Maui Beaches
WEST MAUI
Baby Beach - Lahaina
Baby Beach is a long narrow beach located in Lahaina town. The name "Baby Beach" is because the shore is very calm, with a sandy and shallow bottom with almost no wave activity, so it's great for even the smallest kids. Not a lot of parking and no surfing.
Directions: Going north on Front street, take a left on Puamana St. Its about a quarter mile before you reach the Cannery mall. Drive to the end and you will see the beach access sign.
Activities: Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Flemings Beach - Kapalua
Flemings is a stunningwide, long beach with great rock outcroppings on both sides. There are great views of Molokai in the distance. The crowds are not bad here either. You can surf Maui here on the big winter swell.
Directions: Take Honoapiilani Hwy. 30 North till you reach Kapalua. Go past the main entrance to Kapalua on your left. Continue down the hill. When you get to the bottom, take the first left. The parking lot will be on your right
Activities: Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: Yes, with big winter swell Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Hanakao'o "Canoe" Beach - Kaanapali
The canoe clubs use this beach as a practice site. This beach is also the beginning of a huge stretch of shoreline which extends all the through Kaanapali and on to Honokowai. Called Canoe Beach by almost everyone, this is a local favorite. The park area is perfect for a number of activities. The beach is not too crowded if you don't come on a canoe practice or race day. You won't find Maui surfers here.
Directions: Just north of Lahaina Town on Honoapiilani Highway 30, the parking entrance is the first left after Wahikuli Beach Park, and just before the Kaanapali Resorts.
Activities: Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Honokowai Beach - Honokowai
Honokowai is a very long, white beach. It stretches the entire length of Honokowai. There are many Maui condos lined up on this beach and portions can get crowded. Otherwise, its a great beach. Surfing
Directions Drive north of Lahaina Town on Honoapiilani Highway 30, past Kaanapali you will come to a light, turn left onto Lower Honoapiilani Hwy. For the next mile or so Honokowai Beach will be on your left. Look for the beach access signs or the beach itself.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: Yes, some sections on a north swell Windsurfing: Yes, some areas Kiteboarding: Yes, some areas Bodysurfing: Yes, some areas Bathrooms: Yes, some areas Picnic Benches: Yes, some areas
Ironwood Beach - Kapalua
Ironwood beach is a very beautiful bright white sand beach. There are usually not a lot of people on this beach. It sits in front of the Ironwood condos in Kapalua. You can catch some Maui surf here.
Directions Drive north of Lahaina Town on Honoapiilani Highway 30 to Kapalua. Take the main Kapalua entrance at the top of the hill. Drive to the bottom, take a left, drive to the entrance to the Ironwood condos on the left. Park in the public parking lot and walk down the trail to the beach.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: Yes, some areas Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Kaanapali Beach - Kaanapali
This beach consists of one of the longest stretches of white sand coastline on the island. This beach is much more than just a showplace, however, and offers an incredible array of activities and amenities. You can enjoy a charter boat sail or find another water activity with rental gear. The beach can be very crowded. You can catch some Maui surf here too.
Directions Drive north of Lahaina Town on Honoapiilani Highway 30 about one mile outside of Lahaina Town , take the first Kaanapali Resorts entrance. Public parking can be hard to find, but does exist next to all the Resorts so keep an eye out for "Beach Parking" signs.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: No
Kahakili "Airport" Beach - Kaanapali
Next to Kaanapali Beach, on the other side of Black Rock, Kahekili is a great place to escape the crowds of its neighbor without giving up many of the amenities. This beach also boasts of an expansive stretch of white sand which is perfect for sunbathers. This is the perfect place for a day at the beach if are not looking for seclusion but still expect to find plenty of space to lay out. No Maui surf here.
Directions Drive north of Lahaina Town on Honoapiilani Highway 30 about two mile outside of Lahaina Town, turn left on Kai Ala. Follow the "beach access" signs to the right.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Kahana Beach - Kahana
Beginning at the Kahana Beach Resort and continuing past the Sands of Kahana, this stretch of beach offers plenty of space and the swimming here is very good. Kahana is a nice beach which is never very crowded. No Maui surf here.
