Maui Beaches

I have only been to Maui four times and I love the Island, it is a paradise, and it is time to start planning your winter break. Maui is the place to go.

One of the best places to get information on the island is from Jon's Maui Vacation Facebook page, which is at  https://www.facebook.com/jonmaui but he also has a printable guide at  https://www.mauihawaii.org/mauiinfo/. Jon is an independent observer of all things Maui and his guide is one that represents his view not those of people who are interested in selling you something. Worth the time to review.

The island of Maui is home to some of the most amazing beaches. Some beaches offer swimming all year round, while others are best for surfing or snorkeling during certain times of the year. Depending on where you choose to stay, there are always some famous beaches nearby.

When I think of Maui I think of beaches.  Here’s what you need to know:    All beaches in Hawaii are public.  You can, and should, try out several beaches while you are on Maui.  Don’t only go to the beach in front of you. Here are some beaches recommended by Jon.

Kapalua Beach has been rated as the most beautiful beach in the world a few years ago.   That was before they built expensive condos that block some of the views, but Kapalua Bay is still worth seeing.  Kapalua means two borders (or more figuratively “arms embracing the sea”) which refers to the fingers of lava that reach out on both sides of this bay and block the strong waves from disturbing swimmers. More info is at  www.mauihawaii.org/sights/kapalua-beach

West Maui beaches If you drive along the west coast of Maui from Lahaina to Kapalua, you'll see many breathtaking beaches along the coast. Kaanapali Beach will offer you over three miles of white sand with a variety of watersports, including surfing, sailboating, and even catamaran rides. On the north end of the beach is Black Rock, which is well known for snorkeling.  

Kaanapali Beach is the “in place” to be on Maui,  the place where the action is.  Three great resort hotels (Sheraton, Westin,  Hyatt), one very good older hotel (Kaanapali Beach Hotel), two major condos (Kaanapali Alii, Whaler), a shopping center (Whalers Village), and two very good restaurants (Hula Grill, Leilani’s) are located on this beach.  There are booths to rent all sorts of water equipment, and you can even get some boat tours on catamarans that pick you up right on the beach.  Kaanapali Beach is my favorite place to stay on Maui.  More about Kaanapali Beach, including pictures, on the Kaanapali Beach page of this Maui website at   www.mauihawaii.org/kaanapali-beach

Baby Beach has much calmer waters than most other beaches because an offshore breakwater blocks many of the big waves from reaching the shore.  This makes it a good place for children to go in the ocean, though even here they, of course, need adult supervision.  Baby Beach is in the north part of Lahaina.  For more info, including how to find it, see
www.mauihawaii.org/sights/baby-beach

Olowalu is a popular snorkeling beach.  It’s south of Lahaina on Route 30, at Mile Marker 14.  Details and photos are at
www.mauihawaii.org/sights/mile-marker-14

The rule with Hawaii and Maui is that the further south you travel, the less crowded the beaches will be. Kihei offers you a series of beaches along the six-mile coastline, some even offering lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas. Polo Beach and Wailea Beach offer both restrooms and equipment rentals. Or, if you prefer a more secluded beach, you should visit Maluaka Beach at the Maui Prince Hotel - where you may even encounter some green sea turtles. 

A few miles past the Maui Prince Hotel is the Big Beach of Makena, which is one of the best beaches on Maui. As the name implies, the beach is quite large, and best of all - empty. It offers white sand, picnic facilities, and even restrooms. Kamaole III Beach is the best beach in Kihei.  Kihei is a town crowded with condos, most of which are across the street from the beaches, rather than being ocean-front.  It’s a good place for families on a budget that does not allow staying at the big resort hotels.  More about the three Kamaole Beaches in Kihei, including pictures, is on the Kamaole Beaches page of this Maui website at   www.mauihawaii.org/kamaole-beaches-parks-kihei

Keawakapu Beach is a less crowded beach where Kihei meets Wailea.  Details and photos at
www.mauihawaii.org/sights/keawakapu-beach

Big Beach is also called Makena Beach or Oneloa Beach.  You’ve got to see it because this beautiful area is the last large undeveloped beach on the sunny side of Maui.  It’s ¾ of a mile long, with not one hotel or condo in sight.  It’s south of all the Wailea hotels.  More info is at
www.mauihawaii.org/sights/big-beach-makena

Ho’okipa Beach Park is the place to watch windsurfing.  (The waves are too rough for swimming.)  It’s on Route 36 just past the town of Paia, on the north shore.  More info at
www.mauihawaii.org/sights/hookipa

The beaches of East Maui are unlike others in Hawaii. Surround by lush scenery, the beaches are secluded, scenic, and very colorful. Hamoa Beach is a must visit if you plan to visit East Maui. As you approach the beach from the main road, you'll walk past colorful plants and palm trees surrounding Hamoa Beach. Just off Hana Highway is Hana Bay Beach, which offers black volcanic sand.

The Red Sand Beach is difficult to get to, you'll need to find a narrow path along the coast. The beach offers plenty of swimming and snorkeling, and you should be the only one there - which is great for those looking for privacy. Even though it is hard to get to, Red Sand Beach is truly one of a kind.

Never leave anything of value in your car or on the beach, since theft from beaches and rental cars does occur.  Most Maui beaches have no lifeguards.  Whether they are present or not, swimming in the ocean can be dangerous.  You could drown.  You could get cut by coral.  Something could bite you.  Swim at your own risk.  You could drown.  You could get cut by coral.  Something could bite you.  Swim at your own risk.