Aloha, beach bums! If you’re looking for a tropical getaway that’s all about sand, sea, and sun, then Maui is the place for you. This Hawaiian island is blessed with some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world, from calm and crystal-clear lagoons to rugged and dramatic shorelines. Whether you want to catch some waves, soak up the sun, or just enjoy the mesmerizing views, there’s a beach on Maui that’s perfect for you! We’ve searched the whole island to bring you the best beaches that you simply can’t miss out on. So, put on your swimsuit, and let’s explore the best beaches in Maui, Hawaii!
Kaanapali Beach
This stunning beach is located in the heart of the Kaanapali resort area and is one of the most popular on the island. Ka’anapali Beach has been named one of the best beaches in the world by numerous travel publications including TripAdvisor, U.S. News & World Report. With its pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets, it’s a favorite among families, couples, and tourists. The beach is well-known for its excellent facilities, including showers, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages. The calm waters and gentle waves make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, and the lifeguards on duty provide an added sense of security for families with young children. The beach is surrounded by lush green trees, and vegetation, and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. In addition, the beach is home to a number of world-class resorts, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular destination for those looking to enjoy both sun and sea, as well as the vibrant nightlife and culture of Maui. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an action-packed adventure, Kaanapali Beach has something to offer everyone.
Wailea Beach
Located in the Wailea resort area, this stunning beach is considered one of the best on the island. With its soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters, it’s a favorite among families and couples looking for a relaxing day by the sea. The beach also offers excellent facilities, including showers, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it perfect for the whole family. The shallow waters and calm waves make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, and the lifeguards on duty provide an added sense of security for families with young children. The beach is surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation, providing a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day in the sun or an exciting afternoon of water activities, Wailea Beach is the perfect destination for all.
Makena Beach (Big Beach)
This expansive and breathtaking beach is located in the Makena State Park and is known for its soft white sand, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of the neighboring islands. This beach is one of the largest in Maui and is perfect for those looking for a more secluded and private beach experience. The waves here are powerful and can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers, but it is a popular destination for experienced surfers and bodyboarders. The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush green vegetation, providing a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for visitors. The facilities at Makena Beach are limited, with only a few restrooms and picnic areas available, but the lack of development and commercialization adds to the natural and untouched beauty of the area. Despite its size, the beach never feels crowded due to its secluded location and large size. If you’re looking for a beach that provides stunning scenery, privacy, and a more adventurous water experience, Makena Beach is definitely worth a visit!
Napili Bay
This serene and picturesque bay is located on the northwest coast of Maui and is considered one of the island’s hidden gems. With its crystal clear waters, soft sand, and gentle waves, it’s a favorite among families and those seeking a more relaxed and intimate beach experience. The bay is surrounded by lush vegetation and tall palm trees, providing a tropical and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. The shallow waters and calm waves make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, and the lack of high-rise buildings and large crowds make it a peaceful and tranquil destination for visitors. The bay is also known for its excellent facilities, including showers, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for families with young children. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day in the sun or an exciting afternoon of water activities, Napili Bay is the perfect destination for all!
Ulua Beach
This beautiful and secluded beach is located in the upscale Wailea resort area and is known for its calm waters, pristine white sand, and excellent snorkeling. Towering cliffs surround the beach and lush green vegetation, providing a tranquil and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. The calm waters and gentle waves make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, and the lifeguards on duty provide an added sense of security for families with young children. The beach is relatively small, but the lack of development and commercialization adds to the natural and untouched beauty of the area. The facilities at Ulua Beach are limited, with only a few restrooms and picnic areas available, but the lack of crowds and noise make it a perfect place to relax and unwind. The beach also has a reef located just offshore, which provides an excellent opportunity for snorkellers to see a variety of colorful marine life, including turtles and tropical fish. Whether you’re looking to explore the underwater world or simply relax and soak up the sun, Ulua Beach is a must-visit destination in Maui.
Honolua Bay
Located on the northwest coast of Maui, Honolua Bay is a popular destination for experienced surfers and snorkellers, due to its excellent water conditions and abundance of marine life. The bay is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs, providing a stunning and dramatic backdrop for visitors. The beach is not ideal for swimming due to its rocky terrain and rough surf, but it is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with an impressive variety of marine life and colorful coral reefs located just offshore. The beach is also known for its excellent waves, which attract experienced surfers from around the world. Despite its popularity, the beach remains relatively undeveloped, with no facilities available on-site. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and water and to take their trash with them when they leave to help preserve the natural beauty of the area. The beach is accessible via a short hike, but the stunning views and world-class snorkeling and surfing make it a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Papawai Point
This secluded and peaceful beach is located on the western coast of Maui and is known for its stunning views and picturesque sunsets. The beach is relatively small, but the lack of crowds and noise make it a perfect place to relax and unwind. The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush green vegetation, providing a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for visitors. The shallow waters and calm waves make it a great spot for swimming and wading, and the rocky coastline provides ample opportunity for exploration and adventure. The beach is also known for its excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving, with an abundance of colorful marine life and coral reefs located just offshore. While the facilities at Papawai Point are limited, the natural and untouched beauty of the area more than makes up for it. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and water and to take their trash with them when they leave to help preserve the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful day in the sun or an exciting afternoon of water activities, Papawai Point is the perfect destination for visitors seeking a more secluded and natural beach experience.
