The best Maui Hawaii beaches depend on your plans: Kāʻanapali Beach is a favorite for a classic beach day, Kamaʻole Beach Parks offer convenient family picnic spots and facilities, and Waiʻānapanapa State Park brings the dramatic black-sand scenery. Looking for reef views or a chance to spot honu? You’ll find snorkeling and turtle-viewing options below, too. Before heading out, check current conditions, parking rules, and any reservation requirements for your chosen beach.
Main takeaways:
Some Maui days call for a long beach walk, others for a sunset picnic or a look beneath the surface. This guide to the best Maui beaches in Hawaii helps you compare the island’s coastlines, with practical details on parking, facilities, and what makes each stop worth your time.
Snorkeling-focused? Start with our Best Places to Snorkel in Maui guide, then use the beach list below to choose the best beach day.
Looking for a sunset stroll, a family picnic, or a reef to explore? Compare the beaches in this guide by region, parking, lifeguard coverage, and what makes each one worth a visit.
| Beach | Region | Parking | Lifeguards | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kāʻanapali Beach | West Maui | Public beach-access spaces; availability varies | No county tower on the main resort stretch | Beach days, sunsets, beachwalk | Nearby Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park has lifeguards |
| Kapalua Bay | West Maui | Limited public parking | No county lifeguard tower | Calm-day snorkeling, beach time | Crescent bay; swell can still reach the shoreline |
| D.T. Fleming Beach Park | West Maui | Beach park lot | Yes | Beach walks, picnics, surf watching | Watch experienced surfers and bodyboarders from shore |
| Nāpili Bay | West Maui | Limited public parking | No county lifeguard tower | Beach time, sunsets, calm-day snorkeling | Popular crescent bay; spaces can fill |
| Kahekili Beach Park Airport Beach | West Maui | Public parking lot | No county lifeguard tower | Shore snorkeling, reef views | Restrooms, showers, and reef close to shore |
| Wailea Beach | South Maui | Public lot; spaces can fill | No county lifeguard tower | Resort setting, beach walks, sunsets | Public beach access beside the resorts |
| Mākena State Park Big Beach & Little Beach | South Maui | Nonresidents: $10/vehicle plus $5/person ages 4+ | Big Beach; no tower at Little Beach | Scenery, beach walks | Strong shorebreak; Little Beach closes at 4 p.m. on weekends |
| Kamaʻole Beach Parks I, II & III | South Maui | I & III paved lots: $10/day for nonresidents | Yes, at all three parks | Family beach days, picnics | I & III paved lots are resident-only before 10 a.m. on weekends and County holidays |
| Ulua & Mokapu Beaches | South Maui | Shared public parking lot | No county lifeguard tower | Shore snorkeling, reef views | Visibility varies with swell and wind |
| Keawakapu Beach | South Maui | Public parking at several access points | No county lifeguard tower | Soft sand, long beach walks | Sandy shoreline with rocky areas at the ends |
| Hoʻokipa Beach Park | North Shore | Beach park lot | Yes | Surf watching, turtle viewing | Enjoy wildlife from a respectful distance |
| Baldwin Beach Park | North Shore | Beach park lot | Yes | Beach walks, picnics | Ask lifeguards about Baby Beach conditions at the western end |
| Peʻahi Jaws | North Shore | Confirm lawful access and parking before visiting | No county lifeguard tower | Big-wave surf watching | No facilities; not a swimming beach |
| Hāmoa Beach | East Maui, Hāna | Limited parking | No county lifeguard tower | Coastal scenery, beach time | Lush surroundings; surf can be strong |
| Waiʻānapanapa State Park Black Sand Beach | East Maui, Hāna | Advance parking reservation required for nonresidents arriving by car | No county lifeguard tower | Black sand, coastal views, marked trails | Nonresidents also need entry tickets; book at least one day ahead |
| Koki Beach | East Maui, Hāna | Limited parking; follow posted signs | No county lifeguard tower | Coastal views, photos | Strong currents; not a swimming stop |
Note: Lifeguard coverage applies to designated areas during staffed hours, not an entire coastline. Check current park access, parking rules, posted warnings, and ocean conditions before visiting. Snorkeling recommendations depend on suitable conditions and your ocean-swimming ability.
West Maui offers everything from Kāʻanapali’s lively beachwalk to the smaller bays around Nāpili and Kapalua. Nearby restaurants and resorts make it easy to combine beach time with lunch or sunset plans. For another snorkeling-focused option, see our Honolua Bay guide.
If there's one beach that embodies the classic Hawaiian vacation, it's Kaʻanapali Beach. This three-mile stretch of golden sand is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States, and for good reason.
Location: Kaʻanapali, just north of Lahaina
Amenities: Public restrooms, showers, parking, nearby resorts, beachside bars, paved beach walk, equipment rentals
Things to Do:
Why it’s great: Named “America’s Best Beach” in 2003, Kaʻanapali 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.
