Many travelers who frequent Hawaii commonly admit that Maui boasts some of the top beaches in the U.S., encompassing a variety of unique features such as secluded alcoves and vibrant coral reefs. While each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own collection of breathtaking beaches, Maui’s picture-perfect shorelines will surely impress. From glistening golden and black sands to crystal clear skies and sparkling turquoise waters, these beaches have it all.
Keep reading to discover our list of the best beaches on Maui Island, Hawaii.
Before Visiting the Beaches in Maui
Remember Sunscreen
If you’re fond of vacations by the seaside, you will know that sunscreen is your best friend. Even when you don’t plan on sunbathing, it’s still important to wear sunscreen while you’re out exploring to protect yourself against the harsh rays.
We recommend getting reef-safe sunscreen when visiting Maui, especially if you’re planning to take a swim. As it can be toxic to marine life and reef systems, avoid buying sunscreen that contains these ingredients:
- Avobenzone
- Homosalate
- Octinoxate
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
- Oxybenzone
Pack Snorkeling Gear
Snorkeling gear is a must-have when visiting Maui’s stunning beaches. Visitors can enjoy seeing a variety of marine life, from tropical fish to Hawaiian green sea turtles. It makes for a magical and memorable experience.
However, renting gear can get expensive, especially when you’re a frequent visitor. You may find that it’s better to purchase and pack your snorkeling gear before your trip.
Besides a snorkeling mask, swimsuit, and flippers, another great item to pack if you plan on going snorkeling is a rash guard/long sleeve swimsuit. Wearing one of these helps to protect you against cold as well as scrapes against rocks or coral reefs.
Parking
While there is no shortage of parking and public access near Maui beaches, they tend to fill up fast. Typically, the parking is already full by nine in the morning, so it’s best to arrive early if you’d like somewhere to park your car during your day at the beach.
Best Beaches in Maui
Secret Cove Beach
Often considered the best beach in Maui, Secret Cove Beach is an ideal place for breathtaking views of the sunset. The beach is smaller compared to other beaches in Maui, and quite rocky. However, this also makes it much less crowded than other beaches. Due to its stunning beauty, it is perhaps the most photographed beach in Maui.
The beach is perfect for couples who want to take a romantic stroll or anyone looking for a more intimate experience.
Kapalua Beach
Another one of the great Maui beaches to try while you’re there is Kapalua Beach. You may find yourself spending more time at this sandy beach than on any of the others, due to its quiet and idyllic atmosphere. It is home to calm waters, golden sand, and impressive palm trees.
Kapalua Beach is also a great place for families. The bay is sheltered, making it safe for inexperienced swimmers. This is also one of the best areas in Maui to snorkel with sea turtles. There is a restaurant right on the beach that serve tasty cocktails and offer stunning sunset views.
Keep in mind that there is limited parking space available, and you may have to park further away.
Napili Beach
Napili Bay is home to glittering blue water and soft sand and tends to draw larger crowds. It is a great spot for mingling with locals or watching other tourists go by. Many visitors snorkel here, but it is also one of the best beaches for relaxing and sunbathing.
Ka’anapali Beach and Black Rock Beach
As one of the best-known Maui beaches, this beach has something to offer every kind of visitor. It is home to stunning views of both the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, making it great for pictures.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy this beach for its walking opportunities, with miles of soft sand. Like many other Maui beaches, Ka’anapali also offers snorkeling with marine life.
Another great thing about this beach is its proximity to a wide range of hotels and resorts, perfect for visitors planning on staying a while.
If you visit Maui any time between January and March, you’re also likely to spot some migrating whales here!
Makena Beach (Big Beach and Little Beach)
Makena Beach is a classic that you won’t grow tired of, even after several visits. This stunningly beautiful beach is one of Hawaii’s top photography and selfie locations and is made up of two beaches – Little Beach and Big Beach.
Big Beach stretches over nearly a mile and has soft, golden sand. It also has fewer houses and buildings, making it a great spot to spend time in nature. If you get hungry after a day at the beach, you can stop by one of the food trucks that serve delicious treats like fish tacos.
If you are a less experienced swimmer visiting Big Beach, we recommend not swimming there at all or making sure you are never swimming alone. Big Beach is home to some dangerous shore breaks and powerful waves, which can lead to dangerous injuries.
Wailea Beach
Located near some of the grandest resorts and golf courses in the area, this Maui beach is popular among locals and tourists alike. It is also a favorite of vacationing celebrities.
It is one of the less rugged beaches in Maui, with palm trees lining the beach and paved walkways for visitors to make use of.
The beach is known for its stunning views of the ocean and offers a calm, private beach experience. Wailea Beach is another great place to go whale watching in Hawaii.
Slaughterhouse Beach
If you’re fond of watersports, be sure to check out Slaughterhouse Beach. It’s tucked away in a cove and can only be accessed by a staircase and a short trail, which makes it hard to spot and easy to miss.
