Beaches to Visit on Your Maui Vacation
Maui is well-known for its miles of pristine white sandy beaches and gorgeous sunsets.
While each Hawaiian island offers unique scenery, Maui beaches are great for travelers looking for variety.
There are plenty of beaches to choose from for your family vacation. Whether you're looking to explore the unique black or red sandy beaches in Hana or a convenient beach near shops and restaurants, Maui has it all.
Traveling with family is always a memorable experience; however, if this is your first visit to Hawaii, choosing the right beach for your family is essential to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe experience.
To help you plan your Maui beach days, we've compiled a list of five beaches that are great for families with kids in tow.
Traveling with family is always a memorable experience; however, if this is your first visit to Hawaii, choosing the right beach for your family is essential to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe experience.
To help make your visit to Maui seamless, we’ve compiled a list of our five favorite beaches that are perfect for kids.
Safety First: Be Aware of Weather Conditions
Aside from proximity, it's essential to know about each area and the nature of its beaches before your visit. Hawaii is tropical, so you can have sunshine, rain showers, and rainbows in the course of an hour.
The weather on Maui can vary depending on which part of the island you visit. If you plan to visit during the summer, expect warm weather and trade winds.
Luckily, you're on an island, and it's just a quick drive down to the beach, where you can cool off in the Blue Pacific. Typically, during the summer months, you will find most beaches on Maui to be moderately calm. West and South Maui are always great choices, as the beaches are easily accessible and well-serviced.
During the winter season, the ocean may be rough and choppy, especially on the northern shores.
Pack your swim trunks and lather some reef-safe waterproof sunscreen; it's time to hit the beach!
Beaches with Lifeguards on Duty
Not all Maui beaches have lifeguards on duty. While lifeguards are posted there for your safety, they are usually the last resort in an emergency. It's essential to practice general safety precautions before entering the water, be aware of posted signs, and always keep an eye on your children.
Here are Six Safety Precautions to keep in mind whenever you're at the beach.
Beaches in West Maui
Kapalua Bay Beach
Kapalua Bay Beach is another favored beach on the West Maui and ranked as Hawaii's best beach. Its picturesque beaches and clear turquoise water is what you would expect when visiting Hawaii's beaches. This area is excellent for snorkeling and swimming.
There is limited parking in this area, so it's best to start early and pack lunch. There aren't as many restaurants walking distance from the beach. Public bathrooms are reasonably clean, and outdoor showers are available for guest use.
Ka’anapali Beach
Ka'anapali Beach is well-known for its stretch of white sandy beach and fantastic snorkeling areas near Black Rock.
While there are many shaded areas along this spectacular beach, this beach can get crowded during certain times of the year due to the resorts and nearby shopping. The beach at Ka'anapali is great for playing on the beach, building sandcastles, and whale watching during the winter season.
If your kids become restless, Whalers Village Shopping Center is just a quick walk away and has a fun outdoor play area in the middle of the mall near the food court. You can also find public beach parking and restrooms in Whalers Village. If you plan to shop or visit restaurants, you can request validation for up to 3 hours of complimentary parking.
Launiupoko Beach
Located just after Oluwalu, driving towards Ka'anapali, Launiupoko Beach Park is a local favorite. This beach is fun for surfing, barbecuing, and relaxing with family. If you're looking for a laid-back beach away from hotels and large crowds, Launiupoko Beach Park is where you want to be.
The lava rock barrier creates a small natural lagoon, keeping the large waves out and making this an ideal beach for young children. Due to its towering trees, Launiupoko Beach Park has plenty of shaded areas to lounge, nap, or enjoy a picnic. There's also a large grassy area for anyone looking to enjoy the surf and gorgeous West Maui sunset.
There are two areas for beach parking at Launiupoko; the main parking area is located directly in front of the park, while additional parking can be found across the street. When you're ready to head out, public bathrooms and showers are available.
Beach in South Maui
Kamaole I, II, and III (Lifeguard on Duty)
Located along South Kihei road, all Kamaole beaches are known to be family-friendly Maui beaches. However, Kamaole III (also known as King Kamehameha III) is favored by locals as it boasts a playground near rolling grass hills and is excellent for snorkeling. All Kamaole beaches feature outdoor showers, public bathrooms, and parking spaces.
In addition, when you're looking to take a break from the sun, Kamaole Beaches are located near many shops and restaurants in Kihei. Opt for a scenic walk into town to experience local food, grab a refreshing beverage, or browse through shops for fun souvenirs. There is a lot to do in this fun town.
Sugar Beach
Located on the north end of Kihei, Sugar Beach (also formally known as Kealia Beach) is known as the longest beach on Maui. It stretches from Ma'alaea Harbor to nearby resorts in Kihei.
If you're looking to enjoy the beach but want to avoid getting too much exposure to the sun, north Sugar Beach (near resorts) is another baby beach for toddlers and younger children. Sugar Beach is also an excellent location for infants, as there are ample shaded areas along the shoreline, and shaded beaches are generally hard to find on Maui. It's best to start reasonably early if you plan to visit Sugar Beach, as it is very calm in the morning and can get fairly windy later in the afternoon.
