Maui is one of the six major islands that make up Hawaii, and it is known for its beaches. The best beaches in Maui are a mix of scenic beaches, beaches that have a variety of watersports, secluded beaches and more. All the beaches in Maui are public and free to use — except the state parks with admission fees — though the same cannot always be said for parking.
Whether searching for a resort experience with cabanas, daybeds and beachside service, a quiet secluded beach with limited amenities or anything in between, Maui has a beach for you.
1. Kaanapali Beach
On the West Shore of Maui, Kaanapali Beach — one of the most popular beaches in Maui and one of the best beaches in the U.S. — attracts tourists for its picturesque locale, snorkeling and water activities as well as the oceanfront resorts, Ka'anapali Beachwalk (a paved path) and the nearby open-air mall Whaler's Village. For your time on the beach, there are vendors to rent paddleboards, personal watercraft and snorkeling equipment. The end of the beach with the Black Rock cliffs is popular for snorkeling because of the possibility of viewing sea life, including sea turtles.
- Location: West Maui
- Lifeguard on duty: Yes
2. Kamaole Beach Park in Kihei
Kamaole Beach Park is divided into three beaches, Kamaole Beach I, II and III. The beach park is popular among Maui residents — with Kamaole Beach III being the most popular overall. It has a picnic area, grills and a play area for kids. Bodyboarding and snorkeling are popular pastimes at Kamaole III. Be mindful with choosing where you bodyboard to avoid the rocks. Snorkeling is best around the rocky coral formations; morning, when the water is calmest, is typically the best time for visibility. Sea turtle sightings are common here.
- Location: On the South Shore of Maui in Kihei
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Nearby hotel: Maui Coast Hotel, AAA Three Diamond
3. Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is one of the stops on the Road to Hana, a road trip famous for the gorgeous Hawaiian scenery. The beach has gained in popularity over recent years, but its location means it continues to be one of the best secluded beaches in Maui. With no lifeguard on duty, beachgoers should check the local weather reports before going in the water; no reef or any other barrier is protecting the area from swells. The surf tends to be calmer in the summers while the waves in winter attract surfers. Whether or not you plan to go into the water, the beach is worth the visit for the view of the sandy beach lined by the lush green trees and plants that the rainy side of Maui is known for.
- Location: East side of Maui in Hana
- Lifeguard: No
- Nearby hotel: Hana-Maui Resort, Three Diamond
4. Makena Beach
Makena State Park has one of the biggest beaches on Maui, it's commonly called Big Beach. The wide, sandy beach offers mountain and ocean views. Green sea turtles are a common sighting here. If you plan to go into the water, pay attention to the local weather and surf reports. The surf breaks close to the shoreline, so the risk of injury and rip currents can be high. If you are unsure of the condition of the beach, ask an on-duty lifeguard. This beach typically feels less crowded than some of the other popular beaches on Maui.
- Location: On the southern part of Maui, just south of Wailea
- Lifeguard: Yes
5. Baldwin Beach Park
The white sand of Baldwin Beach Park is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Maui, especially in the calm surf of summer. The west end of the beach is commonly called Baby Beach because the reef acts as a natural barrier against the waves creating calm waters that are kid-friendly. The east end of the beach, known as Baldwin Cove, is a popular spot for snorkeling. Baldwin Beach Park attracts body surfers and boogie boarders, and beachgoers of all sorts can enjoy the views of the Maui mountains. Exercise caution at this beach, especially in winter when the surf is more likely to be rougher and create strong shorebreaks.
- Location: On the northern shore of Maui
- Lifeguard: Yes
6. Kapalua Bay Beach
This picturesque sandy beach attracts families and tourists for its clear blue waters, soft sand and idyllic scenery. Kapalua Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Maui to spot sea turtles and tropical fish, and it's also a popular spot for weddings. You might even see one happening when you visit. Beach chair, umbrella and equipment rentals are located at the beach. The Kapalua Coastal Trail starts here, so when you are done playing in the water, walk the trail for coastal views.
