The best beaches on Maui Island in the Hawaiian archipelago

Welcome to Maui

Maui, also known as Valley Island, is the second largest in Hawaii. The island is loved for its world famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, sightings of humpback whales in migration (during the winter months), organic cuisine and magnificent sunrises and sunsets from Haleakala.

It is not surprising that Maui has been chosen as «The best island in the United States» by the readers of Count Nast Traveler for more than 20 years.

Thanks to its 120 miles (193 km) of coastline, Maui has more than 30 miles (48 km) of attractive beaches.

On these world famous coasts, you will find beaches with white, black and red sand, recognized places for surfing and windsurfing.

Many of these beaches are beach parks that are easily accessible and also have lifeguards, picnic facilities and restrooms.

Next the famous beaches of Maui.

Featured beach in southern Maui

Makena Beach:

This is one of the largest beaches in Maui, with 2.4 kilometers of golden sands that in some parts is 30 meters wide. Visitors can swim or snorkel in the pristine waters, enjoy a picnic in the shade or Simply sunbathe on the sand, which seems endless.

Keawakapu Beach:

This Kihei beach, a paradise for beach explorers that features classic landscapes, is half a mile (800 meters) on foot from the Wailea Resort.

Kihei Beach:

A series of beaches, coves and tidal pools along 6 miles (9.6 km) of the Kihei coast. Some areas have lifeguards, bathrooms and picnic facilities.

Polo Beach:

This Wailea beach is popular with residents and visitors of Maui. There are picnic tables and bathrooms available.

Wailea Beach:

Wailea Beach offers excellent places to swim with bathrooms and places to rent equipment. A paved road along the beach allows you to walk through the hotels, restaurants and shops of Wailea.

West Maui Beaches:

Kaanapali Beach:

Kaanapali Beach, the «classic» beach of western Maui, offers almost 3 miles (5 km) of white sand. It has easy access from all Kaanapali hotels. Puu Kekaa, also known as Black Rock, is located at the north end of the beach and is excellent for snorkeling.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park:

This classic Kapalua beach received the title of «The best beach in the United States» in 2006. Its facilities include picnic tables, restrooms and lifeguards.

Hanakaoo Beach Park:

A quiet beach with lots of opportunities for water sports.

Launiupoko Beach Park:

South of Lahaina, this popular place among residents offers a unique natural pool surrounded by an igneous rock wall that is excellent for younger children. There are picnic tables and bathrooms available.

Puamana Beach County Park:

This Lahaina beach offers places for swimming, picnic tables, bathrooms, grills and a grassy park with excellent waves for beginner and intermediate level surfers.

Beaches on the north coast of Maui:

Baldwin Beach Park:

This impeccable Paia beach has excellent places for swimming and bodysurfing. It also has a «small beach» with a lagoon.

Hookipa Beach Park:

A world-renowned stage for its professional windsurfing competitions. Winter surfing can be crowded, with excellent and safe places to watch the show and take pictures.

Beach Park:

Kanaha, famous throughout the world for its excellent conditions for windsurfing, also offers good alternatives for swimming and diving. This beach located near Kahului is a popular place among residents.

Hana Beach Park:

A popular place among local families, Hana Beach Park is one of the most famous swimming beaches on the island. Many local community events are held here.

Waianapanapa State Park:

Excellent camping facilities make Waianapanapa State Park one of the best beaches in Maui.

You will find a black sand beach where you can enjoy freshwater pools, as well as great places to swim and snorkel.