Maui is a top island destination with the best beaches in Hawaii and the United States in general. It is not just called the Valley Isle, it gives the maximum relaxation you could find on a beach.
What makes Maui’s beaches special? The beaches are good for families, perfect places for couples, and great for water activities like snorkeling and surfing.
But with so many options, deciding where to spend your next beach holiday can take time and effort.
Map of Maui Beaches
Maui’s Best Beaches for Family
Here are the best beaches in Maui for families.
Ka’anapali Beach
Located on the west coast, about 50 minutes from the Kahului airport, Ka’anapali Beach is a popular spot for families.
It is 3 miles long, has soft white sand, calm waters, and is picturesque, which makes it an ideal spot for family to have a nice time together and share bonds.
It is surrounded by many shops, restaurants, restrooms, and lifeguards. Onsite parking is available for $2 for 30 minutes.
Wailea Beach
Wailea is a wide beach with perfect sand and an inviting ocean.
The Four Seasons and the Grand Wailea Resorts are at both ends of the beach, with the beach resort built between two of Maui’s best beaches.
Here, you will find showers, bathrooms, and plenty of free public parking spaces. Access to Wailea Beach is free, as you don’t have to pay an admission fee.
Baby Beach
Located in Lahaina, it is mostly visited by local families with young children.
This is because it is shielded by an exposed reef’s stretch, which creates a calm, shallow area for small children to avoid being knocked down by a big waves.
Aside from being perfect for young families, its calm waters and soft sand make it a good place for swimming and building sandcastles.
Best Beaches for Snorkeling in Maui
If you enjoy seeing the beautiful creatures that live underwater, here are the best beaches in Maui.
Molokini Crater
A crescent-shaped volcanic crater, Molokini is a snorkeler’s paradise approximately half a mile wide and 160 feet above sea level, with the other half being hidden underwater.
It is one of the best beaches in Maui for snorkeling and scuba diving, with over 250 different fish species and 38 unique coral species.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is a protected marine preserve situated on the northwest coast with calm and clear waters, perfect for spotting tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral. It housed over 100 species of fish and other marine life
Honolua Bay has a stunning natural beauty and a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, or simply enjoying the sun and sea.
Maui’s Best Beaches for Couples
There are instances when you feel like taking your spouse away from the buzz of marital affairs and giving them a relaxing treat; here are some of the best places we recommend for you in Maui.
Makena Beach State Park
This secluded beach in south Maui allows you to be in a romantic atmosphere with your spouse, making it perfect for couples seeking solitude.
It has a parking lot, lifeguard station, picnic tables, restroom, and food concession available.
It is open between 6am and 7:45pm all weekdays.
Note that an entry fee of $5 is required for non-residents and parking costs around $10.
Waianapanapa State Park
Waianapanapa State Park has a stunning black sand beach, perfect for couples seeking adventure.
Located on the Road to Hana, it has a scenic view, ancient lava tubes, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a standard spot for relaxation.
It is one of the best beaches in Maui, and it offers many activities, including cliff jumping and hiking.
Napili Beach
For couples who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sun tanning, this is the perfect place you should be.
Napili Beach is located in the Northwest, with a relaxing atmosphere setting, it is perfect for couples.
Its soft sand, calm waters, and stunning sunsets create a romantic ambiance, which is all you need to sweep your spouse off their feet.
Best Beaches on the West Coast
Kapalua Beach
As one of the best beaches in Maui, Kapalua Beach, located in northwest Maui, has white sand and crystal water that offers a tranquil atmosphere
It is the perfect place for you if you seek relaxation.
Its soft sand, calm waters, and scenic views make it a good location for swimming, snorkeling, and families.
Olowalu Beach
As a secluded beach on the west coast, Olowalu Beach has a serene atmosphere which makes it the perfect place for those seeking solitude.
However, as much as it is the best place for kids who enjoy snorkeling, there are no lifeguards on duty at this beach.
Also, you must be careful not to park your car in the soft sand.
Best Beaches for Surfing
If you enjoy lying on a boat, feeling the sun on your skin and the ocean breeze on your hair while you are out to relax, then you should consider visiting these beaches.
Pe’ahi (Jaws) Beach
One of the best in Maui, Pe’ahi Beach on the north shore is famous for its winter waves, which can reach 50 feet or more.
The waves are extremely fast and hollow, making them perfect for experienced surfers who crave a thrilling ride.
The beach has multiple breaks for every level of surfer, right from beginner-friendly waves to monster waves that only experienced surfers can handle.
Pe’ahi Beach is not for beginners who want to surf because the waves are too powerful, and the currents are strong.
Ho’okipa Beach
Located on the north shore, Ho’okipa Beach is a popular spot for surfers, kite surfers, and windsurfers.
Because of its consistent waves and strong winds, which create an ideal environment for anyone interested in having a thrilling surfing experience, it hosted the Aloha Classics and Red Bull surfing competitions.
Parking, picnic tables, showers, pavilion, restrooms, and lifeguards are all available.
Kamaole Beach Park
For beginner surfers, Kamaole Beach Park is a good spot for you.
It is less crowded than other beaches in Maui, which makes it a good choice for surfers who prefer a more private experience.
The waters at Kamaole Beach Park are generally calm, making them perfect for beginners who are still learning to surf.
The waves at Kamaole Beach Park are consistent and gentle for surfers of all levels.
Final Note
Here are our 13 best beaches in Maui, which are best for different preferences and activities.
You can enjoy the beaches discussed in this article as a family, as a couple, or if you like watersports activities.
These beaches are with different amenities that can make your beach easy and enjoyable.