Hamoa Beach
Best Beaches on Maui
Maui Beach Guide (25+ Beaches)
Maui has some of the best beaches in all of Hawaii and some of the most diverse. Whether you're looking for a romantic stroll for two, a family-friendly day in the sun, a fascinating black sand beach to explore, or the ideal snorkeling location, Maui has the spot for you. Choose your perfect slice of sand from these great Maui beaches.
Of course, snorkeling, swimming, and other water activities are always popular at some of Maui's top beaches. Remember that conditions may vary from summer to winter, so know what to expect before you visit with our beaches guide.
West Maui offers many fine beaches scattered between major resorts (Kaanapali Beach being our personal favorite), while South Maui is teaming with various beaches along the shoreline from North Kihei to beyond Wailea. The famous duo of Big Beach and Little Beach is trendy on the southern shore.
East Maui offers a few beaches along the Road to Hana but makes up for it with a beautiful black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. Plus, beyond Hana town, you'll find world-renowned Hamoa Beach, voted one of the finest anywhere.
Best Beaches on Maui — At a Glance
West side is the go-to for swimming and resorts: Ka'anapali (3 miles of sand, easy access) and Napili Bay (calmer, less crowded) are the picks. South side: Big Beach (Makena) is the standout — nearly 2/3 mile of wide white sand. Near Hana: Hamoa Beach is worth the drive.
See full Maui beach rankings ↓This entry includes resources for Maui's Top Beaches, including tips, advice, beach rankings, maps, and more.
- Browse every beach side-by-side with our interactive Maui beach map - filter by region, lifeguards, calm swimming, and snorkeling
- Download a PDF or JPG copy of our Maui Beaches Map - Includes all of Maui's top beaches
- The 10 Best Beaches on Maui - we've ranked the top 20 beaches on Maui based on several important visitor criteria
- Explore & discover all of Maui's beaches, categorized by region
Explore Maui's Beaches on the Map
Every Maui beach we cover, side by side with the map. Tap a filter to narrow the list — the pins follow along.
Kapalua Bay
Voted America's best beach more than once — a perfect crescent of soft sand, glass-calm water, vibrant snorkel reef on both points, and Lanaʻi as t...
Calm swimmingSnorkeling
Kāʻanapali Beach
Maui's most famous resort beach — three miles of golden sand, calm afternoon water, and Black Rock at the north end with reliable beginner snorkeli...
LifeguardCalm swimmingSnorkeling
Hāmoa Beach
James Michener called it the most beautiful beach in the South Pacific. Charcoal-grey sand, a curving cliff backdrop, and steady moderate surf — bo...
Wailea Beach
South Maui's flagship resort beach — fronting the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea, with calm reef-protected swim water, snorkeling at the south end, ...
Calm swimmingSnorkeling
Honokalani Black Sand (Waiʻānapanapa)
The Road to Hāna's iconic black sand beach, framed by lava cliffs, sea caves, and bright-green hala trees. Maui's must-see scenic stop — though swi...
Napili Bay
A small protected horseshoe bay — calm shallow water, reliable green sea turtle sightings, and reef on both ends for casual snorkeling. Family cond...
Calm swimmingSnorkeling
Kamaʻole Beach Parks I, II & III
Three connected family beaches in Kīhei — calm protected water, lifeguards, free parking, and the most reliable family-beach option in South Maui. ...
LifeguardCalm swimming
Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town)
South Maui's Turtle Town — calm protected sand, reliable turtle encounters at the rocky south end, fronting the Maui Beach Hotel. Family-friendly w...
Calm swimmingSnorkeling
Keawakapu Beach
The half-mile gap between Kīhei and Wailea — soft sand, calm reef-protected water, far less crowded than its famous neighbors. Sunset here is South...
Calm swimming
Hoʻokipa Beach Park
World-class windsurfing, the Road to Hāna's first scenic stop, and a near-guaranteed afternoon turtle haul-out on the sand. Watch from the cliff ov...