See our Kaʻanapali Beach guide for more details.
Kapalua Bay’s crescent-shaped shoreline and lava-rock headlands make it one of West Maui’s prettiest places to spend a beach morning. The bay can offer sheltered conditions, but swell and wind still affect the water, so check before swimming or snorkeling. See our full Kapalua Bay guide for more information!
Location: Kapalua Resort area, just north of Napili Bay
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, parking lot, nearby resort dining, beach activity desk
Things to Do:
Why it’s great: A compact sandy cove, reef views, and a beautiful coastal setting make Kapalua appealing even when your plans stay on shore.
D.T. Fleming Beach Park is a lively spot popular with locals and visitors alike. With its wide sandy shore and steady surf, it’s one of the island's best beaches for bodyboarding and boogie boarding.
Location: Kapalua, just north of Kapalua Bay
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards
Things to Do:
Why it’s great: Named “America’s Best Beach” in 2006, 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.
You'll find the charming and laid-back Napili Bay just south of Kapalua. This sandy beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It has a calmer atmosphere than the busier nearby beaches.
Location: Napili, between Kapalua and Kahana
Amenities: Limited public parking and nearby restaurants. Don’t count on access to resort restrooms unless you’re a guest or have permission
Things to Do:
Why it’s great: Nāpili has a relaxed beach-day feel, a pretty crescent shoreline, and lovely sunset views. It’s popular, though, so expect company rather than a secluded escape. Learn more with our full Napili Bay guide.
Kahekili, often called Airport Beach, is a long, beautiful stretch of golden sand just north of Kaʻanapali Beach. It’s one of the best “easy access” snorkeling beaches on Maui and has great facilities, free parking, and a wide sandy shoreline perfect for families.
Location: North Kaʻanapali, next to the Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
Amenities: Large free parking lot, restrooms, showers, grassy lawn, picnic tables, paved walkway
Things to Do:
Why it’s great: Airport Beach offers convenient shore access, a long reef, and often-clear morning visibility. Beginner snorkelers who are already experienced ocean swimmers may appreciate the facilities and sandy entry when conditions are calm. Always check the water in person, snorkel with a buddy, and stay out if conditions feel beyond your ability.
Environmental Note: Kahekili lies within the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area, where no take of herbivore fish or sea urchins is allowed. This protected status helps keep the reef healthy and thriving.
South Maui has beaches for resort days, sandy walks, and sunset watching. For another stop to consider alongside the beaches below, our Pōʻōlenalena Beach Maui Guide covers shoreline highlights, parking, facilities, and snorkeling considerations.
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. See our full Wailea area guide for more information.
Location: Wailea Resort area
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, paved beach path, nearby luxury resorts, public beach parking that can fill during busy periods, umbrella and chair rentals
Things to Do:
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! Check it out: Wailea Beach also earned the No. 4 spot on Dr. Beach’s 2026 list of America’s best beaches!
For a more rugged, natural beach experience, a visit to Makena Beach State Park is a must. This expansive park features two distinct beaches: the vast, powerful Big Beach and the secluded Little Beach.
Location: South of Wailea, within Makena State Park
Amenities: Parking lots, restrooms, lifeguards (in some areas), picnic tables, food trucks nearby
Fees and facilities: Nonresident entry is $5 per person ages 4 and older, plus $10 per vehicle for parking. Hawaiʻi residents receive free entry and parking with valid Hawaiʻi identification. Bring drinking water, since the park doesn’t provide it.
Things to Do (Big Beach):
Little Beach access: Little Beach sits beyond the rocky headland at Big Beach. Check its separate opening hours before visiting. It currently closes at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, so don’t plan a weekend sunset visit.
Why it’s great: Big Beach is one of Maui’s largest and most scenic beaches, but its powerful shorebreak can be dangerous. Check the posted hazard rating and ask a lifeguard about current conditions before entering the water. Stay out when waves are breaking hard, or conditions exceed your ability.
Before visiting, read our complete Big Beach Maui guide for current parking information, park hours, shorebreak warnings, swimming guidance, and nearby beach comparisons.
Known as Kam I, II, and III, these three Kīhei beach parks make it easy to enjoy a beach day with nearby food, picnic spots, and convenient facilities. Kam III’s grassy lawn is especially inviting when your plans include as much relaxing as swimming.
Location: Central Kihei
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and picnic areas. Facilities vary between the three parks.
Parking tip: Nonresidents pay $10 per day in the paved parking lots at Kamaʻole I and III. On weekends and County-observed holidays, those lots are reserved for Hawaiʻi residents before 10 a.m., although the beach parks remain open to everyone. Eligible residents park free after registering their parking session with a valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license. Check posted signs for the rules at your chosen lot.
