Top 10 Beaches on Maui: Your Ultimate Guide (with tips)

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Maui is renowned for its stunning beaches. With crystal-clear water, soft sand, sunny skies, and unreal views, it’s no surprise people keep coming back. Some beaches are world-famous for water sports, others have amazing snorkeling, and plenty are great for kids too.

Honestly, I’ve fallen in love with so many beaches here that narrowing it down to just ten was kind of painful. But I picked the ones that consistently impress both visitors and locals, guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

I’ve also included some helpful tips throughout this guide to make your beach day even better. Let’s dive in!

Best South Maui Beaches

1. Wailea Beach

Starting off the list strong with a beach that is consistently rated as one of the world’s best beaches, Wailea Beach. It’s surrounded by luxury resorts, the sand is soft, the views are gorgeous, and you’ll find all the essentials nearby: restrooms, showers, restaurants, shops, and plenty of free parking.

Snorkeling is decent around the rocky outcroppings at both ends of the beach, especially on the left side (facing the water) in front of the red-roofed condos. The water is almost always calm, especially in the mornings, so it’s great for swimming.

Take a stroll along Wailea Beach Path

One of my favorite things to do after a morning swim here is to walk the Wailea Beach Path, a paved path that stretches almost 2 miles past a few other beautiful beaches and fancy resorts. It’s perfect for a sunrise jog or a sunset stroll past tiki torches and luaus.

Just a heads up: the path is pretty narrow and can get a little crowded during the day, so walking side-by-side can be tricky. There’s also not much shade, so bring sun protection if you’re heading out midday.

📖 Related Read: Beyond the Beach: Best Relaxing Activities to Do on Maui

2. Kama’ole Beaches I, II, III

Okay, I’m cheating a little by lumping these three together, but they’re all part of the same stretch in Kihei and it’s hard to pick just one! Locals call them “The Kam’s,” and they’re easily some of the most popular beaches on the island, especially in South Maui. This is due to the beaches’ central location, easy access, and ample parking.

Kam I is the largest of the three. Kam III is the smallest but most popular with locals because it has the best amenities including a huge grass lawn (great place to toss a frisbee or football), grills for barbecuing, and a playground for kids. The water’s usually calm, the sand is soft, and there are lifeguards, restrooms, and showers at each.

Snorkeling Tip: You’ll find decent snorkeling near the rocky ends of all three, but the north side of Kam I (a.k.a. Charley Young Beach) usually has the most activity.

📖 Related Read: Top Things to Do in Kihei, Maui: Beaches, Water Sports, and Local Gems

Grab a bite across the street

A major reason why everyone likes the Kam beaches is due to their location. Just beyond the sand, across South Kihei Road, you’ll find dozens of great restaurants, convenience stores, and rental shops where you can grab almost anything you would need for a day at the beach—chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear, and bodyboards.

Some of Kihei’s best restaurants are mere steps away…Café O‘lei for a chill breakfast, Coconut’s Fish Café for delicious fish tacos, 808 Deli for a solid beach sandwich, The Cinnamon Roll Place for the gooiest sweet treat, Moose’s for great happy hour deals, and Fred’s for a fun atmosphere and sunset views.

📖 Related Read: A Foodie’s Guide to Maui: Farm Tours & Culinary Delights

3. Keawakapu Beach

A quintessential Maui beach that is arguably the most underrated beach in South Maui, Keawakapua Beach. It’s a long beach, almost the length of all three Kam Beaches put together, and has three large parking lots for easy access.

You won’t find massive resorts here like Wailea Beach or big crowds like the Kam Beaches. Instead, most of the beach backs up to swanky beachfront homes, so it feels quieter and more relaxed. Mornings are especially nice here — you’ll see locals out walking their dogs, going for a jog, or hopping on paddleboards. It’s also a great spot for boogie boarding and casual swimming.

Snorkeling is best at the northern end, and like most Maui beaches, early mornings are your best bet before the wind picks up.

Note: All entrances have showers, but only the southernmost lot has a restroom (well… a porta-potty).

📖 Related Read: If you’re looking for more ideas like this, check out my Maui on a Budget guide, it’s full of free and low-cost things to do while you’re here.

4. Makena Beach (Big Beach)

If you keep driving south past the fancy resorts in Wailea, you’ll find the stunning, postcard-looking Makena Beach, aka Big Beach. One of the largest, undeveloped beaches on Maui running about two-thirds of a mile long, with golden sand, clear blue water, and no hotels or homes in sight.

Makena is actually part of a state park split into two sections: Big Beach and Little Beach. Big Beach has three parking areas, each with a few porta-potties, but no showers. The first two entrances have paved lots that charge a parking fee, but if you don’t mind a short walk, you park for free along the road just outside of the lots.

