Maui is an island that’s renowned for its stunning beaches. From world-famous beaches like Ka’anapali Beach to lesser-known gems like Wai’anapanapa State Park, there’s no shortage of incredible places to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
But with so many great options, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 20 of the best beaches on Maui, categorized by region.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded beach to relax on or a bustling beach town with plenty of activities, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here.
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West Maui Beaches
With its stunning blue waters and golden sand, West Maui is home to some of the best beaches in the world. The beaches here are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing and soaking up the warm rays.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to enjoy nature’s beauty or a more crowded spot with plenty of amenities, there’s a beach in West Maui that fits your needs.
Ka’Anapali Beach
With its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and stunning sunsets on display, Ka’Anapali Beach has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for visitors to West Maui.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sun or an exhilarating day of water sports, you’ll find it all at this pristine stretch of the Pacific oceanfront. Boasting calm and crystal clear waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding alike, Ka’Anapali beach is the perfect place to soak up some sun and unwind under the warm Hawaiian sunshine.
Plus, with views of incredible landscapes like the West Maui Mountains and Molokai’s towering sea cliffs right across the bay, it’s easy to see why so many people love spending time here.
Black Rock Beach
Black Rock Beach is one of the most beautiful and scenic beaches on Maui. Its edges are lined with tall palm trees that provide shade to bathers as they relax in the warm sun and soft sand. The clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, and the gentle waves make it an ideal place for surfing or boogie boarding.
When evening rolls around, Black Rock Beach offers some of the best spectacular views of the area, making it the perfect spot to watch the setting sun paint the sky a brilliant array of colors.
Kapalua Beach
Kapalua Beach is one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in all of Hawaii. This secluded spot is characterized by its dramatic lava rock wall and expansive sandy beach, which provide a perfect backdrop for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
The sparkling blue waters offer great visibility, making this a prime spot for observing marine life up close. With its convenient location only a short drive from some of the area’s best hotels and resorts, Kapalua Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy an idyllic day at the beach.
Napili Beach
Napili Beach is urrounded by lush greenery and dotted with palm trees; this picturesque crescent-shaped bay is ideal for those who love to swim, snorkel, or just relax in the sand.
Even if you prefer to stay on land, there’s plenty to enjoy at Napili Bay. With its gentle waves and shallow waters, this beach is perfect for paddling and sunbathing – not to mention sighting some of Maui’s famous sea turtles.
Puamana Beach County Park
Set against a beautiful, sparsely populated coast, this stretch of sand offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. With its long expanse of clean, blue-green water and powdery white sand, Puamana Beach is a true paradise for beachgoers.
As a result, it attracts visitors from all over the island and has become a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or enjoy some fun in the waves, Puamana Beach County Park is sure to delight you.
Honokowai Beach Park
This small beach park is located just north of Ka’anapali Beach and is a great option for those looking for a little more peace and quiet. The park features a grassy area perfect for picnicking and a small reef that’s great for snorkeling.
Kahana Beach
Kahana Beach is another great option for those looking to avoid crowds. This small beach is located just south of Napili Bay and is known for its dramatic cliffs and tranquil waters. It’s also a great place to catch a glimpse of humpback whales during whale season (December – April).
South Maui Beaches
The beaches of South Maui are known for their beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters. With year-round sun and warm temperatures, they are a favorite destination among locals as well as tourists from around the world.
Whether you are looking to spend your days snorkeling in the pristine reefs or lounging on the sand beneath the palm trees, there is something for everyone in South Maui.
Keawakapu Beach
Located on the south shore of Maui, Keawakapu Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. With its soft white sand and sparkling turquoise water, this beach offers some of the best views in all of Hawaii.
Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or dip your toes in the crystal clear water, Keawakapu Beach has something for everyone. And with plenty of amenities nearby, such as restaurants and shopping areas, it’s easy to spend an entire day at this stunning natural attraction.
Makena State Park (Big Beach & Little Beach)
Makena State Park is one of the most popular spots in Maui, thanks to its beautiful white sand beaches and pristine coastal landscapes.
Big Beach, also known as Oneloa Beach, is a stunning half-mile-long stretch of golden sand that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and bodyboarding. Big Beach is perhaps the most photographed beach on Maui, with its expansive shoreline and turquoise waters.
Located just up the coast from Big Beach is Little Beach, which has become well-known as one of the island’s top clothing-optional beaches.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sun or want to participate in the vibrant local beach culture, Makena State Park has something for everyone.
Charley Young Beach
This idyllic stretch of sand boasts soft golden sands that are ideal for building giant sandcastles or burying your toes in the warm sand. It is also located near some scenic tropical palm trees that provide much-needed shade from the harsh sun and a few lovely pavilions that can be used for picnicking or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a good book. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled day out or just a tranquil place to unwind, you’ll find it at Charley Young Beach.
One’uli Beach aka Naupaka Beach
One’uli Beach is a hidden gem known for its stunning views and excellent snorkeling opportunities. With miles of soft white sand and crystal clear waters, this secret beach is the perfect destination for anyone who loves to soak up the sun and marvel at the beauty of the natural world.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day relaxing on the shore or probing beneath the waves in search of colorful fish and vibrant coral, One’uli Beach has everything you need to enjoy a day in paradise.
