Maui has beaches that don’t look like anything else. Black sand. Red sand. Soft white sand with warm, clear water.
I’ve been through all of it, and I know how hard it is to pick the right spot with limited time.
That’s why I put this together. This guide covers 29 of the best beaches in Maui, including sand types, water conditions, snorkeling, sunsets, and who each beach works best for.
Families, solo travelers, snorkel lovers, and sunset chasers, there’s something here for everyone.
I did the work. You just need to show up.
What Makes Maui Beaches Worth Your Time
Maui’s coastline is one of the most varied in Hawaii, with beaches ranging from calm resort bays to remote volcanic coves.
Maui is not just famous for having beaches. It’s famous for having beaches that feel completely different from one another.
You can stand on black volcanic sand in the morning and soft white sand by the afternoon.
The water stays warm for most of the year, with sea turtles and colorful reef fish at dozens of snorkeling spots.
Sunsets on the west and south shores are a daily event. Some beaches have full facilities, others need a permit. This guide helps you find the right fit.
List of 29 Best Beaches in Maui
Maui’s coastline offers white, black, and red sand beaches with clear water and great spots for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
1. Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali sits on Maui’s west shore and stretches for about three miles. The water stays calm and clear most of the year.
It works well for families and snorkelers alike. Restaurants and shops sit just steps from the sand.
2. Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is on Maui’s sunny south shore. The sand is soft and the water is clear and warm.
It’s a top pick for a relaxed beach day. Snorkeling near the rocky edges is a good way to spot fish.
3. Kamaole Beach Park III
Kamaole III is the largest of the three Kamaole parks. It has a grassy picnic area, showers, and restrooms.
The water is good for swimming most of the year. It’s a family-friendly spot with plenty of space to spread out.
4. Kamaole Beach Park II
Kamaole II sits between two rocky points and offers decent snorkeling along the edges.
The beach is smaller than Kamaole III but feels less crowded. It has basic facilities and a calm feel. Good for a quiet afternoon by the water.
5. Kamaole Beach Park I
Kamaole I tends to be the busiest of the three parks. The water is clear and the sand is clean.
You’ll find lifeguards on duty here. It’s a reliable choice for families with young kids.
6. Napili Bay
Napili Bay is a small, sheltered cove on Maui’s northwest coast. The water is calm and very clear, making it great for snorkeling.
Sea turtles often swim here in the mornings. It feels more peaceful than the bigger resort beaches.
7. Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is one of the most well-known spots on Maui’s west side. The bay is protected, so the water stays calm.
Snorkeling here is excellent, with colorful fish and clear visibility. Parking is limited, so arriving early helps.
8. Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is a marine preserve on Maui’s northwest tip. It’s known for excellent snorkeling and surfing.
The water is clear and full of sea life. The short walk down from the parking area is well worth it.
9. D.T. Fleming Beach Park
D.T. Fleming Beach Park sits near Kapalua with a long, open shoreline. The waves can get strong, which bodyboarders love.
It’s less crowded than nearby beaches. Restrooms and picnic tables make it easy to spend a full day here.
10. Maluaka Beach
Maluaka Beach sits in south Maui near the Makena area. It’s known for good snorkeling and a relaxed setting.
Sea turtles are often spotted near the rocks. It doesn’t get too crowded, which makes it a comfortable place to spend the day.
11. Makena Beach (Big Beach)
Big Beach is one of the largest undeveloped beaches on Maui. The waves here can be powerful, so swimming requires care.
The sand is golden and the views stretch far. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset in the evening.
12. Little Beach
Little Beach sits just around a rocky point from Big Beach. It’s smaller and more sheltered, with calmer water.
The walk over the rocks takes just a few minutes. It’s a well-known spot for a relaxed and laid-back crowd.
13. Po’olenalena Beach
Po’olenalena Beach in south Maui is longer and usually less crowded. The water is calm on most days, good for swimming.
Parking is nearby. It’s a great pick for those who want space and a quieter setting.
14. Secret Beach Makena
Secret Beach sits near Makena and requires a short walk through the brush to reach.
It’s a small, out-of-the-way spot with calm water. Not many people know about it, so it stays quiet. Great for those who want a more private feel.
15. Ulua Beach
Ulua Beach is in Wailea and shares parking with Mokapu Beach next door. Snorkeling along the rocky reef here is very good.
The water is calm and clear most mornings. It attracts early visitors who want fewer people around.
16. Mokapu Beach
Mokapu Beach is next to Ulua Beach and sees less foot traffic. It has good snorkeling and a quieter feel.