Just a heads up: Big Beach is not the best for swimming or snorkeling. The shore break can get gnarly, especially in the afternoons. Lifeguards are on duty, but it’s definitely a “when in doubt, don’t go out” kind of place. Perfect for sunbathing, beach walks, and soaking up the view though.

If you’re feeling curious, you can hike over the rocky cliff at the north end to check out Little Beach, Maui’s unofficial clothing-optional beach. As the name suggests, it is smaller and has no amenities but it’s a great place to even out your tan. 😉

There aren’t many food options out here aside from the occasional food truck (which may or may not be open), so I’d recommend packing some food for a nice beach picnic or grabbing something on your way.

📖 Related Read: Makena Beach is just one of the many beautiful spots featured in my Ultimate Maui Itinerary: 8 Days in Paradise with Customizable Options. Check it out for more ideas on how to plan your trip.

Best West Maui Beaches

5. Ka’anapali Beach

Ka’anapali Beach is one of Maui’s most iconic spots, with three miles of soft sand and crystal-clear water. It’s great for swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun. At the north end is Black Rock, a popular place to cliff jump and snorkel (I always see at least a few turtles when I’m out there).

Just like Wailea, there’s a beach path here too. The Ka’anapali Beachwalk runs from Black Rock down to the Hyatt, passing resorts, restaurants, and shops at Whalers Village.

It’s a great place to be at sunset, the buzzing of restaurants on one side and waves crashing on the other makes for a great atmosphere.

Parking can be a little tricky. There are only a few fee lots, and they are small and fill up quickly, especially near the north end by Black Rock. Search for free parking on Google Maps for accurate locations. If you can’t find a spot, try the last lot by the Hyatt (usually has space), or park at Whalers Village and get your ticket validated.

Make it a dinner you won’t forget

There are so many dining options to choose from at Ka’anapali Beach, in fact, one leaves directly from shore—sunset boat cruises are a popular activity on the island. I recommend skipping the dinner and just go for cocktails and pupus (appetizers). Sea Maui, Trilogy Excursions, and Teralani Sailing Adventures are all great options.

📖 Related Read: A sunset cruise is just one of the romantic ideas in my Most Romantic Things to Do on Maui: 22 Date Ideas for Couples, give it a peek for more!

After a sunset sail, grab dinner at Hula Grill in Whalers Village, where you can sink your toes in the sand and enjoy live music and hula dancing. If you’re in the mood for a killer cocktail, Monkeypod is right next door and their famous Mai Tai with honey-lilikoi foam is so worth trying.

Another fun option? Grab a table at the Cliff Dive Bar to enjoy dinner, sunset, and a show. Since 1963, the Sheraton Maui has hosted a cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock, paying tribute to an ancient Hawaiian tradition cherished by King Kahekili. The event begins just before sunset, with tiki torches being lit, followed by a traditional Hawaiian chant and the sounding of the conch shell. To complete the ritual, a skilled diver presents a flower lei to the sea before making a dramatic dive into the ocean.

If you’re up for a full cultural experience with dinner included, you’ve got three luaus right along the beach to choose from: the Wailele Luau, Drums of the Pacific Luau, and Maui Nui Luau. Each one offers a mix of traditional Hawaiian storytelling, music, dancing, and a feast with ocean views.

📖 Related Read: Top Authentic Things to Do on Maui for a Culturally-Rich Vacation.

6. Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Bay is another beach that has won quite a few awards, all well deserved. It has everything you could ask for—a protected cove to shelter you from the waves, turquoise water, soft golden sand, and great snorkeling. There are restrooms, showers, and free public parking, but the lot is small and fills up quickly, so try to get there early.

Explore Maui’s rugged coastline

Before or after some beach time, I always like to take people on the Kapalua Coastal Trail, which starts right at the bay. It’s about two miles long and mostly flat, with tons of ocean views and lava rock detours.

You’ll pass Namalu Bay, a popular snorkeling and cliff-jumping spot, and eventually reach a scenic boardwalk section called Ironwood Cliffs.

For a fun, short add-on, check out the Dragon’s Teeth Trail. It’s a short trail nearby in front of the Ritz Carlton. Head out towards the peninsula and you’ll see dramatic ocean views, rugged lava rock formations, and even a small labyrinth to walk through. It can get a bit windy, but it’s a great place to take some epic pictures.

📖 Related Read: The Kapalua Coastal Trail is just one of the many relaxing things to do on Maui. Check out my guide: Beyond the Beach: Best Relaxing Activities to Do on Maui for even more chill ways to enjoy the island.

7. Napili Bay

Nestled in a gorgeous little cove, Napili Bay is one of those postcard-perfect beaches—palm trees, lava rocks, soft sand, and calm, clear water. Similar to Kapalua Bay, it is protected from most waves making it an great place for swimming, paddle boarding, or just soaking up the sun.