Directions Drive north of Lahaina Town on Honoapiilani Highway 30 past Kaanapali and Honokowai. Turn left at Mcdonald's, this is Hoohui road, and head west toward the ocean. Turn left on Lower Honoapiilani Highway and look for parking on the far side of the Kahana Beach Resort.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Kapalua Bay Beach - Kapalua
Kapalua is Hawaiian for "arms embracing the sea" and nowhere is this more visible than at Kapalua Bay Beach. One of the most popular destinations for beach-goers on the Northwest side of the island, this crescent of white sand is nestled between two black lava rock points which reach out into the sea and protect the bay from the rough ocean currents. The soft white sand here is quite enticing, but the beach is also sloped toward the ocean and heavily populated by tourists. However, a small grassy area sprinkled with palm trees provides plenty of room to lay out for those who aren't at the beach to be "seen". The swimming here is quite good, although confined, the snorkeling is decent, and there is occasional surf.
Directions Drive north of Lahaina Town on Honoapiilani Highway 30 to Kapalua. The beach fronts the Kapalua Bay Hotel. The parking area is on the southern end of the beach.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: No
Lahaina Beach - Lahaina
Lahaina Beach is a long, narrow beach fronting the southern end of Lahaina town. It is usually very empty and quiet. The shoreline is well protected from waves because of the outside reef that blocks the swells from hitting the beach. You can surf this Maui beach.
Directions Drive to Lahaina and turn left on Front St. at the beginning of Lahaina just after Puamana Beach Park. Continue on Front St. through the residential neighborhood till you see a blue beach access sign, park on the side of the road. You can also enter the beach a little more north of this point in front of the Lahaina Shores Hotel and 505 Front St. Shopping Complex.
Activities Snorkeling: No Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Launiopoko Beach Park - Lahaina
This is a popular spot for learning to surf in Maui, but for those of you who lack boards, there is little to draw you to this spot other than a need to use the facilities. The shoreline is shallow and decent for wading, and while the sand isn't of the pure white variety, it does offer plenty of space to lay out your towel or beach chair. Overall, if you don't have a surf board, either rent one from one of the convenient Maui surf shops or keep on going to one of the other great beach destinations on this side of the island.
Directions On Honoapiilani Hwy. 30 a few miles south of Lahaina. Just look for the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Mala Beach - Lahaina
Mala is a nice beach that is not crowded. This is a popular summer Maui surfing spot, so you can watch the surfers while you lay out.
Directions Drive to Lahaina on Honoapiilani Hwy. 30. Take Front St. north just past the Jodo Mission and just before the Cannery Mall. You will see the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Napili Bay Beach - Napili
Napili beach is a large crescent of fine white sand with a flat shelf that slopes rather steeply toward the ocean. That slope continues into the crystal blue water, leading to a rather strong rip current and shorebreaks that draw bodyboarders during the winter months. All other times of the year, however, the water here is ideal for swimmers. Snorkeling is decent on the left-hand side of the beach, but not of a caliber to draw people here for that purpose. Napili Bay Beach is often overlooked in favor of its neighbor, Kapalua Beach, yet it offers many of the same perks without the density of beachgoers. No surf here.
Directions Drive on Honoapiilani Hwy. 30. past Lahaina, Kaanapali, to Napili. Take a left at the light on Napilihou St. Drive to the bottom and take a right on Lower Honoapiilani Highway. Continue north to Hui St., turn left and you will see the public access.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Olowalu " Mile Marker 14" Beach - Olowalu
Olowalu Beach is a favorite snorkeling spot for tourists, and for good reason. While it does not offer the incredible snorkeling of a Honolua Bay or La Perouse, it is much more accessible and undaunting for the complete novice. The coral reefs here are expansive and are home to a wide variety of colorful and multi-shaped fish. The water here is usually very tranquil and shallow, making it necessary to negotiate your way through channels in spots where the coral reaches the surface. No surf bradda!
