Beaches of Maui, Hawaii
Complete Directory

Kaanapali Beach

Also: Black Rock Beach (northern end) · Dig Me Beach

Maui's most iconic stretch — a sweeping 3-mile arc of powdery golden sand flanked by luxury resorts including the Hyatt, Marriott, and Sheraton. The northern Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) headland is a world-famous snorkeling spot, while the rest of the beach is ideal for calm swimming, paddleboarding, and resort-style relaxation. Sunset views over Lanai and Molokai are breathtaking.

Kapalua Bay

Fleming Beach (just north) · D.T. Fleming Beach Park

A small, crescent-shaped gem considered one of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches. Two rocky headlands create a naturally protected cove with some of Maui's calmest, clearest water. Excellent year-round snorkeling directly off the beach, with lava formations on both ends hosting vibrant reef communities. The white sand is soft and the setting is intimate and elegant.

Napili Bay

A quintessential Hawaiian bay ringed by small condo complexes and a curve of perfect white-gold sand. Napili is beloved for calm summer waters ideal for children, exceptional sunsets, and a laid-back local vibe free of the resort crowds found further south. Turtles and spinner dolphins are frequently spotted just offshore. The bay is southwest-facing, making it one of Maui's best sunset spots.

Honolua Bay

Marine Life Conservation District

No sandy beach here — but Honolua Bay is one of Maui's crown jewels. A state Marine Life Conservation District with some of Hawaii's best snorkeling and scuba diving in summer (dead calm, crystal water, extraordinary coral). In winter (Nov–Mar), it transforms into one of the world's most famous right-hand surf breaks, hosting professional surfing contests with perfect, powerful barrels.

Baby Beach

Puunoa Beach · Lahaina Baby Beach

A shallow, reef-protected lagoon just north of historic Lahaina town — perfect for toddlers and non-swimmers. The fringing reef creates a natural pool barely 2–3 feet deep at low tide, making it exceptionally safe for small children. Local families have used this as their neighborhood swimming hole for generations. Post-2023 wildfire, the Lahaina community has been rebuilding and this beach remains an important local gathering point.

Wailea Beach

The showpiece of South Maui — a 1,500-foot crescent of immaculate white sand fronted by the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea resorts. The water is a striking deep turquoise, typically calm and clear, with snorkeling along the rocky lava points at each end. Frequent sea turtle sightings, excellent people-watching, and some of Maui's most reliably calm swimming make this a perennial favorite for visitors and residents alike.

Big Beach (Oneloa)

Makena State Beach Park · Oneloa Beach

Maui's most magnificent undeveloped beach — a half-mile of wide, honey-gold sand backed by the cinder cone Pu'u Ola'i with zero development in sight. Big Beach is breathtaking in scale and beauty, but commands respect: its powerful shore break has caused more injuries than any other Maui beach. On calm days it's spectacular; on high-surf days, it's extremely dangerous. Little Beach (nudist-friendly, over the cinder cone) is popular with the local free-spirit community.

Kamaole Beach Parks I, II & III

Kamaole I · Kamaole II · Kamaole III · Kihei

Three interconnected county beach parks lining South Kihei Road — the heartbeat of Kihei's beach community. Each park has its own character: Kam I is the smallest and most snorkel-friendly; Kam II is the most popular for swimming; Kam III is the largest with the best grass areas, pavilions, and playground — perfect for family picnics. All three have lifeguards, restrooms, and excellent parking. Sea turtles rest on the rocks between the parks.

Polo Beach

Also nearby: Palauea Beach (White Rock Beach)

Polo Beach sits at the southern end of the Wailea resort strip and draws a fraction of Wailea Beach's crowds despite similarly beautiful conditions. Backed by the Fairmont Kea Lani, it has a more intimate feel with excellent snorkeling off the rocky lava points. Palauea (White Rock) just south is a local secret — a pristine, minimally developed stretch beloved by Maui residents seeking a quieter alternative.

Hookipa Beach Park

Ho'okipa · Windsurfing Capital of the World

Hookipa is internationally revered as the birthplace of modern windsurfing and one of the world's premier wave-sailing venues. On any given afternoon, dozens of world-class windsurfers and kitesurfers perform jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers above 10–20 foot walls of water. The beach itself is dangerous for swimming most of the year, but the cliff overlook above the beach is one of Maui's great spectator spots. At dawn, sea turtles rest undisturbed on the sand.

Baldwin Beach Park

H.A. Baldwin Beach Park

A wide, half-mile county beach park that's the quintessential local North Shore hangout. Baldwin has a slightly protected area at the east end (near the stream mouth) that's calmer for swimming, while the main beach draws bodyboarders and intermediate surfers. Huge shady monkeypod trees make this a favorite for weekend picnics and family gatherings. The free Sunday afternoon drum circle is legendary in local culture.

Kanaha Beach Park

Kanaha · Near Kahului Airport

A long, windswept beach adjacent to the Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary — one of Hawaii's most important seabird habitats. Kanaha is the epicenter of Maui's kiteboarding scene, with consistent afternoon trade winds making conditions perfect for kiters most days of the year. A protected area at the east end near the Wildlife Sanctuary is calmer for swimming and popular with local families. Excellent birdwatching opportunity.

Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach

Waianapanapa State Park · Pa'iloa Beach

One of Hawaii's most visually stunning beaches — jet-black volcanic basalt sand framed by jagged lava arches, blowholes, and sea caves draped in lush tropical jungle. The dramatic contrast of black sand, emerald forest, and deep blue ocean is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The adjacent sea caves are legendary in Hawaiian mythology (legend of the princess Ka'ahumanu). Now requires advance reservation for entry.

Hamoa Beach

James Michener called Hamoa "the most beautiful beach in the Pacific." Set in a natural amphitheater of volcanic cliffs draped in tropical vegetation, this crescent of grey-tinged volcanic sand is accessible via a steep set of stairs. The Hotel Hana-Maui (now Travassa Hana) maintains the beach but it's open to the public. The surf can be exhilarating or dangerous depending on conditions — it's one of Maui's most beautiful swimming beaches on calm days.

Red Sand Beach

Kaihalulu Beach · Hana Red Sand

Maui's most otherworldly beach — a hidden cove of deep crimson-red volcanic sand enclosed by towering rust-colored cinder walls. The dramatic colors come from oxidized iron in the eroding Ka'uiki Head cinder cone. A natural lava barrier creates a protected lagoon with turquoise water. One of the most visually stunning places in Hawaii. The trail to reach it is short but crosses unstable terrain — shoes required. Clothing-optional area.

Hana Bay Beach Park

Hana Beach Park · Kauiki Head

The black sand and pebble beach of Hana Bay is the social heart of Hana town, protected from open-ocean swells by the Kauiki Head lava promontory. Water is typically calm and dark — stained by volcanic minerals. A boat launch ramp and small harbor share the bay with swimmers and kayakers. The towering Ka'uiki Head with its sea cave overlooks the bay. The iconic Hana Lava Tube and Hasegawa General Store are nearby landmarks.