When it comes to paradise, nothing says “dream vacation” quite like Maui! With its warm turquoise waters, soft golden sands, and lush tropical picture perfect backdrop, Maui Hawaii beaches are a magnet for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re traveling with your family, on a romantic escape, or planning your first island adventure, this guide to Maui Hawaii beaches will help you find the perfect stretch of sand.
This guide will take you on a virtual tour of the most spectacular Maui Hawaii beaches, detailing everything you need to know to plan your perfect beach-hopping adventure. We’ll explore the unique character of each spot, from the luxurious shores of West Maui to the wild and untamed beauty of the East. Let’s dive into the best beaches on Maui—complete with locations, amenities, and the best things to do!
West Maui’s Coastal Gems
West Maui is home to some of the island’s most famous resort areas, including Lahaina, Ka’anapali, and Kapalua. You’ll find well-maintained beaches, calm waters, and easy access to restaurants and shopping here.
🏖️ Ka’anapali Beach
If there’s one beach that embodies the classic Hawaiian vacation, it’s Ka’anapali Beach. This three-mile stretch of golden sand is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States, and for good reason.
Location: Kaanapali, just north of Lahaina
Amenities: Public restrooms, showers, parking, nearby resorts, beachside bars, paved beach walk, lifeguard stations, equipment rentals
Things to Do:
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- Snorkel near Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a)
- Try cliff jumping (or watch others do it)
- Stroll along the Kaanapali Beachwalk
- Jet ski, parasail, paddleboard, and surf
Why it’s great: Once named “America’s Best Beach,” Kaanapali Beach is a stunning 3-mile stretch of white sand and clear water. It’s a favorite for first-time visitors and great for families and couples alike.
🌺 Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is a true gem for those seeking a more serene and sheltered beach experience. This stunning crescent-shaped bay is protected by two lava rock promontories, creating calm and gentle waters that are perfect for a variety of activities.
Location: Kapalua Resort area, just north of Napili Bay
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, parking lot, nearby resort dining, beach activity desk
Things to Do:
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- Snorkel the reef to encounter tropical fish and sea turtles
- Paddleboard and kayak
- Sunbathe in one of Maui’s most picturesque coves
Why it’s great: Kapalua Bay’s calm waters and coral reef make it a family-friendly favorite and a top snorkeling destination.
🌴 Napili Bay
You’ll find the charming and laid-back Napili Bay just south of Kapalua. This beautiful sandy beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than its bustling neighbors.
Location: Napili, between Kapalua and Kahana
Amenities: Limited parking, restrooms at nearby resorts, and nearby restaurants
Things to Do:
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- Swim and snorkel in calm waters
- Spot sea turtles near the rocks
- Relax on the peaceful, crescent-shaped bay
- Watch the incredible sunsets
Why it’s great: Napili Bay is a quiet, scenic spot with excellent snorkeling. It’s ideal for travelers looking to avoid crowds without sacrificing beauty that definies Maui Hawaii Beaches.
South Maui’s Sun-Drenched Shores
South Maui is known for its consistently sunny weather and stunning beaches that cater to every preference.
🐢 Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is the epitome of a luxurious beach experience. This wide, sandy beach is fronted by some of Maui’s most exclusive resorts, but it remains a public beach for all to enjoy.
Location: Wailea Resort area
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, paved beach path, nearby luxury resorts, ample parking, umbrella and chair rentals, lifeguard station
Things to Do:
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- Lounge with a view
- Shop at the upscale shopping center
- Swim and bodysurf in calm waves
- Spot whales in winter
Why it’s great: Nestled between the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons resorts, Wailea Beach is luxurious yet welcoming. It’s perfect for a relaxing day in the sun!
🐠 Makena State Park (Big Beach & Little Beach)
For a more rugged and natural beach experience, a visit to Makena Beach State Park is an absolute must. This expansive park is home to two distinct beaches: the vast and powerful Big Beach and the secluded Little Beach.
