Beaches

Maui Famous Beaches

Wahikuli State Park - This long roadside beach close to Lahaina is a favorite spot for local residents to get away on weekends and holidays. There is plenty of parking, picnic tables, pavilions and grills, so this is a great location for a lazy day of beaching, picnicking or just relaxing. There is a small sandy beach area good for swimming and snorkeling and the long shoreline retaining wall insures good conditions for family fun in the sun. Hwy 30, 2 miles N of Lahaina. Map 3,L3.

Hanaka’o’o Beach Park - Used by local canoe clubs for practice and storage of canoes, the park is ideal for a variety of water activities. A good shore break attracts body boarders and surfers and the mile long stretch of sand affords good swimming and snorkeling. During the early 1900’s the Pioneer Mill Company constructed a rock crusher and storage bins for crushed material, one of which held sand. Remnants of the sand bin remain, hence the nick name, “Sand Box Beach.” Hwy 30, 3 miles N of Lahaina. Map 3,L3.

Ka’anapali Beach - A veritable hot spot of water activities both on and from the beach, this was a favorite recreation spot of Hawaiian royalty. Also this coastline was once a sugar storage area for the Pioneer Mill Company, the sugar getting to the warehouse by the Lahaina, Ka’anapali and Pacific Railroad, now a popular tourist ride, the “Sugar Cane Train.” Presently a major resort center, just about any water activity can be found here and conditions are usually good year round. Ka’anapali Resort, public access signs lead you to the beach. Map 3,K2.

Kahekili Beach Park - Well known as one of the safest swimming beaches on this side of the island, especially in the winter, Kahekili is picture perfect. Fine golden sand, gentle surf, crystal clear water and a gentle slope to the depths, makes for excellent swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Kapalua meaning “two borders,” is aptly named, being perfectly framed by two rocky points. Bring a picnic lunch and relax on the grass beneath a palm tree. Northern most entrance to Ka’anapali Resort. Map 3, I2.

Honokowai Beach park - This bay is one of six along the west coast of Maui whose name begins with “hono” meaning bay. Believed to once have been a canoe landing site, the narrow sand beach descends to a wide shelf of beach rock which splits and forms a double shelf. Between these two shelves is a shallow pool where children can play safely. Further offshore clear shallow water and a rocky bottom make for good snorkeling. Honoapi’ilani Hwy across from Lahuiokalani Chapel. Map 3,H2.

Kahana Beach - First used as a plantation camp, Kahana Beach later became the site for many residential homes and finally the location of several resorts and condominiums. This is a nice beach for sunbathers and swimmers due to a shallow bottom of sand and rock and a protective offshore reef, which keeps the strong currents at bay. The beach is somewhat isolated and parking is limited but public access is available near the S curve at the south end of Pohaku Access Park. Map 3,G2.

Napili Bay - A long stretch of wide white sand beach located between two rocky points, makes this a great swimming beach, the steep slope drops off quickly to overhead depths, so we don’t recommend it for small children or weak swimmers. During the winter months, high surf and rip currents can develop, so use extreme caution. Near the north point of the bay a dry dock was once built and then abandoned after a difficult trial run. Look for a public right of way sign on Hui Drive or Napili Place to gain access to the beach. Map 3,E.

Kapalua Beach - This lovely stretch of soft wheat colored sand is a perfect family beach. There is something for everyone here including great swimming and waves big enough for easy body surfing. Relax in the sun or read a good book in the shade. Calm water makes for good snorkeling and you might even spot a sea turtle. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your picture taken with an exotic bird. This beach is special, so plan to spend some time at Kapalua, you won’t regret it. Look for a public access sign past the Napili Kai Beach Club. Map 3,D2.

Oneloa Beach - This lovely secluded beach is definitely a local favorite. The crescent of pristine white sand nestled between two points has an excellent view of Molokai and an almost spiritual feeling. In the heart of the Kalalua development, the public access is not easily found, but there is a small paved parking lot and a walkway to the beach. There are no lifeguards or amenities here so be careful, especially in winter. Enter Kapalua at the north entrance, go left at the overpass and look for the public access sign. Map 3,C3.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park - Fleming is well equipped to handle both the locals and visitors who flock to this popular white sand beach. Great body surfing and numerous amenities are here, including lifeguards. Due to the shore break, shallow sandbar, drop-off and occasional backwash, the area can be dangerous, so heed any posted signs and use caution. The beach was named after Scottish born David Thomas Fleming, who was instrumental in developing commercial pineapple in West Maui. Hwy 30, past Kapalua resort. Map 3,C3.

