Exotic Estates Maui Beach Guide

Welcome to the beautiful island of Maui! Now that you have arrived on this fabled island, you might wonder which beach you should visit first. Don't worry - we've got you covered!

The local Exotic Estates team has crafted a Maui Beach guide to escort you through some of the world's most well-known and picturesque beaches. Grab your bathing suit and reef-friendly sunblock and explore Maui's superb beaches!

Top West Maui Beaches (from North to South)

Honolua Bay (no beach, strictly snorkeling)

This gorgeous bay is perfect for families or anyone who wants to get a front-row seat to Hawaiian Sea-Life. This beach is best for snorkeling and surfing, not for those looking to sunbathe.

Honolua Bay is part of a Marine Life Conservation District, so fishing is strictly prohibited.  This area is closely protected in order to preserve the abundant natural resources for future generations.

Honolua, which means "two harbors" in Hawaiian, is perfect for snorkeling, and you will get to see fish, coral, and maybe even a sea turtle. However, be careful as there is no actual sandy beach entry, and the beach is very rocky. The sea floor is also a bit rocky close to the shore, so you might need to swim further out for decent visibility. Be sure everyone in your party is a strong swimmer!

Slaughterhouse Beach

Located on Mokule'ia Bay, this beach is similar to Honolua Bay. It is also part of the Marine Life Conservation district, but there is a much sandier beach available, making it a great option for relaxing in the Maui sun.

The beach's namesake comes from an old Honolua Ranch Slaughterhouse and tanning facility located just on the cliff's edge above the Pacific. Although the buildings were torn down in the '60s, the name stuck.

During the winter, the waves are much bigger and perfect for veteran surfers and bodyboarders. Beware, as these waves can be potentially dangerous. However, the summer months provide a much more mellow wave, making it a great spot for novice watermen.

This can also be a great place to snorkel when the ocean is flat!

D.T. Fleming Beach Park

This is a classic beach located next to the Kapalua Resort and the Ritz Carlton, which provides a long sandy sweep of coastline.

The name comes from D.T. Fleming, who introduced the pineapple to West Maui. A desirable location, this beach is less developed than Ka'anapali Beach and, therefore, is somewhat less crowded. The beach is also staffed with lifeguards and features a parking lot, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, outdoor showers, and water taps.

The water can be hazardous during high surf, and we advise even experienced swimmers to be cautious. However, during a north swell, this is an excellent beach for surfing and bodyboarding. Make sure you bring enough snacks and remember a local pineapple!

Local Tips: 

• Wear Shoes or slippers. Be sure you're okay with possibly getting muddy during the quick (probably 5-10 minutes) trail from the parking areas to the waterfront. 

  There are two parking areas, one near the Honolua Bay Overlook and the other just around the bend from there (less than a minute's drive past the first). The trail from the parking area near the overlook is a few minutes longer.

  Bug repellant! If there's been any rain recently (which there usually has been up there), the walk through the rainforest will be full of mosquitoes.

Kapalua Bay Beach

This sheltered white-sand beach is located on the northwest side of Maui and is protected by two reefs that extend on each end of the bay. The calm blue waters make it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying everything that Maui has to offer.

The sandy beach makes getting into the water easy for anyone, and whether you are sunbathing or swimming, this is the perfect beach for families! Ensure you bring your towel and mask, as you will see marine life under the water.

Although this beach is located close to the Kapalua Bay Hotel, there are no concessions, so be sure to bring snacks and water. There is no lifeguard on duty, so watch kids and inexperienced swimmers closely.

Local Tips: 

• The surf here can get big, making water activities a little treacherous for kids/inexperienced with open ocean swimming.

  This is a very local beach, but it is quite large and has parking.

Napili Bay

One of Maui's most coveted beaches, Napili Bay features gorgeous white sand, crystal blue water, and excellent swimming.  A well-known favorite, this beach will be a bit busier than the rest, and for good reason.

The bay is protected by outer reefs from most swell directions, allowing for gentle, small waves and excellent visibility. This beach is perfect for relaxing in the sun, swimming and snorkeling, and enjoying the warm Maui breeze.

Because this is such a popular beach, beware that it can be crowded. There can also be a steep incline to get into the water. Below the water's surface, you will find an abundance of coral and tropical fish. There are also no lifeguards on duty and no public restrooms.

Airport Beach (aka North Kaanapali Beach)

Kahekili Beach Park served as West Maui's only airport back in the 1960s and early 70s, thus gaining its namesake. When the airport was moved to Kahana, the land was used to grow sugarcane and in the last ten years the area has experienced much more development.

