People ask me all the time about Maui’s beaches. They want to know where should they go to take photos or to hang out on the beach. Below outlines a handful of places to check out while your on Maui.WEST MAUI BEACHESBe aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs |
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 This classic west Maui beach was named “America’s Best Beach” in 2006. A long-time favorite for body and board surfing, this public park also features good swimming. Facilities include picnic tables and restrooms. Lifeguards on duty. |
Kaanapali Beach — Kaanapali Resort West Maui’s “signature” beach. Three miles of white sand; 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. |
| 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. |
SOUTH MAUI BEACHESBe aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs |
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. |
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 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. |
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 – Wailea 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 BEACHESBe aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs |
| 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 BEACHESBe aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs |
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. Named one of ten “America’s Best Beaches” in 2006. Outstanding swimming and bodysurfing as well as showers and limited facilities on this family-friendly beach. |
Hana Beach Park – Hana Hana Beach Park is one the nicest swimming beaches. A favorite with local families, Hana Beach Park is one of the most popular 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. |
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.
A picture-perfect Hawaii beach with excellent swimming and bodysurfing. Also features a “baby beach” with a lagoon. Lifeguards, restrooms and picnic facilities.