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Maui Beaches

West Maui

West Maui beaches are legendary for their glittering aquamarine waters banked by long stretches of golden sand. Reef fronts much of the western shore, making the underwater panorama something to behold. The beaches listed here start in the north at Kapalua and head south past Ka''anapali and Lahaina. Note that there are a dozen roadside beaches to choose from on Route 30; those listed here are the ones we like best.

"Slaughterhouse" (Mokuleia) Beach. The island''s northernmost beach is part of the Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District. "Slaughterhouse" is the surfers'' nickname for what is officially Mokuleia. When the weather permits, this is a great place for bodysurfing and sunbathing. Concrete steps and a green railing help you get down the sheer cliff to the sand. The next bay over, Honolua, has no beach but offers one of the best surf breaks in Hawai''i. Often you can see competitions happening there; look for cars pulled off the road and parked in the pineapple field. Mile marker 32 on Rte. 30 past Kapalua, HI, USA.

D.¿T. Fleming Beach. Because the current can be quite strong, this charming, mile-long sandy cove is better for sunbathing than for swimming or water sports. Still it''s one of the island''s most popular beaches. Part of the beach runs along the front of the Ritz-Carlton''s Beachhouse Bar & Grill -- a good place to grab a cocktail and enjoy the view. Rte. 30, 1 mi north of Kapalua, HI, USA.

Kapalua Beach. Kapalua was once named the "world''s nicest beach." Walk through the tunnel at the end of KapaluaPlace and you''ll see why -- the beach fronts a pristine bay good for snorkeling, swimming, and general lazing. Located just north of Napili Bay, this lovely, sheltered shore often remains calm late into the afternoon, although there may be strong currents offshore. This area is quite popular and is bordered by the Kapalua Resort so don''t expect to have the beach to yourself. From Rte. 30, turn onto Kapalua Pl., walk through tunnel, HI, USA.

Napili Beach. Surrounded by sleepy condos, this round bay is a turtle-filled pool lined with a sparkling white crescent of sand. Sunbathers love this beach. The shorebreak is steep but gentle and it''s easy to keep an eye on kids here as the entire bay is visible from any point in the water. The beach is right outside the Napili Kai Beach Club, a popular little resort for honeymooners, only a few miles south of Kapalua. It''s also a terrific sunset spot. 5900 Lower Honoapi''ilani Hwy., look for Napili Pl. or Hui Dr., HI, USA.

Ka''anapali Beach. Stretching from the Sheraton Maui at its northernmost end to the Hyatt Regency Maui at its southern tip, Ka''anapali Beach is lined with resorts, condominiums, restaurants, and shops. If you''re looking for quiet and seclusion, this is not the beach for you. But if you want lots of action, lay out your towel here. Also called "Dig Me Beach," this is one of Maui''s best people-watching spots: catamarans, windsurfers, and parasailers head out from here while the beautiful people take in the scenery. A cement pathway weaves along the length of this 3-mi-long beach, leading from one astounding resort to the next.

The drop-off from Ka''anapali''s soft, sugary sand is steep, but waves hit the shore with barely a rippling slap.The area at the northernmost end (in front of the Sheraton Maui), known as Black Rock, has prime snorkeling. The fish and eels here are tame from hand-feeding, but be aware -- they can still bite! Follow any of 3 Ka''anapali exits from Honoapi''ilani Hwy. and park at any hotel, HI, USA.

Puamana Beach Park. Puamana is both a friendly beach park and a surf spot for mellow, longboard rides. With a narrow, sandy beach and grassy area providing plenty of shade, Puamana offers mostly calm swimming conditions and a good view of neighboring Lana''i. Smaller than Launiupoko, this beach park tends to attract locals looking to surf and BBQ. On Rte. 30, ¼ mi south of Lahaina, HI, USA.

Launiupoko State Wayside Park. Launiupoko is the beach park of all beach parks. Both a surf break and a beach, it offers a little something for everyone with its inviting stretch of lawn, soft white sand, and gentle waves. The shoreline reef creates a protected wading pool, perfect for small children. Outside the reef, beginner surfers will find good longboard rides. From the long sliver of beach (good for walking), you''ll enjoy superb views of neighbor islands, and landside, of deep valleys jetting through the West Maui mountains. Because of its endless sunshine and serenity -- not to mention its many amenities -- Launiupoko draws a crowd on the weekends, but there''s space for everyone (and overflow parking across the street). On Rte. 30, just south of Lahaina at mile marker 18, HI, USA.