Polo Beach
The next bay south of Wailea — calm, family-friendly, far less crowded, and on the Wailea Coastal Walk. Fronts the Fairmont Kea Lani. South-end sno...
Calm swimmingSnorkeling
Launiupoko Beach Park
A man-made keiki (kid) wading pool protected by lava-rock walls — the most reliably calm West Maui beach for toddlers. Beyond the pool, beginner su...
Calm swimming
Big Beach (Mākena / Oneloa)
Two-thirds of a mile of wide golden sand — the longest undeveloped beach on Maui. Stunning to look at, infamous shore break to swim. Sunset here is...
Lifeguard
Olowalu Turtle Reef
A roadside reef stop that's the most reliable turtle encounter on Maui — the offshore reef hosts a permanent green-turtle cleaning station. Snorkel...
Snorkeling
H. A. Baldwin Beach Park
Long stretch of golden sand near Pāʻia town — calm protected swim at the south end (Baby Beach), wide open central section, body-surf at the north ...
Lifeguard
ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve
A protected lava-rock reserve at the south end of the Mākena road — clear water, abundant fish, and one of the best Maui shore snorkels (when condi...
Snorkeling
D.T. Fleming Beach
A wide curve of golden sand fronting ironwoods at Kapalua's north end — body-surf and bodyboard country, with steady moderate-to-heavy waves and se...
Lifeguard
Charley Young Beach
A pocket beach tucked between condo properties at the north end of Kīhei — soft sand, calm protected water, almost always quieter than the Kamaʻole...
Calm swimming
Hāna Bay
Hāna town's protected harbor beach — black sand, calm flat water, kid-friendly. Practical swim spot when other Hāna-side beaches are too rough. Tut...
Calm swimming
Little Beach (Puʻu Ōlai)
Tucked behind the Puʻu Ōlai cinder cone — accessed by a short scramble over rocks from Big Beach's north end. Historic clothing-optional spot, dece...
Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)
Black Rock in Kaanapali, Maui: the best snorkeling spot on Ka'anapali Beach. Cliff diving, sea turtles, sunset torch lighting ceremony, and visitor...
Honomanu Bay Beach
Between mile markers 13 and 14 on the Hana Highway you will have a chance to visit Honomanu Bay. There are two roads that lead to the beach.The fir...
Kahekili Beach Park
Kahekili Beach is the Northernmost beach in the Ka'anapali Beach Resort area, directly in front of the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. It is...
Turtle Town at Maluaka Beach
Turtle Town in Maui is a great location to find the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, read more to find out more about Turtle Town and the spectacular Honu.
Koki Beach
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you'll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo'o Road.The...
Nu'u Bay
Nu'u Bay is a little rocky patch of 'beach' in Southeast Maui. When the water is relatively calm and the wind is at a minimum, swimming and snorkel...
Oneloa (Ironwoods) Beach
Oneloa or Ironwoods beach is a quiet stretch of shoreline located in the northern portion of West Maui between Kapalua and Napili. Public parking a...
Oneuli Black Sand Beach
This underused but beautiful beach is located on Makena Alanui Road in South Maui right next to Makena Beach.Oneuli means 'dark sands' which aptly ...
Palauea Beach (White Rocks Beach)
Palauea Beach is a private paradise, with white sand and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Come and visit this lovely south Maui beach.
Po'olenalena Beach
It's rare to find an unoccupied beach in south Maui, but that's just what is likely to happen when you visit Po'olenalena (also known as Paipu Beac...
Ulua Beach
Another must-see beach in South Maui is Ulua Beach. This stunning beach welcomes all with its soft powdery brown sand and clear waters.When the sur...
Top Maui Beaches Map
Maui's Top Beaches - All on one map...
Updated with a new high-resolution map of Maui. Includes each of Maui's top beaches, all major routes, landmarks, and a key with colored icons for help selecting the perfect beach.
