Beaches in Maui
27 articles and guides about Hawaii. Page 2 of 3.
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Ka'anapali Beach
Kaanapali, Maui
The largest and longest resort area beach on island, Maui's Ka'anapali region is famous for its beautiful azure seas and soft light sand. Each resort is a world unto itself, each offering visitors many options for activities and refreshments all along the popular beachfront paved walkway that stretches the full length of this beach. The hustle and bustle of the oceanfront is more reminiscent of Waikiki than the Old Hawaii feel of the beach parks further north.This be
Haycraft Beach Park
Maalaea, Maui
Haycraft is a little-known county beach park at the end of the strip of condominiums and vacation rentals east of Ma'alaea harbor. It provides natural shade and windbreak shelter, and has several picnic tables, fresh-water shower and portable restroom facilities. Great for running and long walks, as it connects to Ma'alaea Beach and then Sugar Beach to the east, creating the longest uninterrupted beach on Maui. AT A GLANCEHIGHLIGHTS: Quiet and secluded, mul
Charley Young Beach
Kihei, Maui
A local favorite, this beach is the more quiet end of "Kamaole I" but feels much more remote, due to its being two blocks from busy South Kihei road. Ironwood trees lining this end of the beach provide some rare Kihei beach shade, and the sand coves and shallow waters are a favorite of local families with kids. The sand is fine and soft, and the impressive length of this beach (600 yards) is great for walks and runs. As with other west-facing Kihei beaches, it is a great place
DT Fleming Beach Park
Kapalua, Maui
A truly stunning beach awaits you if you seek out this park. Flemings Beach has been listed on many top-ten beaches of the world lists, and for good reasons. The water is a rich aqua blue color due to its abundant sandy bottom, and the bay has spectacular views of the nearby cliffs and the island of Molokai offshore. This is one of the most remote beaches on Maui's West Side, yet it is easily reachable as the park is just 5 minutes drive past the resort area of Kapalua, which is your cl
Launiupoko Beach park
Lahaina, Maui
A water sports playground meets picnic in paradise, this is Maui's premiere West Side ocean park nestled just a mile south outside of the town of Lahaina. Easily found off route 30, this county park with great facilities is popular with locals and visitors alike. Coconut tree-shaded picnic table-studded ocean-front lawn runs the entire length of the park. Sandy beach fronts the ocean on the left side of park, while a fully enclosed cove protects the littlest swimmers from the swells and
Hamoa Beach
Hana, Maui
Just outside of Maui's eastern-most little town of Hana there is an exquisite beach called Hamoa. This stunning expanse of sand surrounded by verdant hills and black cliffs is so picturesque, it has made several top-ten lists for world's most scenic beaches'. It has a special blend of "salt and pepper" sand consisting of white coral grains and microscopic black lava rock pebbles, contrasting beautifully with the aqua hues of the ocean. Facing east across the turbulent Alenuiha
Baldwin Beach
Paia, Maui
H A Baldwin beach park is the perfect example of mixed-use island-style beach park on Maui's north shore. There is a long white sand beach that stretches nearly 3/4 of a mile and provides a great walking opportunity of a rare hotel-less stretch of sand without crowds. Both ends of the beach harbor protected swim areas with natural break walls. These are our local baby beaches and are well used by locals of all sorts, so best to blend in and enjoy the fun. Keep in mind if people ar
Ulua and Mokapu Beach Parks
Wailea, Maui
One of the best sport to snorkel, dive, or swim on the south side!! Ulua Beack/Mokapu Beach Park complex is comprised of two nice stretches of white sand separated by a bridge of rocks jutting out to sea about 100 yards. Ulua Beach is found on the left side of the rocks and Park. It is a family and dog friendly beach and it is safe for young kids. Ulua Beach is not far from the ritzy shopping center "The Shops at Wailea", where you will find pricy but top quality brand stores, coffee a
Wai'anapanapa State Park
Hana, Maui
Wai'anapanapa State Park, Hana Pronounced as "why-a-napa-napa" which means "glistening waters", this is Maui's one-of-a-kind "black sand" beach and a must-see for any Hana visitor. The jet-black lava rock that permeates the landscape is a reminder of the islands' volcanic origins. The beach itself is made up of small pebbles and grains that are broken-up lava rocks, smoothed and shaped by the ocean over hundreds of years. The bay is beau