Lahaina - Rich in history, Lahaina served as the seat of government, a home to royalty and capital of Hawaii until 1845, when Honolulu gained the title. Now a major visitor destination, Lahaina has been a center for whaling, sugar cane and pineapple. Protected by an offshore reef but with a rocky bottom, this beach is best for snorkeling, shorediving and some surfing at the offshore break. Public access is on the south side of the Hotel Lahaina Shores on Front Street, Lahaina. Map 3,N5.

Puamana Beach Park - Steeped in history, the area has been immortalized in the song “Puamana,” written in 1935 by Irmgard Farden Aluli, and now a Hawaiian classic. During the 1960’s the beach was popular with local surfers, who named the narrow stretch of white sand, “Hot Sands”, because of the intense heat of the mid day sand. Fairly shallow, with a sandy and rocky bottom, it is a safe area for swimmers. Facilities include picnic tables and paved parking. South end of Front Street, Lahaina. Map 3,O5.

Launiupoko State Park - The name means “short coconut leaf.” Local fishermen say the area is a shark breeding ground and occasionally catch sharks in their nets, but visitors should not be concerned because there is a man-made wading pool for children and the area is quite shallow. Even though the near shore area is shallow, there is often good surfing in the offshore break. The detrital beach has decent amenities and boasts great views of Kaho’olawe, Lana’i, and Moloka’i. Hwy 30 about 3 miles south of Lahaina. Map 7,G1.

Awalua Beach - The name means “double channel” and although the area is unimproved, it is a popular swimming area, especially for the locals. The detrital sand beach offers a sandy inshore bottom and a gentle slope to deeper offshore waters. Usually fairly calm, the offshore waves are sometimes good enough for surfing, at least for novices, if not challenging enough for the more experience. The beach has no amenities and parking is along the roadside. Hwy 30, about 5 miles S of Lahaina. Map 7,G2.

Ukumehame Beach Park - Another of Maui’s long and narrow roadside beaches, Ukumehame has a wide section with a grassy field, some ironwood trees and soft sand the color of cornhusks. Popular with local fishermen, this is also a pleasant place to swim, sunbathe or do some gentle surfing. This might be a good location to put in a kayak for a lazy day on the ocean. The limited amenities include barbecue grills, picnic tables, restrooms and a paved parking lot. Hwy 30 about 9 miles S of Lahaina. Map 7,H3.

Papalaua State Park - Yet another of Maui’s long and narrow roadside beaches, Papalaua is known to local residents as “Thousand Peaks,” because of the numerous surfing breaks or peaks which form offshore along the shallow reef. The name Papalaua means “rain fog” and refers to the gulch across from the park. Surfing, body boarding, as well as swimming and snorkeling are popular activities along this narrow, unimproved, kiawe covered roadside beach. Hwy 30, about 10 miles south of Lahaina. Map 7,H3.

Mai Poina ‘Oe la’u Beach Park - This long narrow sandy beach provides visitors and residents a great vantage point for winter whale watching as the Humpbacks favor the Ma’alaea Bay for calving, nursing and mating. From the beach you can often see the spouting and breeching of these playful giants. This is also a good beach for swimming, with a mostly sandy bottom and the protection of an offshore reef. The name of the beach means “forget me not” and we’re sure you’ll find this a memorable spot. North Kihei Rd. Map 5,C3.

Ma’alaea Beach Park - Also known as Hay Craft Beach, this is another great spot for winter whale watching. The cream colored barrier beach is over three miles long, averages seventy-five feet wide and connects Kihei and Ma’alaea Boat Harbor. A gently sloping sandy bottom makes this a good beach for swimmers, hard packed sand is popular with walkers and joggers and moderate to strong winds and surf entice body boarders, surfers and win surfers. The beach is adjacent to Kealia Pond bird sanctuary. Hwy 31 N of Kihei. Map 5,B9.

Kama’ole Beach Park I,II,III - All three of these very popular beaches are easily accessible, as they border South Kihei Road in downtown Kihei. Al the beaches have the facilities to enjoy a day at the beach for the whole family. Sandy bottoms and moderate surf make these spots excellent for swimming, body surfing or lazy body boarding. Bring a picnic and fire up a grill, or buy lunch in town. Play volleyball at Kam II or let the kids try out the playground adjacent to Kam III. Downtown Kihei. Map 5,H4.