This beach is an excellent spot on Maui for diving, with visibility up to 50-100 feet below the surface. The bottom of the sea is sandy, with corals from 5-25 feet.

At deeper depths, you can find patches of reef that marine life such as Moray Eels, Lionfish, scorpionfish, and much more call home!

Local Tips:

• Great, easy snorkeling spot

• There are several areas to park for public beach entrance (no formal beach parking lot), however, they do get used up quickly; my favorite is the parking along the side of the road near the Napili Surf Beach resort (there's a beach access path right at the end of the road)

  There are often turtles that can be seen feeding near the lava rock formations to the left side of the beach (you walk past them as you're coming in via the above parking area)

Kaanapali Beach

Named America's Best Beach on more than one occasion, this gorgeous stretch of clean sand and turquoise blue water expands for three miles. Featuring one of Maui's most famous attractions, Kaanapali is home to Black Rock, where there is a cliff diving ceremony off the rock (Puu Kekaa) that is held every evening at sunset.

This beautiful beach runs in front of Kaanapali's hotels and resorts, as well as Whalers Village, a world-class shopping complex with a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and even golf courses.

Kaanapali Beach is the quintessential beach in paradise!

Launiupoko Beach Park

A longtime favorite of Maui Locals, this sandy beach rests alongside a grassy green park with picnic tables and BBQ stations.

Not only can you enjoy a fun picnic or BBQ with the family, but this beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, or SUP boarding.

Local Tips:

• This is a GREAT spot for small kids or those looking to lounge in the water without the surging waves (there's a reef system off the coast that breaks the waves and essentially creates a shallow pool all along the beach)

South Maui Beaches

Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, & III

Kamaole Beach Park is a set of three beaches in Kihei. Also known as Kam 1, Kam 2, and Kam 3, this beach is a local favorite and provides plenty of parking, lifeguards, volleyball courts, and outstanding swimming conditions.

Kamaole Beach is the perfect gathering place for friends and family. It has grassy and shady lawn areas, picnic tables, and BBQ pits. There are also plenty of palm trees alongside this 36-acre oceanfront paradise!
Over 1.5 miles long, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding islands, Molokini, Kaho'olawe, and Lanai'i. Usually, the conditions of this beach are safe for swimmers but beware of potential large surf and rip currents during storms and south swells.

Note that visitors must pay an entrance fee and parking fee. You can buy daily and weekly passes on Park Maui.

Kihei Cove (Cove Park)

Surfs up! An Exotic Estates' favorite, this is a great place to learn how to surf and SUP board!

There is are plenty of vendors offering lessons and rentals, and many instructors will take you out any day of the week. There is also another cove nearby that is ideal for swimming.

If you came to Maui to learn how to surf, this is the best spot for you!

Keawakapu Beach

This beautiful beach boasts over a mile of coastline, making it a beachcomber favorite and the perfect spot for a morning run or sunset walk.

The water is great for swimming, boogie boarding, and snorkeling, and the sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing or reading your favorite book. The shoreline is very developed, so take a break from the beach and grab lunch at a nearby restaurant.

If you are looking for an adventure, you can rent kayaks, SUP boards, and other beach gear at nearby hotels and vendors.

Locals Tip:

• On the north end of the beach, you can find fun tide pools that showcase Maui's sea life. There is also good snorkeling around the outcropping.

Polo Beach 

This sandy beach rests between the Polo Beach Club and the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel and is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll along the shore. You will also find a small park with a grassy area, showers and restrooms, picnic tables, and BBQs.

Wailea Beach

A regular on world's best lists, Wailea Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Maui, and often makes "World Best" lists. 

Offering a resort-style atmosphere, the long sandy coastline is perfect for lounging and boasts views of the outer islands. In the winter, you may even spot a whale!

When the water is mellow, there are a plethora of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and body surfing. You will also find public facilities (bathrooms and showers) and even free public parking.

The only downfall is the beach can be a little crowded due to its beautiful appeal.

Big Beach

Big Beach is a stunning stretch of sand located in Makena, South Maui. The beach is very large, so it handles crowds well. The ocean water is blue and clear, ideal for swimming when the shore break is mild. It's an idyllic spot that feels a bit remote even though it's easily accessible. There is a paid lot for visitors. However, you should pack in umbrellas, blankets, and snacks, as no services are available.  The reward is a quiet day on a classic Maui beach!

Locals Tip:

• Note that Little Beach is just over a small scramble of rocks from Big Beach. Little Beach is popular with naturists, so be mindful before you make the trek!  