Maui Beaches Map
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
HawaiiGuide's Best Beaches on Maui
Our editorial ranking of the top 20 beaches on Maui — chosen by our team, not crowdsourced.
Ranked by John Derrick · covering Hawaiʻi since 2002
Which beaches are the very best on Maui? Which are worth a visit and which can be skipped? Our ratings consider several vital things: sand quality, waves, year-round consistency, crowds and popularity, accessibility, and the beaches' surroundings as a whole. Let's take a look at Maui's best beaches.
Kapalua Bay Beach
West Maui
#1 Rated Beach on Maui
Crowned America's Best Beach by Dr. Beach, Kapalua Bay is the protected golden crescent most people picture when they imagine Maui. A lava point wraps each end, so the water stays calm and clear — ideal for an easy swim and the kind of snorkeling that turns first-timers into Maui devotees.
It's genuinely family-friendly, with a paved access path and restrooms at the beach trailhead, though note there's no lifeguard on duty. The small parking lot fills early, so come in the morning.
Napili Bay Beach
West Maui Region
#2 Rated Beach on Maui
Located in northwest Maui, between Kapalua and Honokowai, is Napili Bay and Beach, a beautiful, scenic, and famous beach along this stretch of coastline on Maui. The white sloping sand and turquoise waters of Napili Bay and Beach make it one of the most popular beaches on Maui and for a good reason.
You can access the beach and bay from the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30). Typically, Napili Bay has crowded parking along the road, but the beach itself is less frequented by beachgoers than some other famous beaches on the Northwest coastline of Maui. Napili is regarded as a less crowded and quieter resort-front beach suitable for families. We recommend visiting early in the day for the best opportunities for suitable parking.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Shopping
Dining
Makena 'Big' Beach
Kihei & Wailea (South Maui) Region
#3 Rated Beach on Maui
Also known as Oneloa Beach (its proper Hawaiian name) or Makena Beach*, Big Beach is probably one of the prettiest beaches on Maui and certainly south Maui. It is nearly 2/3 miles long and over 100 feet wide. The gorgeous sand and pristine waters attract snorkelers, swimmers, and sunbathers.
One can access Makena Beach via a short road at mile marker four on Makena Alanui Road. The second access point lies past mile marker 4 in South Maui. Big Beach is connected by a small path over the hill and lava to Little Beach, a favorite spot for sunbathers. This beach's gate closes during the evening.
Note that Mākena State Park now charges nonresidents a $5-per-person entry fee (children 3 and under free) plus $10 per vehicle to park — a small but real friction on top of the long drive south.
Sunbathing
Short Hikes
Wailea Beach
South Maui
#4 Rated Beach on Maui
A crescent of soft sand fronting the Grand Wailea on the sunny south shore, Wailea is the poster child for a polished Maui beach day — calm, swimmable water, easy access, and one of the island's best paved beach paths for a sunset stroll.
Rocky outcroppings at each end create pockets of snorkeling, and the resort backdrop puts amenities close at hand. The public beach lots are free but fill early.
Keawakapu Beach
South Maui
#5 Rated Beach on Maui
A long, beautiful stretch of white sand between Kihei and Wailea, Keawakapu runs along a residential shoreline rather than a wall of resorts — which is exactly why it's usually calmer and less crowded than its famous neighbors.
The swimming is easy on normal days and the sunsets are superb. There's no lifeguard, so take care during large south swells. Free parking sits at both ends.
Ka'anapali Beach
Lahaina & Kaanapali Region
#6 Rated Beach on Maui
Nearly all of the seaside resorts in the Kaanapali area back up to Ka'anapali Beach, a three-mile stretch of sand suitable for frolicking with a sidewalk that runs the entire length by the hotels to Black Rock.
Black Rock slices across the beach and is a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers. Those in search of their scuba certification on this part of the island will likely do your first dive at Black Rock.
