It’s no secret that Maui has some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world! While there are certainly ones we fell in love with let’s make something very clear… There are literally ENDLESS amazing beaches to discover in Maui. On a visit to the island, you’ll find entire coastlines of white sand, clear blue water, and countless palm trees. We encourage you to explore and find your own favorite beaches in Maui Hawaii. However, if you need a little help getting started these are ten beaches that you could easily spend the entire afternoon at!
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Maui Travel Tips
- Maui Itinerary: How to Experience The Best of Maui in 5 Days!
- 25 Fun Things to do in Maui Hawaii for Every Type of Traveler
- Bamboo Forest Maui Guide: Fun Hike to the Massive 400 Foot Waterfall
- 10 Road to Hana Tips to Know Before Taking Maui’s Most Famous Drive
- 5 Helpful Tips for Renting a Car in Rhodes & Why You Should!
10 Best Beaches in Maui Hawaii
1. Makena Beach State Park
This unique State Park is home to one of the biggest beaches in Maui. What makes it so special is that because of its park status the area remains undeveloped. This means it’s the perfect place to appreciate the natural beauty of the island. Shade is limited here so bring an umbrella if you plan to stay the day! Also, be extremely careful of the waves and rip tide here.
Little Beach: While visiting Makena make sure not to miss Little Beach! Take a right when you get to the water and head all the way down to the small hill in the distance. There is a view from the top to see before heading to the cove on the other side.
2. Maluaka Beach
When we landed in Hawaii we dropped our bags, jumped in the car, and headed straight to Maluaka Beach. This is easily one of the best beaches in Maui! Some days there are rolling waves while at other times the water is completely calm and translucent. Our favorite part is it’s often less crowded than the Maui beaches that sit in front of the luxury hotels. Yet, Maluaka is every bit as stunning!
3. Ulua Beach & Wailea Beach Walk Beaches
In an area of the island called Wailea, this popular coast is known for some of Maui’s most high-end hotels. Ulua Beach is one of the first on the gorgeous Wailea Beach Walk. This walk itself is one of the BEST things to do in Maui Hawaii! While we loved swimming and snorkeling at Ulua, you will also find Mokapu, Wailea, and Polo Beach by simply strolling the coastal path.
4. Po‘olenalena Beach
Po’olenalena is one of the best Maui beaches for locals and travelers alike. Its location near Wailea and smooth, rolling waves make it an awesome place to catch the sunset. We loved pulling up some beach chairs with an ice cold drink and watching the colors change behind the ocean!
5. Maalaea Beach
Overlooking the beautiful Maalaea Bay, this long beach is never crowded. Park at the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk and walk the wooden path through the wildlife refuge before cutting down to the ocean. Due to limited parking, you’ll only be sharing the beach with a small group of others.
6. Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali is known for its golden sands and fun waves. Here you can find a ton of activities like windsurfing, jet skiing, and more! It’s also a great spot to simply grab a boogie board and ride the waves into the beach. If you’re up for a walk there is a beautiful path that takes you along the hotels.
7. Kapalua Bay Beach
This is what you might imagine when you dreamed of visiting the best beaches in Maui Hawaii! What makes Kapalua so unique is that it’s inside of a small bay which protects it from the larger waves.
This creates some crystal clear water that’s great for floating and snorkeling. Soak in the warm Maui water or grab a pair of goggles and flippers to explore the area.
8. Oneloa Beach
For being so close to the resorts and restaurants of West Maui, Oneloa feels like a tropical escape. You can get to it by walking the Kapalua Coastal Trail which will be a fun afternoon!
Although it’s very close to Kapalua Bay, Oneloa provides a different experience with waves for body surfing and boogie boarding. Also, make sure to check out the nearby rock formations at the Dragon Teeth Trail.
9. Honolua Bay
While Honolua Bay is rocky instead of sandy, it’s still is one of the best Maui beaches. This is because it’s one of the most famous places to snorkel on the island.
Groups of boat tours cruise here just to see the colorful fishes of Maui. Luckily, you can also swim from shore to the right side of the bay! We saw beautiful coral, hundreds of fish, and even sea turtles.
10. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Speaking of sea turtles, Ho’okipa is one of the best beaches in Maui Hawaii to see them! Behind a small barrier on the right side of the sand is where dozens regularly hang out.
Now, this isn’t to say you won’t come across sea turtles at several of the best Maui beaches. Yet, if you’re not a fan of snorkeling this is another option to see them up close. Ho’okipa Beach Park is also the go-to spot if you’re looking for a more advanced surf spot.
Have any questions on this article or want to share more of the best beaches in Maui Hawaii? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Where to Stay in Maui Hawaii
For a complete look at the island check out Where to Stay in Maui: 4 Top Areas With Hotel Picks
Ultra Luxury – Four Seasons Resort Maui – Wailea – Known as one of the most elite hotels on Maui, the Four Seasons has three swimming pools, 5-star service, and is just steps from the beach.
Fun Vacation – Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort – Wailea – This modern, upscale hotel is packed with swimming pools and ocean views. You also be close to some of best local food in Maui.
Bed & Breakfast –Maui What a Wonderful World Bed & Breakfast – Wailea – Get all the local charm you can handle at this unique bed and breakfast. Awesome location that will also provide a homey welcome to the island.
Aparthotel – Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort – Lahaina – Great for travelers looking to have a little more space and a kitchen.
Hostel Life – Hakuna Matata Maui Hostel – Lahaina – Walking distance to the town center, this hostel is set in a beautiful garden. Also, Hakuna Matata offers free bikes for guests and is close to the beach.
Remote Resort – Hana Maui Resort A Destination by Hyatt – Hana – Located in the far remote part of the island along the road to Hana. Amazing resort by Hyatt offering seclusion and luxury.
For more places to stay in Maui you can explore the latest prices here!
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Explore Maui
Travel Planning: Planning a Trip – Hawaiian Airlines Review
Best Of Maui: 20 Fun Facts – Must Try Food – Farmers Markets – Road to Hana Stops
Maui Hikes & Walk: Waihee Ridge Trail – Maui Lava Field –11 Best Hikes
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Hawaii Travel Planning
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner. That’s how we got our flight from San Diego to Maui for under $100 USD on Hawaiian Airlines!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: Hands down the best way to explore Maui Hawaii is with a rental car! We used Discover Cars to explore the island. Just make sure to book in advance because there are limited cars on the island in the high season!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find hundreds of Maui activities. You can book a sunset sail from Lahaina, Road to Hana full day tour, or go wild and take a rainforest helicopter tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad (if you’re traveling to Hawaii from outside the USA) without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
This is a good example of why tourists shouldn’t give other tourists advice without being fully informed. For example you fail to mention your top beach is also Maui’s most dangerous beach or that Ho’okipa has turtles, but that there’s a barrier because people need to keep their distance from the turtles and the they should not be harassed. People shouldn’t be encouraged to get close like your picture makes it look.
Author
Hi Sandy
We do mention the barrier and there is signs warning of a massive fine all over the place once you get there for going beyond it.
This was very informative information, Thanks
Author
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy Maui (-: