One of the 137 islands of the Hawaiian archipelago, Maui is home to some of the finest Hawaiian beaches.
Beaches with black sand, red sand, white sand, or golden sand – you name it, Maui has it all.
From quiet beaches for romantic strolls to bustling beaches for family entertainment, Maui’s beautiful beaches have something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Maui, this rundown of the best beaches in Maui will guide you.
Keep reading!
19 Best Beaches in Maui: TL;DR
North Maui Beaches:
- Baldwin Beach Park
- Spreckelsville Beach
- Ho’okipa Beach Park
- Pāʻia Secret Beach
- Kanaha Beach
South Maui Beaches:
- Kamaole Beaches
- Charley Young Beach
- Wailea Beach
- Makena Beach
- Ulua Beach
- Palauea Beach
- Secret Cove Beach
East Maui Beaches:
- Hana Bay Beach Park
- Hamoa Beach
- Kaihalulu Beach
West Maui Beaches:
- Launiupoko Beach Park
- Ka’anapali Beach
- Kahekili Beach Park
- Kapalua Bay Beach
19 Best Beaches in Maui – In Detail
North Maui Beaches;
1. Baldwin Beach Park:
With a cloud-shrouded mountainous backdrop, Baldwin Beach Park (or simply Baldwin Beach) is known for its sparkling golden sand and breathtaking sunrises.
Baldwin Beach is on Maui’s north shore near the historic Paia town. It’s a family-friendly beach with a calm atmosphere because it is far from the more touristy areas.
The western tip of Baldwin has a large reef that creates a section known as the Baby Beach. Here, you can swim in a shallow, protected pool that is great for beginners.
Baldwin Beach Park is a full-service beach complete with picnic tables, barbeques, public showers & bathrooms, a huge covered pavilion, and lifeguard stations.
2. Spreckelsville Beach:
One of the most beautiful beaches on Maui Island’s north shore, Spreckelsville Beach has several sections, including Euro Beach and Baby Beach.
Baby Beach is one of the most sought-after beaches for families traveling with kids and toddlers.
A long exposed reef protects the shoreline of Baby Beach from powerful currents and creates a long shallow pool with crystal clear water, meaning it’s safe for kids to swim.
The rest of Spreckelsville Beach is ideal for fishing and windsurfing.
3. Ho’okipa Beach Park:
Located in north Maui is the famed Ho’okipa Beach, a part of the larger Ho’okipa Beach Park.
Opening into the North Pacific Ocean, Ho’okipa Beach is a haven for watersports enthusiasts.
Surfing, body surfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, parasailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are the most popular water activities.
For families and groups, there are picnic tables, parking areas, and restrooms.
4. Pāʻia Secret Beach:
Tucked between Paia Bay and Baldwin Cove, the Pāʻia Secret Beach is easily accessible from the east of Baldwin Beach.
It is a perfect beach to avoid crowds and sunbathe or relax on the golden sand.
The Kahului end of the beach is suitable for nude sunbathing, but the Paia end requires having some clothes on.
5. Kanaha Beach:
Nestled between Spreckelsville Beach and Kahului Bay, people consider Kanaha Beach the birthplace of kiteboarding.
The beach serves as a base for fishermen and canoe clubs and offers spectacular views of the West Maui Mountains.
A nearby campground, volleyball areas, and picnic tables cater to off-water fun seekers. Because it is close to the airport, it can be a great last stop before your flight!
South Maui Beaches;
6. Kamaole Beaches:
There are three sections here – Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III. The crescent-shaped Kamaole Beach Park I is the largest and most well-known of the three Kamaole beaches.
Kamaole beaches I and II have calm waters perfect for a wide range of watersports like paddle boarding, boogie boarding, body surfing, and snorkeling.
The shore break at Kamaole Beach III is popular with bodyboarders. South Maui locals like this beach because of the nearby large grass park.
Public facilities include volleyball courts, restrooms, showers, and parking facilities. If you want to explore further, check out Keawakapu Beach to the south and Cove Beach Park to the north.
7. Charley Young Beach:
On Maui’s south shore at the northern end of Kamaole Beach I, you will find Charley Young Beach.
The relaxed atmosphere of the beach and its awe-inspiring sunsets attract tourists and south Maui locals alike.
It has perfect conditions for surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, boogie boarding, etc.
The beach has dark golden soft sand. At its edges, you will find some vertical lava and rock structures. Low tide exposes several tide pools that you can explore with your kids.
You will find portable showers and toilets, but unfortunately, there are no lifeguards on Charley Young Beach.
8. Wailea Beach:
Wailea Beach is one of the most glamorous beaches in south Maui. It offers perfect waters for snorkeling during the winter mornings. Summers can be windy!
This real-life Disney movie location has powdery, golden-hued sand and offers breathtaking views of Molokini Crater, Kaho’olawe, and Lāna’i.
You can enjoy swimming and paddleboarding in clear blue waters. There are plenty of restaurants to satiate your hunger. Other public amenities include restrooms, showers, and a parking lot.
9. Makena Beach:
Makena Beach is one of the most popular south Maui beaches. It’s one of the two beaches in Makena State Park. People sometimes refer to it as “Big Beach” or “Oneloa Beach.”
Around 1.5 miles long and 100 feet wide, Makena Beach is Maui’s largest beach. The name is “Big Beach.”
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a beautiful beach with golden & silver-white sand and aqua-green ocean water, shielded by black lava cliffs.
The lack of development and its tucked-away location within the state park make Makena Beach an ideal choice for people craving solitude.
Dangerous shore breaks make Makena Beach unsuitable for inexperienced swimmers.
Public amenities include picnic areas, restrooms, shower facilities, parking, and food trucks serving delicious meals. I recommend the fish tacos!
The north side of Big Beach has a precarious cliff trail that leads to the smaller Little Beach – a heaven for fire dancers, nudists, and hippies of all kinds.
Little Beach has perfect bodysurfing conditions and remains busy on Sundays. Crowds flock to watch fire dancers putting up a show with burning bras, heated hula hoops, and other props.