Location: South of Wailea, within Makena State Park
Amenities: Parking lots, restrooms, lifeguards (some areas), picnic tables, food trucks nearby
Things to Do (Big Beach):
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- Bodyboard or surf (when waves are up)
- Enjoy a beach picnic with stunning views of Molokini Crater and Kaho’olawe.
- Watch the sunset
Things to Do (Little Beach):
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- Enjoy the tastes of Old Hawaii – be aware this beach is clothing-optional
- Sunday Drum Circle on Sunday Evenings
Why it’s great: Known for its wide stretch of sand and powerful shore break, Big Beach is one of Maui’s largest and most photogenic beaches. Use caution in the water—waves can be intense!
🏄♂️ Kamaole Beach Parks I, II & III
The Kamaole Beach Parks, affectionately known as “Kam I, II, and III,” are a trio of beautiful, family-friendly beaches that form the vibrant heart of the Kihei coastline. These parks are beloved by both locals and visitors for their accessibility, excellent amenities, and consistently great conditions.
Location: Central Kihei
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, lifeguards, grills, picnic tables, playgrounds, volleyball court
Things to Do:
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- Swim or snorkel near rocky outcroppings
- Barbecue with friends and family
- Fly kites and watch the sunset
Why it’s great: These three beaches offer convenience and variety. Kam I has the longest stretch of sand, Kam II is perfect for swimming, and Kam III has a large grassy park great for families! They truly represent the welcoming spirit of Maui Hawaii Beaches.
Photo Courtesy of MauiGuideBook.com
The North Shore’s Adventurous Spirit
The North Shore of Maui offers a different kind of beach experience, with a more rugged coastline and a focus on wind and waves.
🏄♀️ Ho‘okipa Beach Park
Ho’okipa Beach Park is a world-renowned destination for windsurfing and surfing, attracting top athletes from around the globe. While not the ideal spot for a casual swim, it’s an incredible place to witness the power of the ocean and the skill of the watermen and women who ride its waves.
Location: Just past Paia on Hana Highway
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic pavilions, lifeguards, lookout point
Things to Do:
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- Watch professional surfers and windsurfers
- Visit the turtle-viewing area (late afternoon)
- Picnic with a view
Why it’s great: Ho‘okipa is a legendary surf spot with strong waves and beautiful scenery. While swimming can be risky, it’s a fantastic place for photography and spotting honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), and it offers a different flavor of Maui Hawaii Beaches on the island’s wild north shore.
🌴 Baldwin Beach Park
Baldwin Beach Park is a long, beautiful stretch of white sand that is popular with local families and those looking for a more active beach day.
Location: Near Paia, North Shore
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, covered pavillion & picnic tables
Things to Do:
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- Jog or walk along the shore
- Swim in the calm Baby Beach area (west end)
- Play beach volleyball
Why it’s great: Baldwin is a favorite with locals and families. It has both open surf and a calmer cove, offering the best of both worlds.
🏄♂️ Peahi Beach (Jaws)
For the ultimate thrill-seekers and surf aficionados, we come to a place that is hallowed ground in the surfing world: Peʻahi, better known by its fearsome nickname, Jaws. This is not a beach for swimming or sunbathing; it is a raw, untamed arena where Mother Nature puts on her most powerful display. It stands as one of the most extreme and awe-inspiring coastal spots among all the Maui Hawaii beaches.
Location: North Shore of Maui, just south of Hana Highway, near Peahi
Amenities: Very limited parking (small pull‑off area), viewing areas above the bluff; easier access by boat. There are no lifeguards, restrooms, or facilities of any kind.
Things to Do:
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- Watch pro big-wave surfing
- Guided boat tours that pass by Jaws.
- Photography—Capture the spectacle from the bluff with your telephoto lens
- Hike and explore the bluff above Peahi
Why it’s great: For adrenaline junkies and surf aficionados, Peahi is a must-see. Even if you’re not jumping on a board here, watching pros tackle massive waves is an unforgettable experience. Just keep your distance, stay safe, and soak in the energy. Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to swim or surf here.
