Maui Information - Maui Beaches

Maui is blessed with some of the best beaches to be found anywhere in the world. Whether your desire is to soak up the sun, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, surf or find a private paradise for two, you will find a beach to fit your ideal. What follows, from the more than 80 beaches available on Maui, is a selection of some of my favorite for sand, sun and water adventures.

Kama'ole Beach Park I, II, & III

These three beaches are like golden jewels along the shore, each with their distinct standout features. Lifeguards are on duty from 8:00am-4:30pm every day at all three beaches.

Kama'ole I is the largest of the three and the swimming conditions in the morning are usually excellent. There are showers, bathrooms and a grassy area at the south-end. The less crowded north-end is called Charley Young Beach and with shade, soft fine sand and natural wind breaks, it is a choice spot for swimming, body surfing and relaxation.

Just south of "Kam I" is Kama'ole II, a smaller beach but still excellent for swimming. There is now a park that links Kam II to Kama'ole III, the southern most of the three.

Kam III, while the smallest of the beaches, has a large grassy area and is very popular with local families. Weekends can be especially busy with birthday parties, barbeques, and kite flying.

Keawakapu Beach

Situated along Maui's southern, sunny coast, where South Kihei ends and Wailea begins, this long stretch of golden sand is perfect for morning strolls, swimming, snorkeling, jogging and in winter, whale watching.

Big Beach (also known as Oneloa)

Big Beach, located along the southern tip of Maui, is one of largest white sand beaches in Hawaii. This long, beautiful stretch of sand is a perfect beach for sunbathing. This is not really a swimmer's beach as the shoreline break can be quite rough here and it is advisable to stay out of the water unless it is like glass. Amenities include picnic tables and portable bathrooms. At the north end of the beach, there is a winding path that leads to "Little Beach" Maui's unofficial (and illegal) clothing optional beach. Little Beach is also known for its body surfing.

La Perouse Bay

This bay, found at the very end of South Maui's shoreline road, is part of Ahihi Kina'u Natural Area Reserve, and as such it is protected by state law. While the entrance is rocky, on calm mornings when the water is clear the snorkeling can be very good. Wild spinner dolphins sometimes come to the bay to eat and play.

Ulua Beach & Makapu Beach Park

Voted one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in America, this sandy gem is one of the best beginner snorkeling spots on Maui. A sandy gentle sloping entrance also makes it one of the better children's beaches and it usually crowded with families and young children. This is also a favorite spot to learn diving from one of South Maui's professional diving shops. If the water is very calm, it is possible to snorkel out and around the coral reef situated along the north side of the beach ending up at Makapu Beach.

West Maui Beaches - Ka'anapali & Kapalua

North Shore Maui Beaches

Ka'anapali Beach and Black Rock

At four miles long, this golden sand beach, stretches the entire length of Ka'anapali Resort. Paved walk-ways link the path that leads past hotels and restaurants. Swimming is especially good here in the summer when the water is calm and clear. World-famous Black Rock at the northern tip is renowned for its excellent snorkeling. Black Rock is considered sacred by Hawaiians who believe that the spirits of warriors leave the earth to meet their ancestors by leaping from this rock.

Kapalua Bay

This perfect crescent bay is one of Maui's best beaches. Lava outcroppings on both sides of the bay's entrance protect it from strong winds and currents, making it an excellent place to begin the adventure of snorkeling. The coral starts quite close to shore making it an easy swim to see colorful tropical fish. Farther out along the northern side of the bay you will see beautiful untouched coral heads and many different types of fish.

D.T. Fleming Beach

Just north of Kapalua Bay is the somewhat wild and beautiful Fleming Beach. This long wide beach, surrounded by Ironwood trees, which provide great shade, has many facilities including a lifeguard on duty from 8:00 to 4:30pm, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. The water can become quite rough here due to the steep slope of the beach. When the waves pick up, experienced boogie borders and surfers can been seen catching good rides.

Honolua Bay

This is one of two protected bays that make up the Mokule'ia Marine Life Conservation District. To reach the bay you have to walk down a shaded path and over a small stream. If the stream is dry, the water will probably be clear. If the stream is running, it's a good indication that you will have to swim out a ways to get to clear water. This is not a sandy beach, but the snorkeling here on clear days is some of the best in the Hawaiian Islands. Winter can bring large northern swells and surfers take to the waves just outside the bay.

Baldwin Beach

Located between Spreckelsville and Paia this beach is a haven for dog lovers. This long, white sand beach ends in a very special "baby beach" protected by a coral reef that creates a natural lagoon. Morning walks are sublime, with many local folks walking or jogging, often with their dogs, along the pristine beach. Winds can pick up in the afternoon. Currents can be quite strong and waves large, making this a popular beach for experienced body and boogie board surfers. When the waves are large enough, surfers can also be seen from shore. A large covered picnic area, lifeguards from 8-4:30pm, restrooms and barbecue pits make this a local favorite for family parties.

Ho'okipa Beach Park

Since the early 1980's Ho'okipa has been known for world-class windsurfing. Two major competitions take place here every year. It is also a renowned surfing spot. Not usually recommended for swimming, due to the high waves and strong currents, this beach makes an excellent stop along the Hana Highway to watch the professional windsurfers and surfers ride the waves. A lifeguard is on duty from 8:00am - 4:30pm daily.

Wai'anapanapa State Park

Located 4 miles before Hana, this breathtaking park contains Holokalani, the famous Black Sand Beach. This is an excellent park for hiking, (swimming is not recommended due to the strong powerful currents and waves). Trails lead down to the beach, formed by tiny black pebbles, and along the lava cliffs where the deep blue ocean waves crash up, creating blow holes and lava bridges. This path is part of the ancient King's Highway, a Hawaiian footpath, that used to circle the entire island. This stretch is 3 miles long and leads to the town of Hana. Facilities include bathrooms, showers and cabins that can be reserved for overnight camping. (See Katrina's Top Maui Tips for reservation information.)

Hamoa Beach

James Michener said of Hamoa, "Paradoxically, the only beach I have ever seen that looks like the South Pacific was in the North Pacific -- Hamoa Beach . . . a beach so perfectly formed that I wonder at its comparative obscurity." This tropical, crescent shaped beach is used by the Hotel Hana-Maui for their guests but is open to anyone who wants to enjoy the long stretch of white sand and shaded picnic areas. Currents can be strong here with calmer water found usually along the left side. Facilities include showers and restrooms.