Tavares Beach
Paia, Maui
Also known as Ku'au Bay, this 100-yard-long white sand beach is located just outside of Paia, a half-mile from the center of town. It has great views, soft sand, and gentle near-shore surf. A protective outer reef break reduces the amount of wave energy that reaches the beach. It has easy parking access , so you can just drive up and have a picnic while enjoying some beach time. Perfect for escaping the hustle-bustle of mid-day Paia.The beach is less busy than
Big Beach
Makena, Maui
Makena State Park, more commonly known as "Big Beach", goes by many names including Makena, Big Beach, and the Hawaiian name "Oneloa". Getting to Big Beach is easy from Kahului, just take State Highway 31 (Mokulele Hwy) towards Kihei, follow for 7.2 Miles, then highway will turn to the right at the end, turning into Wailea Ike Drive, follow for 0.6 miles and turn left onto Wailea Alanui Drive for 2.6 miles and Big Beach's first entrance will be on your right. There a
Honolua Bay
Kapalua, Maui
A multi-use natural playground, Honolua Bay provides the best natural wilderness of the West Side with forest walks, surf watching and snorkeling all on your adventure menu. Part of the Honolua-Mokuleia Bay marine life conservation district, the bay's inner-portion to about mid-point is mostly sheltered from the wind and surf. It is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, great for seeing a myriad of fish and coral. The outer bay break is a legendary powerful right break that ro
Koki Beach
Hana, Maui
This beach is a short drive from Hana town and is centered among several Hawaiian heritage sites. Beautiful crescent of soft sand curves along the bottom of a striking red-and-yellow-striped cinder cliff, with an off-shore islets dotting the horizon. The ocean conditions fluctuate here, and currents can be prevalent. Usually water is safest in the summer; avoid swimming during high surf during mid-autumn through late-spring. It is best to see if locals are in the water. Do not hesitate
Kanaha Beach
Kahului, Maui
Directly next to the Kahului airport lies Maui's most hidden beach known as Kanaha Beach Park. A mile-long stretch of green grass lawns and tree-lined soft white sand beaches, it is a world-renown windsurfing and kite-boarding spot, attracting both experienced athletes and beginners. On any given windy afternoon there are swirls of butterfly-like sails off-shore. Kanaha also has some fine swimming, and though popular with locals on weekends, is wonderfully uncrowded during the weekdays.
Kamaole III Beach Park
Kihei, Maui
This beach has the best park atmosphere of the three "Kamaole beach parks", it is as much about family gatherings, picnics and playgrounds, as it is about the ocean access. Though this beach is only a little over a hundred yards long, the clean water quality to the far right of the beach is one of the best in Kihei, great for swimming and practicing snorkeling. Large parking area, plenty of picnic tables, a children's playground, expansive shaded lawns and multitude of ameniti
Hana Bay Beach Park
Hana, Maui
The town of Hana on Maui's easternmost point is a sleepy country town surrounded by gorgeous scenery and very remote and unguarded beaches. So it is worth mentioning this park for the island visitors who prefer safer ocean access with more protected beach and amenities. Hana Bay Park is a centrally located county park and beach that serves as a town center for Hana. With its numerous picnic tables, pavilions, kayak rentals and the local outrigger canoe club, Hana beach park is a hub of activity
Napili Bay
Lahaina, Maui
A balmy, coconut palm-lined soft sandy beach with calm vividly blue water and gentle breezes, this is the place where you can just float away in relaxation. Welcome to Napili Bay, a wide and open west-facing ocean bay that whispers paradise in many ways. Nestled amongst several classic condominium resorts on a small side street off Lower Honoapiilani Road in Napili, it is picture-perfect and quite popular. The parking is a little tricky, limited curb-side only, but is truly worth the ef
Red Sands Beach
Hana, Maui
Perhaps one of the more mysterious and least understood spots in the small town of Hana is Kaihalulu Bay or "Red Sands Beach". Though not very safe or easy to reach, many make the trek to find out that the beach is not made of sand at all, but instead consists of small red cinders. The small cove at Kaihalulu is surrounded by a mountain of volcanic remnants known as a "cinder cone". The mountain is highly unstable and crumbing into the sea all around this l