Photo Courtesy of Hawaii Activities
East Maui’s Hidden Paradise
The journey to East Maui, along the famed Road to Hana, is an adventure in itself, and the beaches you’ll find there are truly special.
🌈 Hamoa Beach
Author James Michener often cites Hamoa Beach as the most beautiful beach in the Pacific. It is a stunning, crescent-shaped cove surrounded by lush vegetation.
Location: Near Hana, East Maui
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, limited parking
Things to Do:
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- Surf or boogie board
- Lie back, listen to the waves, and enjoy the scenery
- Explore nearby Hana town
Why it’s great: Surrounded by lush cliffs and trees, Hamoa Beach is frequently rated as one of Hawaii’s most beautiful. The crescent-shaped bay and soft sand make it worth the drive.
🌋 Wai‘anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
No trip along the Road to Hana is complete without a stop at the magnificent Waiʻanapanapa State Park. This is not just a beach; it’s a 122-acre geological wonder, famous for its jet-black sand, dramatic sea stacks, and rich Hawaiian legends.
Location: Hana, off the Road to Hana
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, camping (with permit), hiking trails, larged paved parking lot
Things to Do:
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- Explore lava tubes, sea caves, and blowholes
- Snap photos of the striking black sand
- Camp overnight with ocean views
Why it’s great: This beach is unlike any other. The black volcanic sand, sea arches, and wild coastline make it one of the most unique Maui Hawaii beaches you’ll ever visit.
Don’t forget to make a reservation—it’s required for entry.
To preserve the park’s natural and cultural resources, all out-of-state visitors MUST make advanced reservations for both entry and parking. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and often sell out weeks ahead of time, so plan accordingly! You cannot enter the park without a confirmed reservation.
🌴 Koki Beach
Just down the road from the serene Hamoa Beach, you’ll find its wilder sibling, Koki Beach. This powerful, visually stunning beach is cherished by locals and seasoned surfers. It offers a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic history and the relentless power of the Pacific.
Location: Just south of Hāmoa Beach, near Hāna town
Amenities: Limited roadside parking, food stand nearby (Huli Huli Chicken Shack)
Things to Do:
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- Picnic with a view—Koki Beach has a wide stretch of red sand and dramatic coastal views.
- Watch the waves—It’s not safe for swimming due to strong currents and rough surf, but it’s perfect for relaxing or taking photos.
- Grab a bite nearby—Enjoy some of the best huli huli chicken on the island right across the road.
Why it’s great: Koki Beach is stunning, with its rich red-sand tones and rugged lava cliffs. While it’s not ideal for swimming, it’s a fantastic stop on your Road to Hāna adventure for scenic views and a peaceful vibe. Plus, the nearby chicken shack is a local favorite!
Photo Courtesy of Maui Guidebook
A Few Final Tips for Visiting Maui Hawaii Beaches
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- Respect the ‘Aina (Land): Please be mindful of the delicate ecosystem. Pack out everything you pack in, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs, and never touch or disturb marine wildlife.
- Ocean Safety: The ocean in Hawaii can be unpredictable. Always be aware of your surroundings, never turn your back on the ocean, and if in doubt, don’t go out. Pay attention to all warning signs and lifeguard instructions.
- Embrace the Aloha Spirit: The people of Maui are known for their warmth and hospitality. A friendly “aloha” and a smile will go a long way.
The Maui Hawaii beaches are sacred places, woven into the fabric of Hawaiian culture and history. Each one offers a unique window into the soul of this incredible island. So, whether you’re building sandcastles with your family, riding the perfect wave, or simply watching the sun dip below the horizon, the memories you make on Maui Hawaii beaches will last a lifetime. Now, go out and explore the magic for yourself! Mahalo for reading!
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