Keawakapu Beach - This half mile long, white sand beach has a sandy bottom and is popular with swimmers, snorkelers and body boarders. On a calm day one would never suspect the destruction this area has endured. Storms have ravaged the shoreline, destroying property and leaving a sandless, stark terrain. In 1962 an artificial reef was created from 150 car bodies, and since then the fish population is flourishing and homeowners sleep easier. Look for a public access and parking at the corner of Kihei and Kilohana Rds, Kihei. Map 5,J4.

Mokapu Beach - A public access sign locates the paved parking lot and walkway to this short but wide white sand beach with landscaped minipark. A sandy bottom makes this a nice swimming area and a small outcropping of rocks along the shore attract fish for snorkelers. Sometimes there is enough swell to attract body boarders and occasionally even enough for board surfers. The beach may feel like it is part of a resort, but all Hawaiian beaches are open tot he public, so don’t be intimidated. Access just south of Stouffer Wailea. Map 5,J4.

Ulua Beach - This long fairly wide white sand beach also has a nice, if small landscaped park. One of the most popular of the Wailea Beaches, it’s excellent for swimming, snorkeling on a calm day and body boarding when the surf is up. The sand is mixed with areas of rock and coral so water shoes might be in order. The inshore bottom is usually shallow and slopes gently to the deeper waters, which many consider to be the clearest of any around. Watch for commercial cruise boats at the end of the beach. Access just south of Stouffer Wailea. Map 5,K4.

Wailea Beach - During the 1970’s Alexander and Baldwin, Inc. began an extensive development of the Wailea area. Hotels, recreational facilities, shops and restaurants now dot the shoreline. Developers promised to keep the beaches accessible to the public and as a result, clear signs, paved walkways and parking lots and miniparks enhance the beach parks. This long, wide and snow white sand beach is backed by high sand dunes and is a great place for swimming, snorkeling and bodysurfing. Access just south of Four Seasons. Map 5,K4.

Polo Beach - This lovely pocket of soft white sand was once backed by sand dunes and lava rock plateaus. Now it is nearly all beautifully landscaped private beach homes and resorts. The area remains, however, a pleasant tranquil spot, great for swimming, snorkeling around the rocky outcroppings and offshore bodysurfing. Heavy surf occasionally erodes the beach and can expose beach rocks, so remember to always use caution when in the water. Access just south of Kea Lani Resort, off Kauhahi St. Map 5,L4.

Po’olenalena Beach Park - Three rocky points interrupt this long, flat and fairly wide golden sand beach. A good swimming beach with a gentle slope to the deeper waters offshore, the bottom is mostly sand, with the exception of a few rocky areas along the shoreline. The name means “yellow head” and refers to a large rock on the fairway of the 5th hole of the Wailea Blue Golf Course. The rock has natural yellow streaks on its sides and is visible from the beach. Amenities are few and parking is unpaved. Off Old Makena Rd. Map 5,M4.

Makena Landing Beach Park - Two small pockets of sand and pebble beach and a minipark landscaped for picnicking, make up Makena’s Landing. The nearshore bottoms of both pockets slope very gently offshore, creating ideal swimming areas for children. Significant historically, this area was once the busiest port on Maui and was used by the U.S. Army as a training area during World War II. Former residents never returned to the area after the war. Look for Alanui Street to find Makena Landing. Off Old Makena Rd. Map 5,M4.

Maluaka Beach park - A delightful crescent shaped, pearl white sand beach lies in this protected cove. The protection is provided by two concave lava points that shelter its inner waters. The nearshore bottom is sandy and slopes gently to the deeper and rockier areas offshore. Swimmers should be alert to large boulders in the shorebreak at either end of the beach, they are not always visible. Sand dunes peppered with kiawe trees make up the backdrop of this island gem. Turn right at the dead end sign past the Maui Prince Hotel. Map 4,N4.

Oneuli Beach - This beach provides an interesting look into the geological history of the island as represented in a classic example of ancient cinder cone. There is a trail up the cone but we don’t advise you try it, as the cinder material is loose and slides from under your feet. Also, it’s steeper than it looks. The dark detrital sand of the beach is very fine and sticks to wet bodies. The exposed reef which spans the entire length of the water’s edge, makes it difficult to get in or out of the water. Follow the public access dirt road to the beach. Map 5,N4.