North Shore Beaches
Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax or an adventurous surf spot to test your skills, the North Shore has something for everyone. Boasting one of the country’s longest continuous stretches of beach, this coastline offers miles of white sand and rolling waves that can excite even the most experienced surfers.
Ho’Okipa Beach Park
This stunning white-sand beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic black lava rocks, but it is also a perfect habitat for a unique and beautiful species: the Hawaiian green sea turtles. These large reptiles have an elongated snout, also known as a beak, which they use to graze on algae along the shoreline. They can weigh up to 300 pounds and live for up to 80 years in their natural environment, making them one of the longest-living creatures in Hawaii.
Despite their size and longevity, green sea turtles are unfortunately threatened by human activities like fishing, boat traffic, and pollution. Thankfully, Ho’okipa Beach Park has stepped up to protect these ancient creatures by imposing restrictions on fishing and boat traffic within designated zones around the park.
Honomanu Beach
Honomanu Beach is one of the most stunning stretches of coastline along Hana Highway on Maui. This beautiful beach boasts turquoise waters and a pristine, rocky shoreline that is perfect for exploring.
Whether you’re looking for secluded spots for sunbathing, or you prefer to watch the powerful surf pound against jagged rocks, Honomanu Beach offers a little bit of something for everyone.
East Maui Beaches
East Maui is famous for its beautiful beaches, with miles of soft white sand and sparkling blue ocean waters. The beaches in this part of the island are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and sunbathing. W
Whether you’re looking to relax in the warm sunshine or enjoy a thrilling ride on the waves, there is definitely something for everyone at East Maui’s many beautiful beaches.
Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in all of Hawaii. With its sparkling golden sand and clear turquoise waters, it attracts visitors from around the world who escape the stress of everyday life and simply enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this tropical paradise.
Whether relaxing on the soft sand or swimming in the refreshing waves, Hamoa Beach offers something for everyone.
Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach
Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach is one of the most unique and enchanting places in all Hawaii. This secluded cove is surrounded by lush foliage and mountainside terrain, making it seem like you’ve been transported to a magical forest world.
Perhaps the best feature of Wai’anapanapa is its black sand beach, which consists of fine, dark volcanic particles that shimmer as they catch the rays of the sun. The deep color of these sand particles makes for an unforgettable sensory experience.
Red Sand Beach
Red Sand Beach is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations in Maui. This pristine stretch of sand sits at the base of a rugged cliff and is known for its distinctive red sand, which is made up of tiny pieces of crushed volcanic rock.
This unique coloration is created by constant waves crashing against the cliffs, grinding down the rock, and carrying it out to sea. The result is a stunning beach dazzled with its vivid red hues and secluded pockets where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and basking in nature’s beauty. Whether you’re an avid beach-goer or someone who loves exploring new places, Red Sand Beach should definitely be at the top of your list when you next visit Maui.
Family Friendly Beaches
When planning a day trip to the beach, many people look for family friendly beaches that offer plenty of fun and excitement for all ages. On the beautiful island of Maui, there are numerous popular beaches that are perfect for families, offering everything from gentle ocean waters to stunning views and great dining options.
Kamaole Beach Park
Located on the southwestern tip of the island of Maui, Kamaole Beach Park is a beautiful and popular spot for visitors and locals alike. Known for its crystal clear waters and soft, sandy beaches, this family-friendly beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying a day in the sunshine.
Here you can kick back, relax, and take in all the beauty Hawaii offers. Whether you come to lounge on the sand with your friends or to play with your kids in the gentle waves, Kamaole Beach Park is guaranteed to delight.
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is the perfect destination for families enjoying an idyllic day in paradise. The beach is known for its peaceful, gentle waves and clear, turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The paved path that runs along the beach provides easy access for families who want to go for a leisurely stroll or even enjoy a run along this beautiful stretch of coastline. Whether you’re out exploring the ocean world beneath the waves or simply relaxing on the sand as the sun sets over the blue horizon, Wailea Beach has something to offer everyone.
Launiupoko Beach Park
Launiupoko Beach Park is great beach in Maui for families. With its wide expanse of warm, white sand and calm waters, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy some time in the sun with your loved ones. Additionally, this beach has plenty of picnic facilities and outdoor spaces, making it easy to pack a lunch or set up a big umbrella and take a break from exploring.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read a book or want to make some memories swimming in the ocean with your kids, Launiupoko Beach Park is sure to please.
Baldwin Beach Park
Baldwin Beach Park is the perfect place for a family getaway. This beautiful park features spacious green lawns and scenic beaches that are ideal for picnicking, relaxing, and having fun in the sun. One of its most appealing aspects is its numerous family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds, picnic tables, and sports courts. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some quality time with your kids or just soak up some rays with friends, Baldwin Beach Park is the perfect spot for a memorable day in Maui.
Final Thoughts on Best Beaches on Maui
Maui offers an incredible array of beaches to suit every taste—from world-famous stretches of sand like Ka’anapali Beach to secluded coves like Kahana Beach—so there’s sure to be something here that appeals to you.