Things to Do:
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's beaches.
Ulua and Mokapu sit side-by-side in the heart of Wailea and are two of South Maui’s most popular early-morning snorkeling and scuba training beaches.
Location: Wailea, behind the Andaz Maui
Amenities: Parking lot, restrooms, showers, beach path, nearby resorts
Things to Do:
Why it’s great: Ulua and Mokapu are known for calm morning conditions and for being prime training spots for scuba diving. On a calm morning, these beaches can be a good choice for beginner snorkelers who are already experienced ocean swimmers and comfortable entering from shore. Conditions can change, so check the water first and stay out if it feels beyond your ability.
Keawakapu is a long, scenic shoreline stretching between Kihei and Wailea. Soft sand, great morning snorkeling, and beautiful ocean views make it one of South Maui’s most versatile beaches.
Location: Border of Kihei and Wailea
Amenities: Parking at multiple access points, outdoor showers
Things to Do:
Why it’s great: Keawakapu is ideal for walkers, swimmers, and morning snorkelers. Families love the wide sandy areas, while more adventurous snorkelers enjoy exploring the rocky points on either end.
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 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 to watch surfers ride the waves.
Location: Just past Paia on Hana Highway
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic pavilions, lifeguards, lookout point
Things to Do:
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 beaches on the island's wild north shore.
Before adding it to your North Shore plans, use our complete Hoʻokipa Beach Park guide for parking information, turtle-viewing rules, surf conditions, and important safety tips.
Baldwin Beach Park is a long stretch of white sand. Local families and visitors who want an active beach day love it.
Location: Near Paia, North Shore
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguards, covered pavilion
Things to Do:
Why it’s great: Baldwin is a favorite with locals and families. It offers both open surf and a calmer cove, giving you the best of both worlds.
Peʻahi, better known as Jaws, is famous for enormous waves during major swells. It’s a specialist surf break, not a swimming or snorkeling beach, and the dramatic conditions seen in surf films don’t happen every day.
Don’t treat it as a casual beach stop with dependable parking and facilities. Confirm lawful access before visiting, respect private property and posted restrictions, and keep well away from cliff edges.
The drive to East Maui on the famous Road to Hana is an adventure, and the beaches you find there are unforgettable.
Hāmoa’s curved shoreline, soft sand, and lush surroundings make it a memorable stop near Hāna. Come for the scenery and a little time by the ocean, with swimming plans depending on the day’s conditions.
Location: Near Hana, East Maui
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, limited parking
Things to Do:
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.
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:
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 beaches on Maui you’ll ever visit.
Plan ahead: Nonresident visitors need an advance entry reservation for Waiʻānapanapa State Park, plus a parking reservation if arriving by car. Reservations open 30 days ahead and must be booked at least one day before your visit. Entry is $5 per person ages 4 and older, and parking is $10 per noncommercial vehicle. Hawaiʻi residents with valid identification are exempt from day-use reservations and fees. Choose a time slot that fits your Road to Hāna plans, and leave before that slot ends.
See our full Black Sand Beach guide for more information!
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: Along Haneoʻo Road, just south of Hāna town
Amenities: Limited roadside parking, food stand nearby (Huli Huli Chicken Shack)
Things to Do:
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!
Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay, Honolua Bay (in calm conditions), and Kahekili Beach Park offer some of the best snorkeling from shore in Maui.
Kamaʻole Beach Parks are convenient family choices thanks to their facilities, picnic areas, and lifeguards. Kam III’s grassy lawn is especially handy for breaks from the sand. Choose water activities around the day’s conditions, and check parking rules before arriving.
No. Lifeguards serve designated areas at beaches including D.T. Fleming, Baldwin, Hoʻokipa, Kamaʻole I, II, and III, and Big Beach at Mākena. Many other popular beaches don’t have county lifeguard towers. Check staffed hours and ask about current conditions before entering the water.
Yes. Nonresident visitors need advance entry reservations for Waiʻānapanapa State Park, plus parking reservations if arriving by car. Book at least one day ahead; reservations open 30 days in advance. Hawaiʻi residents with valid identification are exempt from day-use reservations and fees.
Mornings often bring lighter winds and cooler temperatures, while late afternoons are lovely for sunset plans. Check the forecast, park hours, and parking restrictions first. Some lots have resident-priority hours, and an early start doesn’t guarantee calm water.
You don’t need to visit every beach to have a wonderful Maui trip. Pick a few that suit where you’re staying and how you want to spend the day, then leave room for a picnic, a coastal walk, or a sunset that makes you linger. Respect the shoreline and the people who care for it, and enjoy finding your own favorite spot. Mahalo for reading! ⚓
Use these resources to check beach facilities, parking rules, park reservations, ocean conditions, water quality, and wildlife guidance before your visit.
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