Discover the Best Beaches on Maui: Your Ultimate Guide
When you think of Maui, images of soft white sand, turquoise waters, and lush tropical scenery instantly come to mind. From tranquil coves perfect for snorkeling to lively shores great for surfing, Maui offers something special for every beach lover. Our local experts at Maui EVs have crafted this guide highlighting some of the best beaches on Maui, perfect for your next island adventure.
🐢Best Beaches in Kihei (Just 20 Minutes from Kahului!)
Kihei is one of Maui’s most popular coastal towns known for sunny weather, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Just a short drive from Kahului, Kihei offers easy beach access, numerous amenities, and great local dining options nearby.
Sugar Beach
- Highlights: One of Maui’s longest white sand beaches perfect for peaceful strolls.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
- 📹 Live Beach Webcam
Cove Beach Park
- Highlights: Beginner-friendly surf spot with lessons available.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
Kama’ole Beach Parks I, II & III
- Highlights: Lifeguards, volleyball courts, and picnic areas.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms, 🚿 Showers, 🍖 BBQ
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
- 📹 Live Beach Webcam
Charley Young Beach
- Highlights: Beautiful beach popular with locals, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
- 📹 Live Beach Webcam
Keawakapu Beach
- Highlights: Scenic beach with excellent snorkeling, swimming, and sunsets.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
- 📹 Live Beach Webcam
After exploring Kihei’s beaches, refuel at some of the island’s best eateries with our Local Dining Guide.
🌴 Wailea Beaches
Wailea is renowned for its luxurious resorts and pristine white-sand beaches that attract visitors from around the world. These calm beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and family outings, with beautiful coral reefs right offshore teeming with marine life.
Ulua Beach
- Highlights: Excellent snorkeling, calm waters, ideal for families.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms, 🚿 Showers, 🍖 BBQ grills
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
Mokapu Beach
- Highlights: Scenic views, quieter setting near the Andaz Hotel.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
Wailea Beach
- Highlights: Iconic white sand beach, great for swimming and sunbathing.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
- 📹 Live Beach Webcam
Polo Beach
- Highlights: Beautiful sandy beach, great for snorkeling and relaxation.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms, 🚿 Showers, 🍖 BBQ grills
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
- 📹 Live Beach Webcam
🚗 Ready to explore Wailea’s best beaches comfortably and sustainably? Book your eco-friendly Tesla today!
🐠 Makena Beaches
Located just south of Wailea, Makena offers expansive, less crowded beaches framed by dramatic landscapes and clear waters. Makena’s beaches, such as Big Beach, are beloved by locals and visitors alike for their stunning beauty, excellent snorkeling, and tranquil ambiance.
Big Beach (Po’olenalena)
- Highlights: Expansive beach with powerful waves; exercise caution.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
- 📹 Live Beach Webcam
Maluaka Beach
- Highlights: Family-friendly, great for swimming and snorkeling, and near historic Keawala’i Church.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Paved Parking, 🚿 Showers
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
‘Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve
- Highlights: Snorkeling paradise in a protected marine reserve with lava fields.
- Amenities: Limited parking—arrive early!
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
🏝️ Lahaina & Ka’anapali Beaches
The lively western towns of Lahaina & Ka’anapali boast some of Maui’s most famous beaches, rich cultural history, and vibrant shopping and dining scenes. Ka’anapali Beach is particularly well-known for its golden sands, oceanfront resorts, and spectacular sunsets.
Launiupoko Beach Park
- Highlights: Family-friendly beach park, great for surfing, swimming, and tide pools.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms, 🚿 Showers, 🍖 BBQ areas
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
Ka’anapali Beach
- Highlights: Famous 3-mile beach, great for swimming, dining & shopping nearby.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms, 🚿 Showers
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
- 📹 Live Beach Webcam
🌺 Kapalua Beaches
Kapalua, located on Maui’s northwest coast, features award-winning beaches surrounded by lush greenery and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Its serene bays, such as Kapalua Bay and D.T. Fleming Beach Park, offer crystal-clear waters and family-friendly amenities.
Kapalua Bay Beach
- Highlights: Award-winning beach perfect for snorkeling and families.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking (limited, consider parking at D.T. Fleming Beach and walking the Kapalua Coastal Trail), 🚻 Restrooms, 🚿 Showers
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
- Highlights: Beautiful sandy beach, excellent snorkeling, lifeguard on duty.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms, 🚿 Showers
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
🌸 Hana Beaches
A trip to Hana feels like stepping into old Hawaii—lush, remote, and stunningly beautiful. Beaches around Hana feature dramatic landscapes including volcanic black sands, secluded coves, and breathtaking views, providing an unforgettable Maui adventure.
Before you embark on your Road to Hana adventure, checkout our Road to Hana travel guide!
Wai’anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
- Highlights: Unique black sand beach, stunning coastal views (permit required online).
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking (a reservation is required for entry along with a parking fee), 🚻 Restrooms
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
Hana Bay Beach Park
- Highlights: Family-friendly bay ideal for swimming, picnics, and relaxation.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms, 🚿 Showers, 🍖 BBQ Grills
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
Hamoa Bay Beach
- Highlights: Scenic, crescent-shaped beach known for clear waters and soft sand.
- Amenities: 🅿️ Parking, 🚻 Restrooms, 🚿 Showers
- 📍 Google Maps Directions
🌊 Important Ocean Safety Tips
Maui’s ocean conditions can change quickly. Always stay informed:
- ✅ Check daily ocean conditions and safety alerts on the Maui County Ocean Safety website.
- ✅ Choose beaches with lifeguards, especially if traveling with children or inexperienced swimmers.
- ✅ When in doubt, ask a lifeguard for safety tips and swimming conditions.
🌅 Start Your Maui Beach Adventure Today!
Explore Maui’s best beaches sustainably, stylishly, and hassle-free with an eco-friendly Tesla rental (and the best customer service available).
🏄 Maui's Best Beaches FAQ
Early mornings offer calmer waters, clearer conditions for snorkeling, fewer crowds, and easier parking.
Kapalua Bay, Ulua Beach, Maluaka Beach, and ‘Ahihi-Kina’u Reserve offer excellent snorkeling conditions with vibrant marine life.
All beaches in Maui are public property, even those fronting resorts. Access is always available, though parking at some resorts may be limited.
Maluaka Beach (“Turtle Town”), Ulua Beach, and Kapalua Bay are popular spots to see Hawaiian sea turtles while snorkeling or swimming.
Sunscreen, water, beach towels, snorkel gear, hats, sunglasses, and beach-friendly footwear. Consider umbrellas or portable shade. Everything on this list is available at the Maui Costco when you land.
Yes, many beaches, particularly in Kihei, Wailea, Ka’anapali, and Lahaina, have nearby vendors offering rentals for snorkeling gear, surfboards, umbrellas, and beach chairs.
Most beaches have parking, but popular spots (like Kapalua Bay) fill quickly by mid-morning. Arrive early or consider alternative transportation.
Fires and camping are restricted to specific permitted areas only. Check the Maui County website for camping permits and rules.
Conditions vary by season and location. Always check current ocean safety conditions, swim near lifeguards when possible, and be cautious in winter months when surf is stronger.
Ka’anapali Beach, Kapalua Bay, and Keawakapu Beach offer stunning sunset views.