This guide takes you on a tour of the best Maui Hawaii beaches. You’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect beach-hopping adventure. We’ll share the unique feel of each spot—from the luxury beaches of West Maui, to sunny South Maui beaches, to the wild 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:
- 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 crescent-shaped bay is protected by two lava rock points. The shelter creates calm water that’s perfect for many 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:
- 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 has calm water and a coral reef. It’s a family favorite and one of the best spots for snorkeling.
🌊 D.T. Fleming Beach Park
D.T. Fleming Beach Park is a lively spot popular with both locals and visitors. With its wide sandy shore and steady surf, it’s one of the best beaches on the island for bodyboarding and boogie boarding.
Location: Kapalua, just north of Kapalua Bay
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards
Things to Do:
- Try bodyboarding or bodysurfing
- Enjoy a picnic under the shade of ironwood trees
- Watch skilled surfers in action
- Take a beach walk along the wide shoreline
Why it’s great: Once named “America’s Best Beach,” D.T. Fleming is both scenic and action-packed. It’s perfect if you want a mix of beauty, adventure, and family fun on Maui Hawaii beaches.
Photo Courtesy of ParrishMaui
🌴 Napili Bay
You’ll find the charming and laid-back Napili Bay just south of Kapalua. This sandy beach is a favorite for both locals and visitors. It has a calmer atmosphere than the busier nearby beaches.
Location: Napili, between Kapalua and Kahana
Amenities: Limited parking, restrooms at nearby resorts, and nearby restaurants
Things to Do:
- 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:
- 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. Fringed with manicured gardens and tall palm trees, this luxurious stretch of sand feels like a true island oasis. 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):
- 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):
- Enjoy the tastes of Old Hawaii – be aware this beach is clothing-optional
- Sunday Drum Circle on Sunday Evenings
Why it’s great: Big Beach is one of Maui’s largest and most scenic beaches. It’s known for its wide sand and strong shore break. Use caution in the water—waves can be intense!
🏄♂️ Kamaole Beach Parks I, II & III
The Kamaole Beach Parks, known as Kam I, II, and III, are three family-friendly beaches in the lively center of the Kihei coast. 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:
- 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 beach. Kam II is great for swimming. Kam III has a big grassy park that families love. 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. It might not be the best place for a casual swim. However, it is a great spot to see the ocean’s power and surfers riding the waves.
Location: Just past Paia on Hana Highway
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic pavilions, lifeguards, lookout point
Things to Do:
- 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 is a great spot for photography and seeing honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). It also shows a different side of Maui Hawaii Beaches on the island’s wild north shore.
🌴 Baldwin Beach Park
Baldwin Beach Park is a long stretch of white sand. It’s popular with local families and visitors who want an active beach day.
Location: Near Paia, North Shore
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers and picnic tables, lifeguards, covered pavilion
Things to Do:
- 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 thrill-seekers and surf fans, there’s no spot more famous than Peʻahi, also known as 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:
- 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 drive to East Maui on the famous Road to Hana is an adventure, and the beaches you find there are unforgettable.
🌈 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:
- 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, large paved parking lot
Things to Do:
- 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 protect the park’s beauty and culture, visitors from outside Hawaii must reserve entry and parking in advance. 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:
- Picnic with a view—Koki Beach has a wide stretch of red sand and dramatic coastal views.
- Watch the waves—Although strong currents and rough surf make swimming unsafe, the area is 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 great for swimming, it’s a wonderful stop on your Road to Hāna trip. You can enjoy scenic views and a calm vibe. Plus, the nearby chicken shack is a local favorite!
Photo Courtesy of Maui Guidebook
A Few Final Tips for Visiting Maui Hawaii Beaches
- 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. You can build sandcastles, catch waves, or watch the sunset. The memories you create here will last forever. Now, go out and explore the magic for yourself! Mahalo for reading!
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