 

Top North Shore Beaches (from West to East)

Baldwin Beach Park

This lovely, white-sand beach is on Maui's North Shore. It features lifeguards, public restrooms and showers, BBQs and picnic tables, and even a covered pavilion, making it the perfect spot for family outings!

During the winter, this is a desired place for boogie boarders, as the swells bring a large shorebreak. Swimmers can enjoy a protected area on the east and west ends. The long sand stretch also makes it an ideal spot for your morning stroll or run.

The weekends can bring quite a crowd, but there are generally still empty parts of the beach due to its large size!

Baby Beach (North Shore)

This laid-back beach is not just for kids! A protected lagoon, this beach is located just before Paia on the North Shore of Maui. The perfect family beach, everyone will enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on shore.

Behind the beach, you will find sand dunes and a natural wooded area. These provide a buffer from shops and hotels, making this a favorite of both locals and tourists. Enjoy gorgeous views of the coastline and have a picnic with your loved ones.

Ho’okipa Beach Park

This beach is ideal for the adventurous and is well-known for attracting the world's best windsurfers and kiteboarders. 
 
Although not the best place for swimming, it's a great place to enjoy the warm Maui sun while you watch experienced watermen take on the wind and waves!

A world-class windsurfing site, you might be treated to a professional competition. On any other day, you can expect to find some of the most experienced windsurfers doing their thing, and if you are skilled in the sport, this is the place for you.

Although there are lifeguard towers at each end of the beach, beware that it is not a good swimming beach due to the high surf. If you see an orange flag, this indicates that conditions are for experts only!

Top Hana Beaches

Wai’anapanapa State Park

This stunning park on the way to Hana offers beautiful panoramic views and black-sand beaches, evidence of the lava that once flowed.

Surrounded by a bright green jungle, this is a popular stopping point for those on their way to Hana. Since most people look and leave, this location is rarely crowded and offers the perfect picnic spot for families and couples.

Surrounding the beautiful beach, you can also find hikes, ocean caves, sea arches, and many more Hawaiian wonders. There is even a nearby cliff-jumping site where you can find those brave enough to dive into the water!

Red Sand Beach

Known in Maui as "Secret Beach," this beautiful beach should be on your must-see Maui destination list! Providing vivid colors of red sand and green foliage that surround the turquoise-blue ocean, it's no wonder this gorgeous bay is no longer a well-kept secret!

The sand is red in color due to a crumbling red cinder cone, as well as a lava rock wall that breaks the force of the waves before they can thump onto the beach. The cove is protected on the ocean side from this jagged wall of lava rock, making the seclusion and beauty a desirable stop for most.

This bay is safe to snorkel, but ONLY when the water is calm. Please note that this beach is also "clothing optional," so if you aren't comfortable seeing strangers in the nude, this might not be the best beach for you.

Local's Tip:

• Part of the trail to this beach is now considered dangerous due to a landslide, as cliff edges can be slippery and/or very rocky.

Hamoa Beach

Another beauty on the road to Hana, Hamoa Beach, is a crescent-shaped bay ideal for enjoying the views of paradise!

The park is equipped with public restrooms and showers. There is also a foot-wash station for cleaning off the sand after your adventures and keeping cars clean.

The soft sand provides a seamless beach entry, so take a dip into the warm Maui waters! The whole family can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in this beautiful bay, but keep a close eye on the little ones as there is no lifeguard on duty.

Koki Beach

This beach is a favorite surf spot, so swimming is not recommended. Instead, lay out your towel and take in the gorgeous vista—including surfers catching waves! There is even a grassy park area with picnic tables, which is the perfect spot for lunch.

This beach is where locals learn to surf, and you will likely see shortboards as the waves are quite steep. The beach can change radically throughout the year, with a soft sandy coast during summer and a rockier version during winter once the waves take the sand.

This spot is culturally important to the people of Maui. The large, red cinder hill to the north is where the bones of Pele are said to have been left after a fatal battle with her older sister. Interestingly, this hill now belongs to Oprah, who purchased the land (a 105-acre section) from Hana Ranch in 2002.

Explore Maui Beaches!

Still unsure of which beach to visit? You really can't go wrong. Even if the waves are big, their raw power is beautiful to behold. If there is a reef, there will likely be great snorkeling. 

So, get out and explore. Keep your beach bag in the car and go beach hoping for the day. You might just find your own private little cove in paradise!  

 

By Shanon Searls & John Di Rienzo