Directions Drive on Honoapiilani Hwy. 30. towards Lahaina. As the name suggests, just look for Mile Marker 14.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Papalaua "Thousand Peaks" Beach - Ukumehame
Papalaua Beach offers numerous offshore breaks for Maui surfers and new riders learning to surf in Maui. The beach itself is long and narrow, but there is plenty of room to lay out provided you keep a lookout for the numerous, and painful, kiawe tree stickers. Swimming and snorkeling here is decent enough, but not spectacular. Like other beaches along the highway, Papalaua can be convenient if not spectacular.
Directions Drive on Honoapiilani Hwy. 30. towards Lahaina. As soon as you come out of the tunnel on the Pali and drive down the hill, look to your left and you will see the beach. Look between mile markers 11 and 12.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Mokuleia"Slaughter House" Beach - Kapalua
Mokuleia Beach is tucked against the cliff-slide, this little crescent of white sand provides a perfect environment for the sun-seeker, while the more active explore the incredible snorkeling found in this tiny bay. In winter months conditions can be dangerous as heavy surf pounds the shore, but the summer often bring perfect conditions for bodysurfers. Concrete stairs lead down to this incredibly picturesque beach that still bares the unfortunate name "Slaughterhouse" among the locals. The name is a holdover from the time when two sheds were constructed by Honolua Ranch on the cliffs overlooking the beach. The sheds were torn down in the mid- Sixties, but the name remains. Although the nickname doesn't conjure up pleasant images, a trip to Slaughterhouse will be rewarded by one of the most attractive beaches on the island. No surfing here.
Directions Drive North on Honoapiilani Hwy. 30. past Lahaina to Kapalua. The beach is located just short of two miles past the entrance to the Kapalua Bay Resorts. You can't miss the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Ukumehame Beach - Ukumehame
Ukumehame Beach is popular with local fishermen, this beach has little else to make it stand out in the crowd of excellent Maui beaches. There is a paved parking lot, some grills and picnic tables, and a restroom. The beach is rather small and the shoreline is rocky. All in all, not a very exciting place for a day at the beach. You can surf though.
Directions Drive on Honoapiilani Hwy. 30. towards Lahaina. As soon as you come out of the tunnel on the Pali and drive down the hill. Drive another mile or so and look to your left and you will see a sign and the beach. Look between mile markers 12 and 13.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: Yes
Wahikuli Beach - Lahaina
Wahikuli Beach Park is a wonderful beach for its proximity to Lahaina Town and its many public amenities. However, if you have a car, it would be a shame to stop here considering the quality of beaches found five to ten minutes away. Now, if you are enjoying a long leisurely vacation and you want a convenient place for a barbecue and a quick dip in the ocean, Wahikuli Beach has everything you need. There is plenty of parking and a plethora of grills for everyone to enjoy. This is not a surf spot in Maui.
Directions Drive on Honoapiilani Hwy. 30. just past Lahaina town. The park is on your left just before you reach Kaanapali. It is also across the street from the Lahaina Civic Center. Look for the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Windmills Beach - Kapalua
Windmills beach is a remote, quiet, wind swept beach. It is a little further away than most beaches, but beautiful nonetheless. The trail down to the beach is steep so beware. You can catch a surf wave here.
Directions Drive on Honoapiilani Hwy. 30. past Kapalua, Mokuleia Beach and Honolua Bay. The entrance is a mile or two past the entrance to Honolua Bay. It's kind of hard to find. Good Luck!