There are also plenty more opportunities to whet your appetite for water sports such as parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skis.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Body Boarding
SUP Boarding
Hamoa Beach
Hana Highway Region
#7 Rated Beach on Maui
Hamoa Beach is located about 2.5 miles outside of Hana town traveling south. The access road is located just south of a large cinder cone. There is a small white sign pointing to the beaches along this section of the road.
There are several beaches in the area, Hamoa being the safest and most beautiful. Turn down the access road and follow it around until you reach the shores about 1.5 miles down the road. A bus pulls off on the seaward side of the road. The beach is just below the overlook.
There is no parking next to the beach. Park on the road above, and then take the stairs down to the shore. Proceed down the walkway steps to the beach.
Sunbathing
Surfing
Snorkeling
Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town)
South Maui
#8 Rated Beach on Maui
Shady, sandy, and calm, Maluaka fronts the former Maui Prince resort off Makena Road in South Maui — an easy, family-friendly swim beach with reef at both ends.
The south end is the headline: it anchors the famous ‘Turtle Town’ snorkel, where green sea turtles are a near-daily sight. There's no lifeguard and currents can be strong, so snorkel within your limits.
Waianapanapa State Park & Beach
Hana Highway Region
#9 Rated Beach on Maui
As the visitor draws ever closer to Hana Town, get ready for an excellent stop at mile marker 32 on the Road to Hana. On the makai side of the highway, you should see a gravel road leading down to Wai'anapanapa (Why-Ah-naa-paa-naa-paa) State Park.
Head down the road and look for the main parking area (to the left). From here, a trail will lead you down to Honokalani black sand beach, located in Pa'iloa Bay. The black sand beach isn't the only attraction at Wai'anapanapa, though. Wai'anapanapa also features sculpted lava rocks, wind twisted foliage, a sea arch, lava caves and tubes, and even a blowhole in the lava rocks near the shoreline.
Reservations (up to two weeks in advance) are required for all visiting tourists and commercial vehicles to enter Maui’s Waianapanapa State Park. No same-day reservations are accepted. The parking fee for out-of-state visitors is $10.
Kahekili Beach Park
West Maui
#10 Rated Beach on Maui
The northernmost beach in the Kaanapali resort area, Kahekili is the smart alternative to the busier center of Kaanapali — long, soft sand with full park facilities and noticeably fewer crowds.
A healthy reef sits just offshore, making it one of West Maui's easiest and most rewarding shore snorkels. There's a parking lot and pavilion right at the entrance.
Ulua Beach
South Maui
#11 Rated Beach on Maui
A small, pretty pocket of powdery sand in Wailea, Ulua is South Maui's go-to easy-entry snorkel beach. Calm days bring clear water and a reef alive with coral and fish; rougher days bring the bodyboarders out.
It's reliable and accessible, with a parking lot that fills fast — arrive early or walk over on the Wailea beach path.
Kamaole Beach Park(s)
Kihei & Wailea (South Maui) Region
#12 Rated Beach on Maui
Kama'ole Park is located in the town of Kihei and is divided into three distinct beach areas.
- Kama'ole I - The most significant and most excellent beach of the three because of its fine white sand and great swimming conditions. This is the magical point where Maui's southern coast starts to really throw out all the stops, so to speak, as the sand here is impressive- similar to that found further south in Wailea and Makena.
- Kama'ole II - This beach is similar to Kamaole I, but it is a tad smaller, at just under a third of a mile long from end to end. In contrast, swimmers should enjoy the entire length of its nice sandy bottom. Snorkeling is pretty good here at the ends of the beach.
- Kama'ole III -The beach is simply beautiful, but it is quite different from I and II. First, it is much smaller. Second, it has rocky areas along with several parts of the beach. Waves crash onto the rocks, sending vast splashes of water into the air, making for an impressive show. While the beach area may be smaller than the other two beaches here, the grassy area is significantly larger and makes the perfect spot for picnics, kite flying, or simply relaxing.