Many locals and tourists visit this beach specifically for its bodysurfing opportunities. It’s located in a windy area and offers large waves during the spring and winter months. During the summer, the ocean is calmer, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Other activities that can be enjoyed here are surfing, boogie boarding, and diving.
As with the other Maui beaches, the parking area is limited and tends to fill up early in the day. So, be sure to get there as early as possible if you plan on spending the day at Slaughterhouse Beach.
Hamoa Beach
Another classic, beautiful beach in Maui is Hamoa Beach. Visitors often stop at this beach while on the Road to Hana, and it can be a great place to swim and cool off after a long day. The picturesque beach has turquoise water, golden sand that stretches for miles, and lush palm trees.
It is important to stay careful when visiting Hamoa Beach, as it features strong tides. If you are a younger visitor or an inexperienced swimmer, don’t go in too deep and have an adult or more experienced swimmer nearby.
Baldwin Beach
Located in Baldwin Beach Park, this is one of the best Maui beaches to look at the sunrise. The beach is home to soft yellow sand and a stunning mountainous backdrop, an idyllic scene that looks as though it came from a film.
Baldwin Beach is much less crowded and located further away from the island’s more touristy areas. It can be found on Maui’s north shore, near the island’s historic Paia town, which also makes it great for exploring.
To the west end, it has a large reef called Baby Beach, with a shallow pool that is ideal for younger visitors, inexperienced swimmers, or anyone looking for marine life.
Other Great Beaches on Maui Island
Pāʻia Secret Beach
Pāʻia Secret Beach can be a great beach for tourists who enjoy more freedom and a laid-back atmosphere. This clothing-optional beach is home to soft sand and blue waters. There are also many trees that provide shade. Over the weekends it becomes more of a family-friendly beach, offering activities like fishing, scuba diving, and surfing.
Kanaha Beach
Located in Kanaha Beach Park, this beautiful white sand beach stretches over two miles and is home to some great views. It is one of the best beaches for water sports like body surfing or windsurfing and offers a tranquil respite from the busier areas of the island.
Keawakapu Beach
Many tourists consider this one of their favorite Maui beaches. Keawakapu Beach in Wailea offers white sand, gentle waves, and rocky areas that make it the perfect beach for snorkeling. Keep in mind, however, that this rocky beach can get very sandy during strong winds, so plan your visit on a quieter day.
Polo Beach
Located in Wailea, this beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It offers picnic areas and bathroom facilities. It is also quite flat, making it ideal for walking or even jogging, and is a popular swimming spot on the island.
Charley Young Beach
Charley Young Beach is a great place for swimming, beach games, and other water-based activities like paddle boarding and snorkeling. It also includes bathroom facilities and outdoor showers for washing off sand.
Mokapu Beach
If you’re looking for a beach on Maui Island that is great for walking, Mōkapu Beach is the place to be. There is a great public parking lot nearby, but be sure to arrive early if you’d like a parking space. The beach is located right next to Ulua Beach.
Spreckelsville Beach
Spreckelsville Beach actually consists of several smaller beaches that stretch over two miles, from Kanaha Beach to Baby Beach. It is home to sea turtles and a popular spot for fishing.
Best Beaches in Maui FAQs
What is the most famous beach in Maui?
Ka’anapali Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in West Maui, home to white powdery sand and clear water. It is home to various resorts but never feels crowded. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.
Does Maui have a black sand beach?
Maui is home to various black sand beaches, including Honokalani Black Sand Beach in the Waianapanapa State Park. Other black sand beaches on the island include Oneuli Beach, Alelele Beach, Honomanu Bay Beach, and Waioka Beach.
Does Maui have a red sand beach?
Kaihalulu Beach (often referred to as Red Sand Beach) is, as its name suggests, home to sand of an unusual red color. The color of the sand comes from the fact that is part of a red cinder cone. If the water is calm and you venture too far, this is a great little beach for swimming. Be sure to stay inside the protective lava rock wall.
Are South Maui Beaches or West Maui Beaches better?
South Maui tends to be the favorite among beachgoers and South Maui locals, as it is home to more parks and has better beach access. There are grassy areas with picnic tables and more parking available. It is also less crowded than West Maui.
Which Maui Beach Parks are the best?
Some great beach parks in Maui include:
- Ho’okipa Beach Park – Known for its big waves, ideal for surfers
- Hana Bay Beach Park – Home to picnic facilities and a black sand beach
- Launiupoko Beach Park – An ideal spot for beginner surfers
- Kamaole Beach Park – Known for its central location and stunning views
- Kalama Beach Park – A beachfront park with playgrounds, sports courts, skating ramps, picnic areas, and grills for BBQs
- Kahekili Beach Park – Popular spot for swimming because of its clear water
Why did Puamana Beach County Park close?
Puamana Beach County Park used to be a popular area but was permanently closed due to safety concerns and erosion. It also serves as a way to protect Hawaiian burials that have become exposed.
