Beaches in Maui

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• 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