The sand is soft and the water is clear. If Ulua feels too crowded, Mokapu is a great option right next door.
17. Keawakapu Beach
Keawakapu is a long beach on the south end of Kihei. It connects the Kihei area to Wailea. The water is usually calm and clear.
A low-key spot great for swimming, walking, or watching the sun go down in the evening.
18. Charley Young Beach
Charley Young Beach is a small, quiet spot tucked into Kihei. It’s not widely known, which keeps it peaceful.
The water is clear and the setting is relaxed. A solid pick for a calm, low-key beach day away from the crowds.
19. Kalepolepo Beach Park
Kalepolepo Beach Park is a local spot on the north end of Kihei. It sits near an ancient fish pond.
The water is shallow and calm. More of a casual stop than a full beach day, but worth seeing for the history.
20. Mai Poina Beach Park
Mai Poina Beach Park lines the north end of Kihei. Steady afternoon winds make it popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders.
The beach is wide and open. A great spot to watch water sports or sit back and take in the view.
21. Baby Beach (Lahaina)
Baby Beach in Lahaina is sheltered by a natural reef, keeping the water very calm. It’s a top pick for families with small children.
The setting is simple. The still water makes it one of the safest spots on the island for kids.
22. Baldwin Beach Park
Baldwin Beach Park is on Maui’s north shore near Paia. It’s a long beach with strong waves and a local feel.
Bodyboarders and surfers enjoy the break here. There’s also a calmer section on the far end that works better for swimming.
23. Paia Bay
Paia Bay is a small beach right in the town of Paia. It has a casual, local feel. Waves can be rough, so swimming needs care.
A great quick stop during a north shore drive to get out and stretch.
24. Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach sits along the road to Hana and is one of Maui’s most scenic spots.
The sand is soft and the water is clear. Waves can run strong. It’s a top stop on any Hana Highway day trip.
25. Wai’anapanapa State Park Black Sand Beach
Wai’anapanapa is a black sand beach inside a state park on Maui’s east coast. The sand is made from volcanic rock.
The setting is dramatic, with dark cliffs and sea arches nearby. A permit is required to visit, so plan ahead before your trip.
26. Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu)
Red Sand Beach gets its color from the eroded cinder cone above it. Getting there takes a short, narrow trail walk.
It’s secluded, with a natural rock barrier in the water. One of the most striking spots on the island.
27. Oneuli Beach
Oneuli Beach is a dark sand cove near Makena. It’s less visited than Big Beach next door, which keeps it quiet.
Snorkeling is good here. A solid pick for those wanting calm water and a peaceful afternoon without a big crowd.
28. La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay sits at the southern end of Maui past Makena. Old lava fields surround the area.
Snorkeling is good for those who enjoy a rugged setting. It feels raw and remote compared to most other Maui beaches.
29. Nahiku Cove
Nahiku Cove is a small, remote spot on Maui’s east coast near the road to Hana. It sits in a lush, green area.
Not ideal for swimming, but it’s a peaceful and scenic stop that’s well worth making on your drive.
Tips for Visiting Beaches in Maui
A few simple tips can make a big difference on your beach day in Maui.
- Arrive early at popular beaches like Ka’anapali and Kapalua to beat the crowds and grab parking.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen only, as Hawaii state law requires it to protect coral reefs.
- Pack water and snacks for remote spots like Red Sand Beach, there are no vendors nearby.
- Check ocean conditions before swimming, especially at Big Beach or D.T. Fleming if you have kids.
- Book permits in advance for Wai’anapanapa State Park, spots fill up fast during peak months.
A little prep goes a long way toward a smooth and enjoyable day at any beach on the island.
Conclusion
The best beaches in Maui truly cover every mood, from volcanic black sand to bright red coves and calm family bays.
I’ve gone through all 29 for you. Now it’s your turn to pick your favorites and go.Start with two or three from this list. You won’t regret it.
Found this helpful? Share it with a friend planning a Maui trip.
Drop a comment below with the beach you’re most excited to visit. I’d love to hear it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular beach in Maui?
Ka’anapali Beach is the most visited, known for its long shoreline, calm water, and easy access to amenities.
Is it free to visit beaches in Maui?
Most beaches are free, but Wai’anapanapa State Park requires a paid permit booked in advance.
What is the best beach in Maui for snorkeling?
Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay offer the clearest water and the most sea life.
Are there black sand beaches in Maui?
Yes, Wai’anapanapa State Park has a black sand beach made from volcanic rock.
What is the best time to visit beaches in Maui?
Early morning before 10 a.m. gives you calmer water and fewer crowds.