If you want to snorkel, I recommend exploring the rocks on the south side of the beach where sea turtles are usually known for hanging out. And just a heads-up, there aren’t any restrooms or showers here, so plan accordingly.

And if you get hungry, you’re in luck, there are two popular restaurants flanking this beach. The Gazebo restaurant (on the south side) is known for their hearty breakfasts, including their massive banana macadamia nut pancakes. There’s always a line in the morning, so I recommend going for a late breakfast or lunch.

And on the north end, Sea House Restaurant is perfect for oceanfront dining and has a solid happy hour with great views.

Best North Maui Beaches

8. Baldwin Beach

Baldwin is a long, beautiful stretch of sand on the North Shore and a favorite hangout for locals. In the winter, the waves can get a little rough, so it’s not ideal for swimming unless you’re experienced. But on the west side, there’s a calm, shallow spot called Baby Beach that’s perfect for little ones.

📖 Related Read: Top Family-Friendly Things To Do on Maui with Kids

Dance to the beat of drums

If you’re around on a Friday afternoon, you’ll hear drumming on the east side of Baldwin Beach, known at The Cove. It’s a locals party where people come together to drum, dance, and celebrate life.

I love taking visitors here because it’s a great way to connect with the community. And no worries if you don’t want to dance, it’s still a stellar place to people-watch. Sometimes there’s slacklining and a cool fire spinning show that usually starts at sundown.

📖 Related Read: If you’re interested in other fun community events that happen through out the year, check out my seasonal guides for Best Things to Do on Maui in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

9. Ho’okipa Beach

Ho’okipa is legendary for windsurfing, and even if you’re not hitting the waves yourself, it’s a blast to watch the pros in action, especially in winter when the surf is pumping.

You’ll also find tide pools to poke around in, a great lookout spot above the beach for photos, and sea turtles almost always snoozing on the sand at the far right end. Seriously, they’re basically guaranteed.

📖 Related Read: Windsurfing lessons are just one of the many wild adventures in my Thrill Seeker’s Guide to Maui. Check it out if you’re craving more excitement.

Walk through the charming town of Paia

Right down the road is Paia, a funky little surf town that’s perfect for a relaxed stroll. Explore its colorful storefronts and eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.

Grab brunch and coffee with live music at Paia Bay Coffee Bar, wood-fired pizza at Flatbread Company, or fresh fish at Paia Fish Market; you really can’t go wrong.

📖 Related Read: If you love Paia, you’ve gotta explore Upcountry too. It’s full of other cute towns, farms, and gorgeous views. Check out my 25 Best Things to Do in Upcountry Maui guide for all the good stuff.

Best East Maui Beach

10. Wai’anapanapa State Park

If you’re driving the Road to Hana (one of the most popular things to do on Maui), This beach is a must do. It’s that famous black sand beach you’ve probably seen photos of, and trust me, it’s even more stunning in person. The deep black sand against the bright blue water and lush green cliffs, absolutely beautiful.

There’s more than just the beach too. You can explore walking trails, lava tubes, sea arches, and even a blowhole. The water can be rough at times, depends on when you visit, but it’s a great place to stretch your legs, have a picnic, and just soak in the view.

Heads up: You do need a reservation to enter the state park, so be sure to book ahead.

📖 Related Read: Wai’anapanapa is just one of the epic spots featured in my 41 Best Things to Do on Maui. Definitely give it a look if you’re building out your itinerary!

Camp under the stars

If you really want to soak up the magic of this place, consider staying overnight. They’ve got cabins and campsites. Open slots go quickly, so try booking as early as you can.

Imagine falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing and waking up to sunrise over the ocean, chef’s kiss. After the day-trippers have gone, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this beach and plenty of time to finish your Road to Hana trip.

📖 Related Read: Still looking for places to stay? My Where to Stay on Maui guide breaks down the best areas and accommodations based on your travel style and budget. Worth a peek before you book!

Tips for a Perfect Day

By now, you’ve probably noticed that most of Maui’s best beaches are on the leeward side, the south and west shores. That’s because they’re more sheltered from trade winds. In general, to improve your odds of experiencing calmer, clear water (especially for snorkeling), try to get to the beach earlier in the day before the winds pick up in the afternoon.

Before you head out, check the Daily Snorkel Report to see which areas have the best ocean conditions. It’s super handy and sent out every morning. And please, don’t forget to use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect our coral reefs and marine life.

And if you need help planning your trip, check out my digital travel map of Maui. If has every beach listed in this post plus hundreds of other great spots and insider tips to help you explore the island like a pro.

Mahalo for reading and happy beach hopping!

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