Oluwalu. Oluwalu is more an offshore snorkel spot than a beach, but it''s a great place to watch for turtles and whales in-season. The beach is literally a pullover from the road, which can make for some unwelcomenoise if you''re looking for quiet. The entrance can be rocky (reef shoes help) but if you''ve got your snorkel gear, it''s just a swim away to an extensive and diverse reef (200 yards). Shoreline visibility can vary, depending on the swell and time of day (late morning is best). Except for during a south swell, the waters are usually calm. A half mile north of mile marker 14 you''ll find the rocky surf break, also called Oluwalu, which is a local (and at times, unfriendly) hangout, so it''s better to stick to the beach. South of Oluwalu General Store, on Rte. 30 at mile marker 14, HI, USA.

Ukumeheme Beach Park. This popular park is also known as "Thousand Peaks," because the waves just keep coming. Beginning to intermediate wave riders will enjoy this as a good spot to longboard or boogie board. The beach itself leaves something to be desired, as it''s more dead grass than sand, but there are plenty of BBQs, picnic tables, and some shade. Portable toilets are also available. On Rte. 30, near mile marker 12, HI, USA.

The South Shore

Sandy beach fronts nearly the entire southern coastline of Maui, from Kihei at the northern end to Makena at the southern tip. The farther south you go, the better the beaches get. Kihei has excellent beach parks right in town, with white sand, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and BBQs. Good snorkeling can be found along the beaches'' rocky borders. As good as Kihei is, Wailea is even better. Wailea''s beaches are cleaner, facilities tidier, and views even more impressive. Note that break-ins have been reported at many of these beach parking lots. As you head out to Makena, the terrain gets wilder. Bring lunch, water, and sunscreen with you.The following South Shore beaches are listed from north Kihei southeast to Makena.

Kalepolepo Beach Park. This tiny spit of beach and rock is the site of the ancient Kalepolepo Village, a large settlement and the prized property of Maui''s King Kamehameha in the 1850s. Here the maka ''anana (commoners) tended the man-made pond, farmed, fished, and raised taro. Today the park has lots of shady trees and stays pretty quiet, making it a good getaway from the crowd and sun. However, the beach (if you can call it that) is only a small sprinkling of sand, and swimming in the often-murky waters isn''t recommended. Toilets are portable. 726 S. Kihei Rd., just south of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, HI, USA.

Waipuliani Park. Fronting the Maui Sunset Resort, Waipuliani Park is a spectacular place to lay out or picnic on golf-course-quality grass. A small beach hides behind the dunes, although it''s usually speckled with seaweed and shells; swimming isn''t recommended as the park is not far from a water-treatment plant. This park often hosts local activities, such as volleyball and croquet, and it attracts many dog lovers. Although it has a resort feel and can be crowded, it''s still a perfect place to watch the sunset. From S. Kihei Rd., turn at Star Market onto W. Waipuliani Rd., HI, USA.

Kalama Park. This 36-acre beach park is great for families and sports-lovers. With its extensive lawns and sports fields, the park has volleyball, baseball, tennis, and even a skateboard park. Stocked with grills, picnic pavilions, and plenty of shade, it''s a recreational mecca. The beach itself is all but nonexistent, and swimming is fair -- though you must bravethe rocky steps down to the water. If you aren''t completely comfortable with the rocky entrance, better to stick to the burgers and Bocci Ball here than venture into the ocean. On S. Kihei Rd. across from Kihei Kalama Village, HI, USA.

The Cove Beach Park. Go to the Cove if you want to learn to surf. All of the surf schools are here in the morning, pushing longboard beginners onto the bunny-slope waves. For spectators there''s a grassy area with some shade, and a tiny blink of a beach. If you aren''t here to learn to surf, don''t bother swimming. The water is sketchy at best, and there are plenty of better beaches. On S. Kihei Rd., turn onto ''Ili ''Ili Rd., HI, USA.

Charley Young Beach. This secluded 3-acre park at the north end of Kam I sits off the main drag in a residential area. The sand is soft and smooth, with a gentle slope into the ocean. A cloister of lava rocks shelters the beach from heavy afternoon winds, making this a mellow spot to laze around. The usually gentle waves make for good swimming, and you''ll find good snorkeling along the rocks on the north end. Portable toilets are on-site. From S. Kihei Rd., turn onto Kaiau'' St., just north of Kama''ole I, HI, USA.

Kama''ole I, II, and III. Three steps from South Kihei Road, you can find three golden stretches of sand separated by outcroppings of dark, jagged lava rocks. You can walk the length of all three beaches if you''re willing to get your feet wet. The northernmost of the trio, Kama''ole I (across from the ABC Store, in case you forgot your sunscreen), offers perfect swimming with a sandy bottom a long way out and an active volleyball court. If you''re one of those people who likes your beach sans the sand, there''salso a great lawn for you to spread out on at the south end of the beach. Kama''ole II is nearly identical minus the lawn. The last beach, the one with all the people on it, is Kama''ole III, perfect for throwing disk or throwing down a blanket. This is a great family beach, complete with a playground, volleyball net, BBQs, kite flying, and frequently, rented inflatable castles -- a birthday-party must for every cool kid living on the island.

