Maui, the second largest section of Hawaii, encompasses 735 square miles.
Fun fact, a million years ago there were 6,200 square miles that made up Maui.
While it sounds dreamy to imagine that much more Hawaii, erosion took away what might have been.
These days, it only takes about nine hours to drive all the way around the island.
Since that’s probably not a ride you plan on taking while visiting, we’re here to help narrow down which beaches should be on the must-visit list.
In total, there are about 80 beaches to choose from.
Get your notepad out, it’s time to find the perfect Maui beach for your next trip.
10 Best Beaches in Maui
1. Kapalua Beach
On the northern tip of Maui is Kapalua Beach.
One reason people love this beach so much is the whale watching.
From Kapalua Coastal Trail or the nearby hotel, patient viewers can look out over the stretch of water and see the truly magnificent sight.
That might have prompted this beach to win “Best Beach in America” in recent years.
Aside from whales, sea turtles and tropical fish can be spotted closer to the shore.
There is no short list of things to see while swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
2. Baldwin Beach
In the north by Kailua Gulch is the public Baldwin Beach Park.
This is a popular beach for locals due to the quite long shoreline and deep stretches of shallow water.
The thing to be careful about here is going too far out where the waves can toss individuals around a bit.
Baldwin Beach is the type of place you can spend the whole day.
There are grills, picnic tables, covered areas, and restrooms within a short walking distance from the water.
It’s convenient and safe with lifeguards on duty watching whenever the beach is open.
3. Hamoa Beach
All the way on the eastern tip of Maui is Hamoa Beach.
If surfing is on your mind, this is the beach to do it at.
Surfing here has been going on long before Californians popularized it.
Another aspect visitors love about Hamoa Beach is how silky the sand is.
In some places, the sand can bite back with volcanic or sharp rocks.
Here, there is no risk of nature trying to get at you.
However, that favor doesn’t extend to winter.
The waves get quite dangerous because there are no reefs to break them up.
Check out this beach during other times of the year.
4. Kanaha Beach
Imagine going for a nice swim with a view of mountains in the distance.
That’s exactly what you get at Kanaha Beach.
Those mountains, specifically, are the West Maui Mountains.
Perhaps that’s why it has been voted the best beach for swimming on this side of the island.
In total, Kanaha Beach Park encompasses 66 acres.
It’s a nice place to spend the day with restrooms, showers, and ample parking.
Since the 70s, another popular activity here is windsurfing.
As many as 100 participate each day.
5. Ulua Beach
On the southwest side of Maui, Ulua Beach is a hotspot for snorkeling.
These waters are so clear and smooth that people come from all around to get an underwater look at sea turtles, coral, and other marine life.
This is another beach with spectacular views of mountains in the distance.
So, as you might imagine, if the weather is good there is a crowd.
When visiting Ulua Beach, be careful of the sunscreen you’re wearing.
If you plan on getting in the water near the coral, get some reef-safe sunscreen to avoid any damage while swimming.
6. Honokalani Beach
To the east is Hawaii’s famous black sand beach, Honokalani Beach.
Nestled in Waianapanapa State Park, you must make a reservation to visit.
This helps cut down on damage done by tourists as well as provides a lighter load for park staff.
As unique as the sand is, it’s not the only reason this beach is special.
For starters, Hawaiians view it as sacred and there are many legends attributed to the location.
The largest temple in Hawaii resides here, in addition to lava caves, lava tubes, blow holes, sea caves, and stone arches.
7. Hana Bay Beach Park
Hana Bay Beach Park is another black sand beach in Maui but with fewer restrictions.
There is no fee to visit, nor do you need to reserve a spot.
If you look ahead, though, you might be in town for one of the events that happen here.
In March, the Taro Festival spotlights Maui’s Taro farmers.
In April, there’s a Canoe Regatta celebrating the start of Maui’s canoe season.
Check the park calendar to stay up to date on the fun.
Other activities to consider are fishing, hiking, and swimming.
To make the park even more convenient, bring food to the grill.
8. Napili Beach
It’s hard to find the perfect beach in Maui because it’s hard to find one that isn’t already near perfection.
Napili Beach is one that often gets overlooked and is less visited.
That’s great for many who prefer to go somewhere that isn’t running over with people.
The reality is it’s next to several other amazing beaches.
It’s also easier to miss because there are a multitude of properties around it.
Of course, with views like that, it’s easy to understand why.
If you make it by, check out the sea turtles while snorkeling in the clear water.
9. Launiupoko Beach Park
All the way to the west is the almost seven-acre shoreline called Launiupoko Beach.
Aside from ocean access, the park includes a natural pool created by a lava rock wall.
Bring the kids to the kid’s cove and pool.
You might want to wear water shoes while running around the beach.
There are rocks in the shallow areas.
This is a great beach for all seasons, too.
Many flock here in the winter to get a prime spot for whale watching.
10. Spreckelsville Beach
Spreckesville Beach, also called Baby Beach, stretches for two miles.
This beach is great for windsurfing and fishing, but not so much for snorkeling.
Spreckesville might sound like someone that wasn’t Hawaiian named it.
That’s because a German-American entrepreneur named Claus Spreckels did.
In the second half of the 19th century, Claus founded Spreckelsville and started the Spreckels Sugar Company.
Today, there is a population of homeless Hawaiians who live in tents nearby.
Maui Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Maui Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Are native Hawaiians welcoming to tourists?
To be fair, it’s probably unlikely that a local in Maui would be openly and purposefully rude to a tourist without cause.
With that being said, a majority of Hawaiians are not super enthusiastic about tourists.
The reason has everything to do with what it’s doing to the island to have such an influx of people coming in.
Unfortunately, tourists of the past have given tourists of the present a bad name.
The behavior is sometimes disrespectful and atrocious.
Not to mention that many wealthy tourists fall in love with the breathtaking landscape and decide to move there.
This is causing a housing crisis across the state that no one has ever seen.
People whose families have been here since Hawaii was an independent nation are getting pushed out.
If you go, take only memories and be especially thoughtful of the land.
What's the most visited beach in Maui?
Depending on where you’re from, it will have an impact on what you call it.
Oneloa, Makena, or Big Beach, whatever you say, it’s a beauty located on the south side of Maui.
Everything from the sand to the picture-perfect water makes snorkelers, sunbathers, and swimmers attracted to this spot.
That’s also what makes it the most crowded.
When is the busiest time to visit Maui?
Similar to other beach-heavy locations, the biggest crowds revolve around when school is out.
So, March for spring break, the summer, and even the last half of December.
If you want to get the most out of your time in Maui without squeezing through the herds, plan strategically.
The slowest times of the year are in January, February, and September through November.
What beach do the locals go to in Maui?
That would be White Rock Beach or Palauea in Hawaiian.
Funny enough, Palauea means lazy.
Whether that refers to the beach just being naturally perfect or the citizens who don’t have to try hard to get there, it feels fitting.
For whatever reason, tourists don’t seem to make it all the way south to White Rock.
That’s probably preferred, don’t want another beach being taken over by tourists.
Although, it is a hotspot for weddings, too.
