The Best Beaches in Maui: Sun and Fun Await
From the stunning sunsets at Keawakapu Beach to the wild black sands of Paʻiloa Beach, Maui’s sandy shores have drawn admirers for centuries. With warm weather year-round and miles of soft sand, the island is a sunbather’s dream. Active travelers won’t be disappointed either, as snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing are top activities across the Valley Isle.
Moreover, it’s not just about sand and surf – many beaches in West Maui and South Maui are hotspots for wildlife watching. Green sea turtles are regularly seen just off-shore year-round, and in winter, migrating humpback whales can be spotted from beaches up and down the coast. Paddle out in a kayak for a closer look, but be cautious not to touch or interfere with these magnificent creatures.
Whether you want to sunbathe or engage in water sports, Maui has a beach for you. Discover our selection of the nine best beaches on the island.
Keawakapu Beach
Best for Sunset Viewing
Sunsets feel like a party in South Maui, with small crowds gathering every afternoon to witness the sun drop behind the ocean. At Keawakapu Beach, the sunset views are nothing short of spectacular. Daytime visitors linger for the natural light show while locals arrive from nearby condos. Arriving early ensures you can enjoy the best spots along the beach.
By day, the beach is an active haven. The Kihei Coastal Trail starts at the north end of the beach, where morning yoga sessions on soft sand are a popular way to commence the day. Snorkeling is best at the rocky outcrops at both ends of the beach, and Keawakapu is also delightful for a refreshing swim as the day winds down.
Top Tip: For snorkelers, consider renting gear at shops in nearby towns for better prices than what resorts charge. Remember to use coral-safe sunscreen before heading out, as the sun can be unforgiving.
Kapalua Beach
Best for Families
Located at the southwestern tip of Kapalua, this golden crescent is ideal for families to spend the day enjoying the beach’s offerings. Parents and kids can swim, snorkel, look for green turtles, play in the sand, and relax while soaking up the sun.
The shore is gentle enough for young children, making Kapalua Beach a safe swimming spot year-round. The scenic Kapalua Coastal Trail, which winds along the shoreline, also starts here. When lunch rolls around, grab a picnic from the Honolua Store just up the road.
The beach maintains a low-key atmosphere and rarely feels crowded, even with upscale condos and the nearby Montage Kapalua Bay in close proximity. Enjoy the charming beauty of Molokaʻi across the channel while feeling like you’ve uncovered a local favorite spot.
Wailea Beach
Best for a Lively Atmosphere
If you’re seeking a lively beach scene, Wailea Beach is the place to be. This wide sandy stretch is flanked by the luxurious Grand Wailea Resort and the refined Four Seasons, generating excitement from dawn until dusk.
Kayaks are lined up early for tours, and walkers can enjoy the paved Wailea Beach Walk, a scenic 1.3-mile path. Sun worshippers soon follow, settling on the beach to enjoy the sun. It’s important to remember that the sand is public, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful beach.
For lunch, consider dining at Ferraro’s at the Four Seasons. For adventure, Aqualani Wailea rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards and organizes tours. The rocky point at the southern end of the beach is great for snorkeling as well.
Top Tip: Despite lounge chairs in front of major resorts, all beaches in Maui are public. Posted signs show access points, and amenities like free parking, outdoor showers, and restrooms are typically available nearby.
Big Beach
Best for Open Spaces
Big Beach offers a glimpse of Maui’s untamed beauty. Backed by dense kiawe trees and bordered by lava outcrops, this golden strand in Makena State Park stretches nearly a mile without commercial development. Facilities include a lifeguard station and pit toilets, along with the popular Jawz Fish Tacos food truck.
For stunning views, climb the lava promontory north of the beach, revealing the breathtaking shoreline. To the north lies Little Beach, known as an unofficial nude sunbathing spot.
The turquoise ocean at Big Beach can serve as a playground for children during calm conditions, though the shore breaks can be dangerous and are better suited for experienced bodysurfers.
Kaʻanapali Beach
Best for a Fun Day on the Beach
Kaʻanapali Beach, a long stretch of soft sand, defines beach fun with activities such as paddleboarding, parasailing, snorkeling, swimming, and sunset cruising. Located in West Maui and lined by several resorts, it is undoubtedly one of the island’s recreational hotspots.
Nearby, you’ll find some of Maui’s best beach bars and oceanfront restaurants, though lifeguards are not present, so inquiring about conditions at resort beach huts is advisable. With no shortage of shops, restaurants, and even a playground at the outdoor shopping mall of Whalers Village, there’s something for everyone.
Snorkeling is particularly good at Puʻu Kekaʻa, or Black Rock, which protects the beach. The southern side offers excellent snorkeling, and as sunset approaches, gather on the sand for the torch-lit cliff diving ceremony, celebrating King Kahekili, the last chief of Maui.
DT Fleming Beach Park
Best for Stepping into the Past
Framed by ironwood trees and located on the wild northern tip of the island, DT Fleming Beach Park offers a nostalgic atmosphere, complete with an old schoolhouse near the parking lot. Nevertheless, modern conveniences are just a short stroll away.
The Kapalua Coastal Trail connects DT Fleming Beach with Kapalua Beach, which is about 1.5 miles west. Along the trail, you’ll pass sites of cultural significance like the Honokahua burial site and Makaluapana Point, so it’s essential to keep a respectful distance from these locations.
While DT Fleming is a wonderful sunbathing spot, it also attracts surfers who enjoy the challenging waves. Be aware that the shore breaks can be rough, and injuries occasionally occur. The park provides lifeguards, restrooms, and showers for visitor convenience.
Maluaka Beach
Best for Snorkeling and Turtles
With its coral reefs and soft sandy shores, Maluaka Beach is perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing. Protected from winds by Haleakalā volcano, the calm waters here are ideal for snorkelers and kayakers alike. Families can set up near the shallow areas for gentle snorkeling experiences.
Green sea turtles, or honu, are often spotted near the shore at this serene beach, known affectionately as “Turtle Town.” The best snorkeling spots are located at the southern end of the beach, where turtles frequently graze along the coral banks. Please do not touch or disturb these magnificent creatures.
The beach can be accessed off Makena Rd, with parking options across from Keawalaʻi Congregational Church or further along Makena Keonoio Rd.
Hamoa Beach
Best for a South Pacific Feel
If you’ve driven the Road to Hana and decided to explore Hana’s small-town charm, Hamoa Beach is the perfect spot to unwind. With its clear water, white sand, and hala-tree backdrop, this picturesque crescent is a hidden gem in East Maui.
Author James Michener once described it as the only beach in the North Pacific that resembles one from the South Pacific. Calm conditions make the cove ideal for swimming, but always check conditions first, as rip currents can pose a risk for surfers and bodyboarders.
Paʻiloa Beach
Best for Black Sand Beauty
The setting of Paʻiloa Beach is stunning: turquoise waves crashing against midnight-black sand in a lush cove. As the wild beauty unfolds, this remarkable black sand beach provides a gorgeous conclusion to a drive along the Road to Hana.
Caution is advised, however, as the sand and black pebbles are not soft, and swimming can be a challenge due to strong currents. The sea here is known for its powerful shore dump and quick drop-offs, making it a difficult place for even skilled swimmers.
After walking along the beach and exploring the sea arch, consider enjoying the park’s trails, which offer breathtaking views of the cove and lead to cool sea caves. Note that an advance reservation system for the park has been in place since 2021, along with admission and parking fees.