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Paddling
Palauea 'White Rocks' Beach
Kihei & Wailea (South Maui) Region
#13 Rated Beach on Maui
Palauea means 'lazy,' which exactly fits the vibes of this beach. People come here to relax with their loved ones at this lovely south Maui beach. Located off Makena Road, this medium-sized beach remains underused.
Many enjoy the excellent snorkeling and scuba here. Head to the rock formations found on either side of the beach for the best snorkeling spots. Head to the south end of the beach, with all its rock formations, for the best diving.
Palauea Beach is located just south of the Kea Lani Beach Hotel and the Polo Beach Club. Travel along Wailea Alanui Drive and take a right turn at the intersection after the Kea Lani Beach Hotel. Travel the length of this paved access road and turn left down an unimproved dirt and asphalt road—Park along the route. The beach is located about 100 feet from the access road.
Sunbathing
Surfing
Snorkeling
Black Rock (Puʻu Kekaʻa)
West Maui
#14 Rated Beach on Maui
The lava promontory that splits Kaanapali Beach, Puʻu Kekaʻa — ‘Black Rock’ — is West Maui's most famous snorkel-and-cliff-jump landmark. In Hawaiian legend it's where souls leaped into the next world; today it's reef, green sea turtles, and a sunset cliff-diving torch ceremony.
The protected side offers excellent snorkeling, but currents strengthen as you round the point, so stay aware. It's best treated as a Kaanapali highlight rather than a full beach day of its own.
DT Fleming Beach
West Maui
#15 Rated Beach on Maui
Named for the man who brought pineapple to West Maui, DT Fleming is a beautiful, less-touristy beach near the island's northwest tip — and one of the rare West Maui beaches with lifeguards on duty.
Its more open exposure means stronger shorebreak and rougher water than the calmer coves down the coast, so it rewards confident swimmers and surfers more than waders.
H.A. Baldwin Park & Beach
Hana Highway / Central Region
#16 Rated Beach on Maui
H. A. Baldwin Park, a tribute to Harry A. Baldwin for his contributions to Maui, is more than just a beach. There are fields for soccer and softball and several picnic pavilions and barbecues.
The beach is lovely for swimming but can get a bit windy in the afternoons for sunbathers. Baldwin provides restrooms, showers, drinking water, payphones, and an on-duty lifeguard. This is a family beach popular with the locals in Paia, so try to steer clear on the weekends.
Head east on highway 36 through Pa'ia along the coast. The beach is located just past the golf course on the north side of the road.
Snorkeling
Kayaking
SUP Boarding
Ho'okipa Beach
Hana Highway Region
#17 Rated Beach on Maui
Ho'okipa Beach Park is located right beyond Pa'ia and Ka'au town makai (toward the ocean) on the Hana Highway.
Ho'okipa Lookout is a lovely spot to get a good view over parts of coastal northwest Maui (to your left) and the Pacific Ocean stretching to the north in front of you.
It's also a great place to watch surfers and windsurfers catch the waves below you on Ho'okipa Beach. World-class windsurfing events are held here annually.
Sunbathing
Surfing
Snorkeling
SUP Boarding
Wind Surfing
Charley Young Beach
Kihei & Wailea (South Maui) Region
#18 Rated Beach on Maui
Charley Young Beach is a sheltered 3-mile park at the north end of Kamaole I Beach in Kihei.
The beach is best in the morning when conditions are at their calmest. You can dig your toes into the abundance of soft sand at this beach and enjoy the protection from the wind. There is no lifeguard on duty, but portable toilets and showers are available. Parking can be difficult, but the great swimming and surfing are worth the extra effort.
Located at the north end of Kamaole I Beach on South Kihei Road.