Kamaole I Beach Park
Kihei, Maui
The northernmost of three Kamaole Beach Parks, this beach is by far the longest with nearly 600 yards of light soft sandy beach and plenty of room to spread out. The far right end of the beach is known as "Charley Young Beach" and has a separate entrance and parking if you find that you prefer the quieter end of the beach. The central section of the beach in front of the lifeguard towers is the most popular and has a feeling of being a "California" beach except, of c
Honomanu Bay
Hana, Maui
Honomanu Bay's stunning black sand beach is a landmark along the legendary Road to Hana that most visitors hope to catch a glimpse of from the road high above, but very few actually make it down to the bay as it is not easily accessible. However, it is definitely possible to set foot on the beach without too much hassle, and the rugged landscape and surreal views make it worth it. AT A GLANCE:Honomanu Bay is located on the ocean
Keawakapu Beach
Wailea, Maui
This long stretch of white sand is ideal for families looking for a little relaxation on one of Maui's most beautiful beaches. You will find amazing views of neighboring islands Kaho'olawe, Molokini, and Lanai jutting up from aqua marine waters. Small outcroppings of rocks and coral make for decent snorkeling around the northern tip of the beach. The south end of the beach picks up most southern and western swells if big enough, and can create a great left reef break that requires some
Kamaole II Beach Park
Kihei, Maui
The most hidden of the three Kamaole beach parks, about half-a-mile south from Kamaole I, this beach is just as gorgeous but about half the size of its northern neighbor. Many people drive by unaware of Kamaole II's existence as a small sign marks its location, and only roadside parking is available. The beach is backed by dunes of soft light sand and you must cross the dunes to reach the beach, removing you further from the hustle of the roadway. There are several marked paths and smal
Sugar Beach
Kihei, Maui
The longest continuous stretch of sand on the whole island, this beach has fantastic views of nearby islands of Kaho'olawe, Molokini and Lanai, and a gently sloping expanse of sand that is perfect for walking and jogging. It is home to two Hawaiian canoe clubs, one of which does "guest paddle" programs for visitors. Sugar Beach continues the sand expanse that is Ma'alaea beach and spans from the junction of routes 30 and 310 (North Kihei Road) south to South Kihei Road turn-of
Ma'alaea Beach
Maalaea, Maui
A great, remote, but easily accessible stretch of Ma'alaea Beach is the home of the oceanfront portion of the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge itself spans 691 acres of wetlands and is the home of many endangered bird species as well as a nesting ground for the Hawaiian hawksbill turtle along its beachfront. The ocean is often very calm here, but it can be windy during the trade-wind days.AT A GLANCE:HIGHLIGHTS: Bird-watching, coastal wildli
Polo Beach
Makena, Maui
If you want to experience a day at a resort setting with great sunny weather, fantastic views and easy ocean access, then this could be your South Maui beach of choice. Polo Beach is a county wayside beach park nestled between the Polo Beach Club condominiums and the Fairmont Kealani Hotel, and is on the land provided by the Wailea Community Association as a public beach access. Rows of blue beach umbrellas fronting the gleaming white Kealani hotel complex invoke comparisons to the beac
Ho'okipa Beach
Haiku, Maui
Ho'okipa, which means "hospitality" in Hawaiian language, is the name of the beach park loaded with some of the best surfing that can be seen on the north shore of Maui. In fact, in the sport of wind surfing, this beach is world-renown as a place where several international contest have been held. Due to the strength of currents at this beach swimming is limited, and is not safe in winter or when there is a swell.AT A GLANCE: &l
Kapalua Beach
Kapalua, Maui
A coral-rich shallow bay fronts this beach of white sand, and its crescent shape gives a feeling of being sheltered from the open ocean. Dunes and plant-covered ground elevation backing the beach adds to the cozy and secluded feeling. In addition, public parking area with ample parking and its superb amenities make Kapalua Beach a gem of the Kapalua region on Maui's West Side. An added bonus is a 1.7 mile long paved oceanfront pathway that begins here and stretches north along the coast