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
SOUTH MAUI
Kamaole 1 Beach - Kihei
This is the first in a group of three beaches that are also county parks. Kam 1 is a very nice wide beach. It tends to be moderately crowded. There are a number of Maui condos nearby. This beach is also popular with the locals but not for surfing.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take South Kihei Rd. a few miles and you cant miss it. Look for the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Kamaole 2 Beach - Kihei
Kam 2 is a very nice wide beach. It will tend to be moderately crowded at times. There are a number of condominiums near by. This beach is also popular with the locals.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take South Kihei Rd. a few miles and you cant miss it. Look for the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Kamaole 3 Beach - Kihei
Kam 3 is a very nice beach. It will tend to be moderately crowded at times. There are a number of condominiums near by. This beach is also popular with the locals.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take South Kihei Rd. a few miles and you cant miss it. Look for the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Keawekapu Beach North - Wailea
Keawekapu is a very nice, long, not to wide beach at the entrance to Wailea. There are a number of nice homes on this beach. It usually doesn't get very crowded. No Maui surfing here.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 about six miles until you reach Kilohana Dr. Go to the bottom of the hill and the parking area is on your left. Beach entrance is across the street.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Makena Little Beach - Makena
Little Beach is a smallish, nice, secluded beach known to be a nude beach. Sunday afternoons you will find drumming, dancing and fire performers as the sun sets on Little Beach. Light surfing during Maui's summer swell.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea to Makena. About two miles past the Makena Prince Hotel you will see the entrances and parking areas for Makena Beach (The first entrance, a dirt road, is Oneuli beach, the black sand beach). Walk onto Makena beach, turn to your right and walk to the tall lava wall at the end of the beach. Climb the trail up and over to Little beach.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: Yes, On a big summer swell Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Mai Puno Oehau Beach - Kihei
Mai Puno Oehau is a long narrow stretch of beach in north Kihei. It is a favorite spot for windsurfing in Maui, and kiteboarders enjoy it too. You can even try surfing Maui waves here.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take S. Kihei Rd. only about a mile and you will see the sign on the right side. If there is wind, you will see all the Maui windsurfers and kiteboarders.
Activities Snorkeling: No Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes, On a big summer swell Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: Yes
Makena Big Beach - Makena
Makena Beach is known as one of the best beaches on Maui. It is long, wide and very beautiful. Even if it is crowded, its so big you can always find a nice spot with hardly anyone around you. Beware of the dangerous shore break when the swell is up. Many people have been hurt not paying attention to the waves. Summer surfing at this spot.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea to Makena. About two miles past the Makena Prince Hotel you will see the entrances and parking areas for Makena Beach (The first entrance, a dirt road, is Oneuli beach, the black sand beach).
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: Yes, On a big summer swell Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: Port a Potty's Picnic Benches: No
Makena Surf Beach - Makena
Makena Surf Beach is a nice, quiet, beach. It usually doesn't get very crowded. Enjoy surfing in Maui here.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea. You will see the entrance to the Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Course & the Seawatch Restaurant. About a quarter mile past this is the small parking area is on your right. On the left side of the road across from the parking lot is a large yellow tsunami warning horn. (see picture below) Park and go through the gate and follow the sidewalk to the beach.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Maluaka Beach - Wailea
Maluaka Beach is a beautiful medium size beach. It usually isn't to crowded. The Makena Prince Hotel sits adjacent to this beach. So it is used by their guests.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea to you get to the Makena Prince Hotel. Go past the hotel about a quarter mile and turn left. It will be your first left after the hotel. Go to the end and park.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Mokapu Beach - Wailea
Mokapu Beach is a small beach fronting the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort. It usually doesn't get t0o crowded. Great Maui snorkeling spot.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn right at the light. Turn left at the Ulua & Mokapu Beach sign. Park in the lot. Walk down to the Bathrooms and grassy area and take the path to the right. To the left is Ulua Beach.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: No, but a nice grassy area
Oneuli Beach (Black Sand) - Makena
Oneuli is a unique black sand beach. It is a beautiful, wide.beach with the Pu'u Iki cinder cone as a backdrop. This beach is usually not crowded and is a favorite of the locals. Surf's up!