Big Beach - This 3,300 foot long and 100 foot wide white sand beach is a beauty. It is backed by a kiawe forest with ponds which trap runoff from heavy rains, keeping the ocean crystal clear, making this an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Back in the 1960’s the area was home to a large community of hippies who lived in tents and shanties. The community was disbanded in 1972. The beach has few amenities but is still one of the nicest beaches on Maui. Be careful during periods of high surf. Off Makena Rd, S of Makena Golf Course. Map 5,O3.

Waiehu each Park - From here, on a cloudless day, you can enjoy an excellent view of Haleakala, occasionally snow capped during winter months. The offshore reef is broken in many areas and heavy surf with dangerous rip currents prevail. The beach can be covered with ocean debris and is a favorite with beachcombers. A very rocky bottom limits swimming desirability and the beach is used mostly by fishermen and Limu gatherers. Off Hwy 340 on Swaiehu Beach road, adjacent to the East end of Waiehu Municipal Golf Course. Map 1,K2.

Waihe’e Beach Park - Not a great swimming beach, the rocky bottom here can make for an interesting shore dive, snorkeling or shoreline fishing. Ironwood trees line the backshore and the beach is good for beachcombing and Limu gathering. A good view of Haleakala is available if there are not too many clouds. To reach this beach, follow Halewaiu Road in Waihe’e to the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course parking lot, turn towards the ocean on the park access road parallel to the driving range. Map 1,J2.

Kanaha Beach Park - Off the plane, into the water. This beach is right by the airport in Kahului. A long stretch of wide white sand divided into smaller pockets by large boulders placed to slow down erosion, this is a good swimming beach for children. The inshore bottom is shallow with a mixture of sand and rock, so use caution if the waters are murky. The offshore winds make this a favorite for beginner and advanced wind surfers. Follow the signs to car rental returns until you see the beach signs leading you to the park. Map 1,L5.

Baldwin Park - Baldwin Park was developed as a company recreational facility for Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. Converted to a public beach park in the 1960’s, it is by far the most popular beach on the windward side of Maui. It boasts some of the best body surfing and long board surfing around. The park has excellent facilities, including kitchen with appliances, a baseball field, soccer field, swing set, picnic tables, grills, pavilion, etc. The first bodysurfing contest on Maui was held here in 1977. Hwy 36 to the entrance to Baldwin Park. Map 2,L7.

Ho’okipa Beach Park - Home to contemporary surfing on Maui, Ho’okipa is a shoreline landmark. Wave size here is good year round and reaches ten to fifteen feet in winter. Windsurfers discovered this unique location in the 70’s and it has become one of the world’s most popular windsurfing spots. On any given day you might see as many as fifty surfers performing colorful wind and water ballets, so bring your camera and click away. Hwy 36 about 5 miles North of Kahului. Map 7,F5.

Hana Beach Park - This area of Hana is both beautiful and historically significant. Located on the shoreline of Hana Bay, Hana Beach Park is a favorite gathering place for residents and visitors alike and provides some of the safest swimming in East Maui. The beach is about 700′ long and 100′ wide. Snorkeling is good here on calm days but stay close to shore as currents are strong beyond the lighthouse. With all the amenities, this is a great beach for a relaxing day of fun in the sun. Hana Bay in the center of Hana Town. Map 6,N9.

Koki Beach Park - A lovely wide white sand beach in summer, winter takes its toll on Koki Beach and much of the sand disappears, leaving exposed boulders and dangerous conditions. In summer, body surfing, body boarding and limited board surfing can be good here, and this is one of the few beaches on Maui where camping is allowed. Facilities here are minimal, including picnic tables and grills, and parking is limited, but this is still a nice beach to spend the day or the night. About a mile North of Hana Town Center. Map 7,O7.

Hamoa Beach - Affiliated with the Hotel Hana which offers a shuttle to the beach, this 1000′ long, 100′ wide cove shaped beach is a favorite swimming and surfing spot. The cove is unprotected from the ocean however, and dangerous conditions and rip currents sometimes prevail, so be careful. All access is on private property and parking is limited, but he beach boasts several amenities. Some facilities are just for hotel guests, but we assume the hotel provided lifeguard watches out for everyone. About 2 miles North of Hana Town. Map