Sunbathing
Surfing
SUP Boarding
Little Beach (Puʻu Olaʻi)
South Maui
#19 Rated Beach on Maui
Tucked just over the rocks from Makena's Big Beach, Little Beach (Puʻu Olaʻi) is a scenic, secluded cove best known as Maui's unofficial clothing-optional beach, reached by a short scramble over the headland at the north end of Big Beach.
On calm days it's a fine spot to swim, snorkel, and bodysurf; when the surf is up the shorebreak pounds, so stay out. It's a distinctive add-on for the open-minded rather than a first-timer essential.
Launiupoko
West Maui
#20 Rated Beach on Maui
A mellow roadside park just south of Lahaina at mile marker 18, Launiupoko is built for families: a large man-made wading pool walled off from the waves keeps little kids safe, with grass, shade, and West Maui Mountains views behind.
Beyond the pool, the gentle outside breaks are a favorite for beginner surf lessons. It's more a relaxed picnic-and-play stop than a signature beach.
La Perouse Bay
Kihei & Wailea (South Maui) Region
Honorable Mention on Maui
It might be a stretch to include this on a 'beaches' list, but it's a tremendous coastal stop for visitors, so we had to include it here as an honorable mention on Maui.
La Perouse is the end of the road in south Maui. It is located at mile marker seven at the very end of Makena Alanui Road. Several areas provide access to the water, and there are trails for exploring.
Here you can walk through the lava and explore the sea estuaries. This is a favorite place for dolphins and local anglers. Make sure to wear sunscreen and be prepared for a lot of wind.
West Maui Beaches
West Maui Beaches
- Puamana Park
- Kaanapali Beach - #6 Best Beach on Maui
- Napili Bay Beach - #2 Best Beach on Maui
- Launiupoko State Park
- Kahekili Beach Park
- Kapalua Bay Beach - Previously rated "America's Best Beach" in 2018
- Oneloa (Ironwoods) Beach
- Black Rock Pu'u Keka'a
- Olowalu Turtle Reef
- DT Fleming Beach
Kihei & Wailea Beaches
Kihei & Wailea Beaches
South Maui
- Big (Oneloa or Makena) Beach - #3 Best Beach on Maui
- Palauea 'White Rocks' Beach - #13 Best Beach on Maui
- Maluaka Beach
- Keawakapu Beach
- Kamaole Beach I, II, and III - #12 Best Beach on Maui
- Po'olenalena Beach
- Polo Beach
- Charley Young Beach - #18 Best Beach on Maui
- Oneuli Black Sand Beach
- Little (Pu'u Ola'i) Beach
- La Perouse Bay - Honorable Mention on Maui
- 'Ahihi Kina'u Natural Area Reserve
- Ulua Beach
- Wailea Beach - Honorable Mention on Maui
Lahaina & Ka'anapali Beaches
Lahaina & Ka'anapali Beaches
- Black Rock Pu'u Keka'a
- Kaanapali Beach - #6 Best Beach on Maui
- Puamana Park
- Launiupoko State Park
- Lahaina Harbor
Hana Highway Beaches
Hana Highway Beaches
- Hamoa Beach - #7 Best Beach on Maui
- Honokalani Black Sand Beach | Wai'anapanapa State Park - #9 Best Beach on Maui
- Keanae Peninsula
- Hana Bay & Beach
- Nu'u Bay
- H.A. Baldwin Park - #16 Best Beach on Maui
- Koki Beach
- Honomanu Bay Beach
- Ho'okipa Beach Park - #17 Best Beach on Maui
Central Maui Beaches
Central Maui Beaches
- H.A. Baldwin Park Beach - #16 Best Beach on Maui
Maui Water Activities
You cannot miss the opportunity to explore and play in the waters off Maui, as each excursion truly is a bucket-list adventure. Catch that perfect wave (or even your very first one), reel in “the big one” on a Maui fishing charter, or paddle into the sunset. And speaking of sunsets, how about a cocktail cruise as the sun melts into the horizon? See what makes these Maui ocean adventures so unique.