Locally known as "Kam" I, II, and III, all three beaches have great swimming and lifeguards. In the morning the water can be as still as a lap pool. Kam III offers terrific breaks for beginning bodysurfers. The public restrooms have seen better days; decent facilities are found at convenience stores and eateries across the street. S. Kihei Rd., between Ke Ali''i Alanui Rd. and Keonekai Rd., HI, USA.

Keawakapu Beach. Who wouldn''t love Keawakapu with its long stretch of golden sand, near-perfect swimming, and stunning views of the crater? It''s great fun to walk or jog this beach south into Wailea (you can go all the way to the Renaissance), as the path is lined with remarkable residences -- can you guess which one belongs to Stephen King? The winds pick up in the afternoon, so beware of irritating sand storms. Keawakapu has two entrances: one at the Mana Kai Maui Resort (look for the blue shoreline access sign and the parking at Kilohana Street), and the second at the dead end of Kihei Road. Toilets are portable. S. Kihei Rd. at Kilohana St., HI, USA.

Mokapu & Ulua. Look for a little road and public parking lot wedged between the first two big Wailea resorts -- the Renaissance and the Marriott. This gets you to Mokapu and Ulua beaches.Though there are no lifeguards, families love this place. Reef formations create tons of tide pools for kids to explore and the beaches are protected from major swells. Snorkeling is excellent at Ulua, the beach to the left of the entrance. Mokapu, to the right, tends to be less crowded. Wailea Alanui Dr., south of Renaissance resort entrance, HI, USA.

Wailea Beach. A road just after the Grand Wailea resort takes you to Wailea Beach, a wide, sandy stretch with snorkeling, swimming, and, if you''re a guest of the Four Seasons resort, Evian spritzes! If you''re not a guest at the Grand Wailea or Four Seasons, the private cabanas and chaise-lounges can be a little annoying, but any complaint is more than made up for by the calm, unclouded waters and soft, white sand. Wailea Alanui Dr., south of Grand Wailea resort entrance, HI, USA.

Polo Beach. From Wailea Beach you can walk to this small, uncrowded crescent fronting the Fairmont Kea Lani resort. Swimming and snorkeling are great here and it''s a good place to whale-watch. As at Wailea Beach, private cabanas occupy prime sandy real estate, but there''s plenty of room for you and your towel, and even a nice grass picnic area. The pathway connecting the two beaches is a great spot to jog or leisurely take in awesome views of nearby Molokini and Kaho''olawe. Rare native plants grow along the ocean, or makai, side of the path; the honey-sweet smelling one is naio, or false sandalwood. Wailea Alanui Dr., south of Fairmont Kea Lani resort entrance, HI, USA.

Makena (Big Beach). Locals successfully fought to give Makena -- one of Hawai''i''s most breathtaking beaches -- state park protection. Also known as "Big Beach," thisstretch of deep-golden sand abutting sparkling aqua water is 3,000-feet-long and 100-feet-wide. It''s never crowded, no matter how many cars cram into the lots. The water is fine for swimming, but use caution. The shore dropoff is steep and swells can get deceptively big. Despite the infamous "Makena cloud," a blanket that rolls in during the early afternoon and obscures the sun, it rarely rains here. For a dramatic view of Big Beach, climb Pu''u Ola''i, the steep cinder cone near the first entrance. Continue over the cinder cone''s side to discover "Little Beach" -- clothing-optional by popular practice. (Officially, nude sunbathing is illegal in Hawai''i.) On Sunday, free spirits of all kinds crowd Little Beach''s tiny shoreline for a drumming circle and bonfire. Little Beach has the island''s best bodysurfing (no pun intended). Skimboarders catch air at Big Beach''s third entrance. Each of the three paved entrances has portable toilets. Off Wailea Alanui Dr., HI, USA.

The North Shore

Many of the folks you see jaywalking in Pa''ia sold everything they owned to come to Maui and live a beach bum''s life. Beach culture abounds on the North Shore. But these folks aren''t sunbathers, they''re big-wave riders, windsurfers, or kiteboarders. The North Shore is their challenging sports arena. Beaches here face the open ocean and tend to be rougher and windier than beaches elsewhere on Maui -- but don''t let that scare you off. On calm days, the reef-speckled waters are truly beautiful and offer a quieter and less commercial beach-going experience than the leeward shore. Beaches below are listed from Kahului (near the airport) eastward to Ho''okipa.

Kanaha Beach. Windsurfers,kiteboarders, joggers, and picnicking families like this long, golden strip of sand bordered by a wide grassy area with lots of shade. The winds pick up in the early afternoon, making for the best kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions -- if you know what you''re doing, that is. The best spot for watching kiteboarders is at the far left end of the beach. Drive through airport and make right onto car-rental road (Koeheke); turn right onto Amala Pl. and take any left (there are 3 entrances) into Kanaha, HI, USA.