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea to Makena. Past the Makena Prince Hotel about a mile you will see a dirt road entrance on your left witha yellow gate. Turn here and take the dirt road a few hundred yards and park.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Palauea Beach - Wailea
Palauea is a quiet, private, out of the way beach. It is very beautiful and not crowded at all. No surf.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea and turn right immediately after the Kea Lani Resort. Go to the bottom of the hill and take a left. The beach will be on your right.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Polo Beach - Wailea
Polo is a nice beach sitting in front of the Kea Lani Resort, Polo Beach Condominium, and Wailea Point Condominiums. Needless to say, it can get a little crowded. No surf.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea and turn right immediately after the Kea Lani Resort. Go to the bottom of the hill and take a right. Park in the beach parking.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Poolenalena "Chang's" Beach - Wailea
Poolenalena is a stunning wide, long beach. It is a favorite of locals and Maui fishermen. No surf.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea just past the Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Course and Seawatch Restaurant entrance. The beach and parking area will be on your right.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Secret Beach / Makena Cove - Makena
This is a beautiful small beach. Because of its size, it gets crowded, especially in the late afternoons. A very popular spot for Maui weddings. There are a number of rocky areas that you will be swimming quite close to, so be cautious. No surfing.
Directions Take Piilani Hwy. 31 from Kihei. Drive through Wailea to Makena. Drive just past the last entrance to Makena beach. You will see a rock wall with a blue beach access sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Secret Makena Surf Beach - Makena
Secret Makena Surf Beach is a very small but beautiful. This beach can get quite crowded. No Maui surf here.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea to Makena. Just past the Makena Surf Condo and before the nice homes, you will see the small beach access parking lot.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Secret Secret Beach - Wailea
Secret Secret Beach is a medium sized, very quiet, secluded beach. It is usually not crowded. No surf.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Go through Wailea just past the Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Course and Seawatch Restaurant entrance. The beach and parking area will be on your right. This is also the Poolenalena Beach parking lot. Park and walk towards Poolenalena Beach, but instead take the sand trail to the right through the keawe trees. (See picture below) when you get to the lava rocks, stay to the right and cross the lava rocks, you will see the beach.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Sugar Beach - Kihei
Sugar Beach is a nice, narrow beach several miles long and stretches from north Kihei to Maalaea. It is a favorite of walkers, especially in the mornings and at sunset. Maui surfers enjoy the large south swell that is great for surfing.
Directions Sugar beach is at the beginning of Kihei. Take the Highway to Maalaea and it will be at the end of the last condo in Kihei. Park on the side of the road and start walking!
Activities Snorkeling: No Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes, with a large south swell Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Ulua Beach - Wailea
Ulua is a beach known for its great snorkeling on Maui and a place where many Maui dive companies conduct their dive certification classes in Maui.
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn right at the light. Turn left at the Ulua & Mokapu Beach sign. Park in the lot. Walk down to the Bathrooms and grassy area and take the path to the left. To the right is Mokapu Beach.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes Summer Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: No, but a nice grassy area
Wailea Beach - Wailea
Wailea Beach is consistently voted one of the best beaches on Maui. It is wide, long and stunning. The Grand Wailea and Four Seasons resort front this beach, which leads to the only small problem, it can get crowded. No surfing here bradda!
Directions As you enter Kihei, take Piilani Hwy. 31 till you get to Wailea, go down the hill and turn left at the light. Just past the Grand Wailea and before the Four Seasons is a road for the beach access. Just look for the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes, Summer Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: No, but a nice grassy area
NORTH SHORE
Baldwin Beach - Paia
Baldwin is a long white beach. Often you can find a nice spot all to yourself. Popular with locals and vacationers.
Directions Take Hana Hwy. 36 to Paia. Baldwin Beach is about a mile before you get into town on the left. Look for the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: No Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Hookipa Beach - Paia
Hookipa is a white sand beach popular with Maui surfers. It is know as one of the best windsurfing spots in the world and is one of Hawaii's most popular spots for surf and water sports. Hookipa holds many professional surf contests and ocean sports activities each year.
Directions Take Hana Hwy. 36 to Paia. Drive about five minutes past Paia town and you will see Hookipa on your left. You cant miss it. Look for the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: No Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Paia Bay Beach - Paia
Paia Bay Beach is a nice beach that is popular with the locals. You will find fishermen, surfers, Maui surf students and sunbathers.
Directions Take Hana Hwy. 36 to Paia. Paia Bay beach is right before Paia town on your left. You will see the park and the skateboard ramps.
Activities Snorkeling: No Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Spreckelsville Beach - Spreckelsville
"Sprecks", as the locals call it, offers great windsurfing and kiteboarding in Maui. It is a very long narrow white sand beach.
