Explore · Beaches
Maui Beach Guide
Family-friendly shores, world-class surf, and hidden snorkel coves.
For Families
Best Family Beaches
Ka'anapali Beach
West Maui
View on Google MapsConsistently rated among America's best beaches. Wide golden sand, calm waters for swimming, and Black Rock for snorkeling. Whaler's Village offers restrooms, showers, and dining. Lifeguards on duty.
Kamaole Beach Park III
Kihei
View on Google MapsSouth Maui's most popular family beach. Gentle slope into the water, grassy park areas with picnic tables, and reliable lifeguard coverage. Excellent snorkeling on the rocky edges.
Big Beach (Makena State Park)
Makena
View on Google MapsOne of Maui's most iconic beaches, Big Beach stretches nearly a third of a mile of pristine golden sand at Makena State Park. The shoreline is wide and dramatic, with powerful shore break that adds to its striking beauty. The turquoise waters and rugged lava cliff backdrop make it a must-visit. Facilities include restrooms, showers, and a parking lot. Note that currents can be strong — swim with caution.
Wailea Beach
Wailea
View on Google MapsCrescent-shaped luxury beach between the Grand Wailea and the Wailea Beach Marriott. Calm waters, soft sand, and the Wailea Beach Path connecting to other beaches. Great for families staying in Wailea resorts.
Napili Bay
Napili
View on Google MapsSheltered bay with calm, clear water perfect for young children. Sea turtles regularly visit the bay. Napili Kai resort and casual dining nearby. A true local favorite.
Baby Beach (S. Kihei)
Kihei
View on Google MapsA shallow, protected pool behind a lava breakwall. The water is knee-deep for hundreds of feet, making it ideal for toddlers and non-swimmers. Popular with local families.
Baldwin Beach Park
Paia
View on Google MapsLong, wide beach on Maui's north shore with a beautiful mountain backdrop. The western end (Baby Beach) is protected and calm. Great for picnics with full facilities.
Surfing & Snorkeling
Top Surf Spots
Ho'okipa Beach Park
Intermediate to AdvancedWorld-famous windsurfing and surfing destination. Powerful left-hand breaks. Respect the local lineup and observe from the beach if you're newer to surfing.
View on Google MapsPe'ahi (Jaws)
Expert OnlyMaui's legendary big-wave spot. Massive swells in winter draw the world's best big-wave surfers. Not for recreational surfing. Watch from the cliff overlook.
View on Google MapsHonolua Bay
IntermediateNorth Shore point break that lights up on northwest swells. Consistent, well-shaped waves in a marine preserve. Surfing only when swell is overhead or above.
View on Google MapsLauniupoko
Beginner to IntermediateWest Maui's best wave for longboarders and learners. Gentle, mellow wave breaking over a shallow reef. Family-friendly with a park and food trucks nearby.
View on Google MapsTop Snorkel Spots
Molokini Crater
Half-submerged volcanic crater 3 miles offshore. 150-foot visibility, hundreds of fish species, and sea turtles. Boat tours depart from Ma'alaea and Kihei daily. A must-do.
View on Google MapsBlack Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)
The iconic cliff at Ka'anapali Beach. Excellent snorkeling along the rocky edges with green sea turtles and tropical fish. Easy shore access, right in front of the Sheraton.
View on Google MapsTurtle Town (Maluaka)
South of Wailea, this marine preserve is reliably one of the best places to swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles. Best at mid-to-high tide. Boat and shore access available.
View on Google MapsNapili Bay
Calm, protected bay with excellent visibility. Turtles frequent the bay, and the reef is easily accessible from shore. Ideal for families and beginning snorkelers.
View on Google MapsBeach Practical Guide
Parking
Most popular beaches have free public parking lots, but they fill by 9:00 AM on weekends. Arrive early or use the paid resort lots. Beach parks with facilities (Kamaole, Baldwin, Kanaha) typically have the best parking infrastructure.
Fees
Maui beaches are free and open to the public. There are no beach fees for residents or visitors. Some beach parks have paid parking ($5-10) at specific lots. Boat tours to Molokini and snorkel charters typically run $100-200 per person.
Best Times
Morning (7:00-10:00 AM) is ideal for calm water, fewer crowds, and the best snorkeling visibility. Afternoon trade winds create surf on north-facing beaches. Winter (November-March) brings bigger waves and whale watching.
Live Near the Beach
Tyler can help you find a home steps from Maui's best beaches. From oceanfront luxury to affordable condos with beach access.
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