- Location: Northwestern Maui
- Lifeguard: No
- Nearby hotels:
- Montage Kapalua Bay, Four Diamond, Inspector's Best Personal Favorite
- Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua, Four Diamond, Inspector's Best Pool
7. Ho'okipa Beach Park
Despite not being a good beach for snorkeling, Ho'okipa Beach Park is one of the best beaches on Maui for viewing sea turtles. Not only can you spot their noses poking out of the ocean water near the reef, but also in the evening near sunset, sea turtles will crawl ashore. Ho'okipa is also one of the best beaches on Maui to watch surfers and windsurfers. The surf here is strong, so only experienced surfers and windsurfers should head out on the waves.
- Location: North shore of Maui along Hana Highway
- Lifeguard: Yes
8. La Perouse Bay
The beach at La Perouse Bay isn't a good beach for swimming, but it's the best beach in Maui to spot spinner dolphins. Much of the area is covered in lava rock from Haleakala's last eruption, thought to have occurred in the late 18th century. The hike here, Hoapili Trail, is rugged because of the lava rock. The sharp points of the rock can be harsh, so proper hiking shoes are a must. However, the payoff is some stunning scenery. It's best to visit La Perouse Bay in the morning before the sun has had a chance to heat up the rock, and you'll have the best chance of seeing spinner dolphins. It's near Wailea, one of the best places to stay in Hawaii.
- Location: South of Wailea at the end of Makena Alanui Road
- Lifeguard: No
9. Wai'ānapanapa State Park
One of the must-see stops on the Road to Hana is Wai'ānapanapa State Park. The black sand and lava rock make this one of the most scenic beaches on Maui. Some areas of the beach are sandy while others include small smooth, black pebbles. There are trails, a lava tube and lots more to explore at this beach. This is a very popular spot, so non-Hawaiian residents must make reservations to visit and to park at Wai'ānapanapa. Cabin and campsite rentals are available.
- Location: On the east side of Maui off the Hana Highway
- Lifeguard: No
- Suggested activities:
10. Charley Young Beach
Charley Young Beach is just north of Kamaole I in Kihei. The soft sand beach is popular among residents and tourists in the know. The shallow beach also attracts families for the calm surf in the summer. Boogie boarders also have fun here, and mornings are good for paddleboarding. Charley Young Beach is one of the best beaches on Maui to watch the sunset.
- Location: On the South Shore of Maui in Kihei
- Lifeguard: No
FAQs about Maui Beaches
What kind of sunscreen is allowed in Hawaii?
The state of Hawaii has banned chemical sunscreens. Only reef-safe, mineral sunscreens are permitted. Learn more about reef-safe sunscreens and more in this article about sustainable travel.
When is the best time to visit Maui?
The best time to visit Maui depends on the activities you want to do. Maui is busiest in winter, during summer break when school is out and during spring break. The ocean is calmest in the summer, making it good for snorkeling. The surf swells in winter making big waves, great for avid surfers. Whale watching season is also in winter. Learn more about the best time to visit Hawaii.
Is it safe to swim in Maui beaches?
Some beaches on Maui are safer than others. Check the weather report for warning before going out on the water. If the surf is high and there are elevated risks of rip currents, reconsider going in the water. If you are unsure, ask a lifeguard about the conditions and where the safest areas to swim and enter the water are. If you do get caught in a rip current that pulls you from shore, per NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), you should swim parallel to the shore to escape the rip current.
When is the best time to go snorkeling in Maui?
Snorkeling at Maui beaches is typically best in the mornings during the summer when the ocean is the calmest. This allows for the best chance for good visibility in the water.
Will I see a sea turtle in Maui?
There's never a guarantee, but sea turtle sightings are common in Maui. The turtles in Maui are green sea turtles, also called honu. Sea turtles are endangered and protected under federal laws, and while they might swim near you, you should never touch them, not least of all because it is illegal.