Directions Take Hana Hwy. 36 towards Paia. Sreckelsville is a small town a couple miles before Paia. The beach stretches all along Spreckelsville's waterfront. Find an access point and go for it.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Tavares Beach - Paia
Tavares is a little known beach that is frequented mostly by locals. It is a wide white sand beach that is not crowded.
Directions Take Hana Hwy. 36 past Paia town and look for the house with the Blue Tiled roof on your left. Park in the dirt parking lot just before the house.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
CENTRAL MAUI
Kanaha Beach - Kahului
Kanaha Beach is a very popular spot for Maui windsurfing and kiteboarding. This beach park has a lot of amenities to choose from.
Directions Make like you are going to the airport. Drive through the terminal and baggage claim area. It will swing you around, when you reach the street with the rental car companies, turn right there. Just keep going straight. When you get to the stop sign, turn right you will se Kanaha Beach Park on your left.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: No Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Waihee Beach - Waihee
Here is a beach with a different experience for you. Brown sand and rubble from the wide coral reef. Good beachcombing. Often windy when the trades are up, but good swimming and snorkeling on a calm day. Surf's up!
Directions Drive to Kahului. Take Hwy 340 off Kaahumanu Ave 32. This is Kahului Beach Rd. Follow the signs to Waiehu & Waihee. Turn right at the sign for Waiehu Golf Course. Take the road to the left just before you get to the course. Drive to the bottom and you are at the beach park.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: Yes Kiteboarding: Yes Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
EAST MAUI
Hamoa Beach - Hana
Hamoa Beach is one of the best beaches on Maui. Author James Michener called Hamoa Beach the most beautiful in the Pacific. Outstanding swimming and bodysurfing. This beach is also used by guests at the hotel Hana Maui. Catch some Maui surf here.
Directions Continue driving out of Hana town as if you are going to the seven pools. Hamoa Beach is about a five minute drive from Hana. Turn left at the sign for Hamoa Beach. You cant miss it. This is a road that does a loop by the ocean. You will always end up on Hana Hwy.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Hana Bay Beach Hana
Hana Bay Beach is just a basic small, brown sand beach in the center of Hana town.
Directions Drive to the Center of Hana town and follow the signs to Hana Bay, you cant miss it. Hana is a very small town.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
Koki Beach - Hana
Koki Beach is a reddish-brown sand beach that offers stunning views. It is a great beach for surfing in Maui and sunbathing.
Directions Continue driving out of Hana town as if you are going to the seven pools. Koki Beach is about a five minute drive from Hana. Turn left at the sign for Hamoa Beach. You cant miss it. This is a road that does a loop by the ocean. You will always end up on Hana Hwy. Hamoa Beach is on one end of the loop and Koki Beach is on the other.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: Yes Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: Yes Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Red Sand Beach - Hana
A "secret beach" with volcanic red sand and good swimming and snorkeling. Located on the far side of Ka'uiki Hill south of Hana Bay. The path to the beach is slippery due to the crumbling cinder and pine needles from the ironwood trees so be careful. Some sunbathers occasionally sunbath in the nude on this beach.
Directions Next to the Community Center on Ua Kea Rd., right before the entrance to the Hotel's cottages, we walked through the open area toward the trees and found a trail that leads uphill past old Japanese grave markers, and then along the top of a very narrow ridge.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: No Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: No Picnic Benches: No
Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach - Hana
This is a famous black sand beach in Maui. Waianapanapa is also a state park. Along with the beach, there are also caverns and trails throughout the surrounding wilderness. Waianapanapa Park offers showers, bathrooms, a picnic area, and camping facilities.
Directions Take Hana Hwy.36 to Hana. Waianapanapa is about 2-3 miles before you reach Hana town and just after the turn to go to Hana airport. Just look for the sign.
Activities Snorkeling: Yes Scuba Diving: Yes Surfing: No Windsurfing: No Kiteboarding: No Bodysurfing: No Bathrooms: Yes Picnic Benches: Yes
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