand Wailea resort, but they’re not exclusive. Thanks to convenient and abundant public parking, these two beaches can easily be accessed by any visitors to the island.

Naturally, some crowding is bound to happen. Though snorkeling and boogie boarding are both excellent at Ulua Beach, divers can head out a little further to the beginner-friendly reef and avoid the worst of the crowds. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to shore to shower and see which food trucks have parked nearby.

8. Ka’anapali Beach

Photo Credit: Gary Riegel
  • Best for: History and cliff jumping
  • Address: Lahaina, HI

Ka’anapali Beach boasts a long and impressive history. This 3-mile-long stretch of white sand in West Maui once served as the royal retreat for Hawai’i’s former monarchy, and it’s also the site of the state’s first planned resort, which still operates today.

Ka’anapali Beach is right next to two championship golf courses, as well as the Whalers Village, a bustling shopping and dining area. But one of the most popular attractions by far is the daily sunset cliff jumping ceremony, in which divers jump off the black rock cliffs to commemorate the legendary feat of Maui’s last chief, Kahekili.

You can watch the festivities from a safe distance but don’t try the leap yourself unless you’re a strong swimmer with significant cliff-jumping experience. Most visitors will be better off admiring the views from the comfort of the beach.

9. Napili Bay

Photo Credit: Eugene Kalenkovich
  • Best for: Snorkeling and suntanning
  • Address: Lahaina, HI

Located near Lahaina, Napili Bay is known for its gorgeous golden sands and beautiful blue waters. The beach is well protected from trade winds and dangerous currents, and snorkelers can spot colorful tropical fish and sea turtles swimming offshore.

Since Napili is surrounded by some of the island’s largest resorts, you’ll more than likely have some company while you’re soaking up the sun. Embrace the crowds and indulge in some people-watching while you tan.

10. Kapalua Bay Beach

Photo Credit: Circumnavigation
  • Best for: Families and snorkeling
  • Address: Kapalua, HI

Kapalua Bay Beach has its rocky spots, and the water can get murky when the famous Maui winds pick up. But if you time your visit right, you could see tons of marine life beneath the waves, like sea turtles, fish, eels, and much more.

Unlike at other beaches, parking, showers, and restrooms are all available for visitors to Kapalua Bay Beach. If you get tired of soaking and snorkeling, shake off the saltwater and go for a stroll along the 3.5-mile-long Kapalua Coastal Trail, which passes several picturesque Maui bays.

11. Honolua Bay

Photo Credit: arkanto
  • Best for: Snorkeling and SCUBA diving
  • Address: Honolua Bay, HI

At first glance, Honolua Bay might not look like much, what with its rocky shoreline and slow-flowing creek. However, it’s a different story under the waves. The waters at Honolua Bay are teeming with fish, turtles, and coral, though you may have to venture out a bit from the beach to see any of it.

While this might not be ideal for sunbathing due to the large lava rocks, you’ll likely be too distracted by the incredible underwater sights to notice. Oh, and this is a protected area—that means no fishing and no taking of any resources, including rocks, plants, and seashells.

12. Ho’okipa Beach Park

Photo Credit: arkanto
  • Best for: Windsurfing and boogie boarding
  • Address: 179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI

Located on the north coast of Maui, close to Kahului, Ho’okipa Beach Park is renowned worldwide for its incredible windsurfing. In fact, this white sand beach is thought to be the birthplace of the sport, and it’s been a mecca for intrepid boarders since the 1930s.

Pull up a beach chair and watch the action on the large swells, or take a lesson and get on out there yourself. The typically sizable waves mean that Ho’okipa Beach Park isn’t great for snorkeling or swimming, but this special place epitomizes the spirit of Maui and surf culture. Younger visitors, on the other hand, are sure to get a kick out of exploring the beach’s many tidal pools.

13. Baldwin Beach Park

Photo Credit: arkanto
  • Best for: Families
  • Address: Baldwin Park, Paia, HI

Families will have plenty of room to spread out at Baldwin Beach Park, which is fully kitted out with a lifeguard, picnic tables, grills, bathrooms, and everything else you might need for a perfect day at the beach. Baldwin is also often fairly breezy, making it an ideal spot to cool off from the hot Maui sun.

Try to arrive as early as possible to nab a coveted spot in the public parking lot. From Baldwin Beach, you can keep an eye out for wildlife like turtles and whales, which often breach just off the shore here.

14. Wai’anapanapa State Park

Photo Credit: Shane Myers Photography
  • Best for: Sight-seeing along a volcanic black sand beach
  • Address: Hana, HI

Getting to Wai’anapanapa State Park is an adventure in itself—along the way, you’ll ride the famous Hana Highway, a scenic but extremely windy route that traverses the north shore of the island.

Once you’ve made the journey up Hana Highway, you’ll need an advance reservation to enter the state park, but it’s well worth it. This black-sand beach is one of the most stunning on the whole island.

Wai’anapanapa is not necessarily a swimming beach since the rocks can be sharp and difficult to navigate. Instead, come here for the views and photo ops in one of Maui’s most recognizable spots. While you’re on the north side, head 10 minutes up the road for a quick pit stop by Kaihalulu, the island’s unique red sand beach.

15. Hamoa Beach

Photo Credit: David Sturtz via Flickr CC2,0
  • Best for: A tranquil getaway
  • Address: Hana, HI

Another North Shore gem at the end of the road to Hana, Hamoa Beach, has an unusual mixture of black and white sand. Since it’s further away from the crowded areas on the other end of the island, Hamoa Beach is ideal for anyone who’s looking to beat the crowds.

You can swim and snorkel among lava reefs, enjoying the serenity and calm. There are also bathrooms and pavilions available. Do note, however, that Hamoa Beach is a sacred spot—ancient remains were recently discovered here. As such, visitors should behave respectfully, especially around the well-marked burial sites.

Stay Near Maui’s Best Beaches

Now that you know all the best beaches to visit in Maui, there’s nothing stopping you from having the beach day (or days) of a lifetime.

The legendary beaches of Maui have long captivated visitors to the Hawaiian islands, as well as the locals and natives who have made this beautiful place their home for centuries. Make sure to respect local traditions, and if a beach is closed, move on to the next.

Book your stay at Let’s Go Travel Maui, and you’ll experience the island’s world-renowned shores right in your own (temporary) backyard.

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