Baldwin Beach. A local favorite, just west of Pa''ia town, Baldwin beach is a big body of comfortable white sand. This is a good place to stretch out, jog, or swim, though the waves can sometimes be choppy and the undertow strong. Don''t be afraid of those big brown blobs floating beneath the surface, they''re just pieces of alien seaweed awash in the surf. You can find shade along the beach beneath the ironwood trees, or in the large pavilion, a spot regularly overtaken by local parties and community events.

The long, shallow pool at the Kahului end of the beach is known as "Baby Beach." Separated from the surf by a flat reef wall, this is where ocean-loving families bring their kids (and sometimes puppies) to practice a few laps. The view of the West Maui Mountains is hauntingly beautiful from here. Hana Hwy., 1 mi west of Baldwin Ave., HI, USA.

Ho''okipa Beach. If you want to see some of the world''s finest windsurfers in action, hit this beach along Hana Highway. The sport was largely developed right at Ho''okipa and has become an art and a career to some. This beach is also one of Maui''s hottest surfing spots, with waves as high as 20 feet. This is not a good swimmingbeach, nor the place to learn windsurfing unless you''re an expert, but plenty of picnic tables and BBQs are available for hanging out and watching the pros. Bust out your telephoto lens at the cliffside lookout. 2 mi past Pa''ia on Rte. 36, HI, USA.

East Maui

Hana''s beaches will literally stop you in your tracks, they''re that beautiful. Black-and-red sands stand out against pewter skies and lush tropical foliage creating picture-perfect scenes, which seem too breathtaking to be real. Rough conditions often preclude swimming, but that doesn''t mean you can''t explore the shoreline. Beaches below are listed in order from the west end of Hana town eastward.

Wai''anapanapa State Park. Small but rarely crowded, this beach will remain in your memory long after visiting. Fingers of white foam rush onto a black volcanic pebble beach fringed with green beach vines and palms. Swimming here is both relaxing and invigorating: strong currents bump smooth stones up against your ankles while seabirds flit above a black, jagged sea arch draped with vines. At the edge of the parking lot, a sign tells you the sad story of a doomed Hawaiian princess. Stairs lead through a tunnel of interlocking Polynesian hau branches to an icy cave pool -- the secret hiding place of the ancient princess. You can swim in this pool, but be wary of mosquitoes! In the other direction, a 3-mi, dramatic coastal path continues beyond the campground, past sea arches, blowholes, and cultural sites all the way to Hana town. Hana Hwy. near mile marker 32, HI, USA.

Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach). Kaihalulu Beach, better known as Red Sand Beach, is unmatched in its raw and remote beauty.It''s not simple to find but when you round the last corner of the trail and are confronted with the sight of it, your jaw is bound to drop. Earthy red cliffs tower above the deep maroon sand beach and swimmers bob about in a turquoise blue lagoon formed by volcanic boulders just offshore (it''s like floating around in a giant natural bath tub). It''s worth spending a night in Hana just to make sure you can get here early and have some time to enjoy it before anyone else shows up.

Keep in mind, getting here is not easy and you have to pass through private property along the way -- do so at your own risk. You need to tread carefully up and around Ka''uiki (the red cinder hill); the cliff-side cinder path is slippery and constantly eroding. Hiking is not recommended in shoes without traction, or in bad weather. By popular practice, clothing on the beach is optional. At end of Uákea Rd. past baseball field. Park near community center, walk through grass lot to trail below cemetery, HI, USA.

Koki Beach. You can tell from the trucks parked every which way alongside the road that this is a favorite local surf spot. Watch conditions before swimming or bodysurfing, because the riptides here can be mean. Look for awesome views of the rugged coastline and a sea arch on the left end. Iwa, or white-throated frigate birds, dart like pterodactyls over Alau islet offshore. Haneo''o Loop Rd., 2 mi east of Hana town, HI, USA.

Hamoa Beach. Why did James Michener describe this stretch of salt-and-pepper sand as the most "South Pacific" beach he''d come across, even though it''s located in the North Pacific? Maybe it was the perfect half-moon shape, speckled with the shade of palm trees.Perhaps he was intrigued by the jutting black coastline, often outlined by rain showers out at sea, or the pervasive lack of hurry he felt once settled in here. Whatever it was, many still feel the lure. The beach can be crowded but nonetheless relaxing. Expect to see a few chaise longues and a guest-only picnic area set up by the Hotel Hana-Maui. At times, the churning surf might intimidate beginning swimmers, but bodysurfing can be great here. ½ mi past Koki Beach on Haneo''o Loop Rd., 2 mi east of Hana town, HI, USA.