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve
Located on the southern coast of Maui, this pristine and protected beach is known for its unique volcanic rock formations and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The reserve is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manta ray. The beach is surrounded by rugged lava rock formations, providing a dramatic and unique landscape for visitors to explore. While the beach itself is relatively small, the abundance of marine life and underwater attractions make it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. The calm waters and gentle waves also make it a great spot for swimming and wading. The reserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species that are unique to the Hawaiian Islands, and visitors are advised to stay on designated trails and to take care not to disturb the delicate ecosystem. The lack of facilities and commercialization at Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve adds to the natural and untouched beauty of the area. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and water, as well as snorkeling and diving gear to fully experience the natural wonders of this unique and protected beach.
Polo Beach
Located in the upscale Wailea resort area, Polo Beach is a beautiful and tranquil stretch of sand that offers a more laid-back and serene experience compared to some of the busier beaches on Maui. The beach is relatively small, but the calm and clear waters make it a great spot for swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. The beach is also popular with surfers, who can catch waves on the outer reefs. The beach is backed by a grassy park area, which provides a perfect spot for a picnic or a game of frisbee. The park also features barbeque grills, public restrooms, and showers, making it a convenient and comfortable place to spend the day. The beach is surrounded by luxury resorts and condominiums, and there are a variety of amenities and services available in the area, including beach rentals, restaurants, and shops. Visitors to Polo Beach can also enjoy a stroll along the paved coastal path, which offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. While the beach is not as secluded as some of the other beaches on Maui, the serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Kamaole Beach I, II, & III
These three adjacent beaches are some of the most popular in Maui and are known for their soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets. Kamaole Beach I is great for families with young children due to its shallow waters and calm waves. Kamaole Beach II is a favorite among snorkelers and surfers, and Kamaole Beach III is known for its stunning sunsets and is a great spot for a romantic evening walk. All three beaches have excellent facilities, including showers, restrooms, and picnic areas, making them a convenient and enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages.
Airport Beach
Airport Beach, also known as Kanaha Beach Park, is a popular destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts. Located close to Kahului airport, the beach has a consistent and reliable wind that makes it an ideal spot for these activities. In addition to windsurfing and kiteboarding, the beach also offers calm and clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is equipped with a lifeguard tower, public restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The large park area behind the beach provides ample space for relaxation and recreation, with barbecue grills available for visitors to use. Despite its proximity to the airport, the beach is known for its beautiful and natural setting, with views of the West Maui Mountains in the distance. The beach is a great option for those with limited time, as it is easily accessible and convenient. Visitors can also take a stroll along the coastal path, which offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
D.T. Fleming Beach
D.T. Fleming Beach is a long and wide beach located in Kapalua, on Maui’s northwest coast. It’s known for its soft, golden sand and excellent swimming conditions. The beach is backed by ironwood trees, which provide ample shade for visitors to enjoy. The waters can be quite calm, making it ideal for families with children to splash and play in the gentle surf. It’s also a popular spot for bodyboarding, with the occasional larger wave providing a thrill for those looking for a bit more adventure. The beach features clean restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty during the day, ensuring the safety and comfort of visitors. There are also picnic tables and barbecue grills available, making it a great place to spend a full day. The beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, with Molokai and Lanai islands visible on the horizon. The beach is named after D.T. Fleming, a conservationist and botanist who was instrumental in developing the Kapalua resort area. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, enjoy the gentle surf, or take in the natural beauty of the area, D.T. Fleming Beach is a must-visit destination on Maui.
Palauea Beach (White Rock Beach)
Palauea Beach, also known as White Rock Beach, is a secluded and serene beach located in the heart of Wailea. The beach is accessible through a path that starts at the north end of Polo Beach, leading to a rocky cove with a small stretch of soft, white sand. The beach is framed by rocky outcroppings on both sides, offering stunning views of the coastline and the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific. The beach is not as well-known as some of the other beaches in Maui, making it a great spot for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet. The waters are relatively calm, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish and coral visible just offshore. The beach is equipped with basic amenities like public restrooms and showers, but visitors should bring their own food and drinks, as there are no concession stands on the beach. Palauea Beach is a hidden gem that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of Maui.
Kaihalulu (Red Sand) Beach
Kaihalulu Beach, also known as Red Sand Beach, is a small, secluded cove located in the town of Hana. It’s known for its unique red sand, which is created by the erosion of the iron-rich volcanic cinder cone that surrounds the beach. The hike to the beach is a bit challenging, with a steep and narrow path leading down to the shore. However, the effort is well worth it, as the beach offers a peaceful and serene environment, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the popular resort areas on the island. The waters can be quite rough, with strong currents and waves, so visitors should exercise caution while swimming. Snorkeling is also a popular activity at the beach, with a variety of colorful fish and marine life visible just offshore. There are no facilities or amenities on the beach, so visitors should come prepared with everything they need, including food, water, and sunscreen. Kaihalulu Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and unique geology of Maui’s coastline.
Waianapanapa State Park Beach
Waianapanapa State Park Beach is a unique and stunning destination located on the rugged coastline of eastern Maui. The beach is surrounded by black lava cliffs and lush tropical foliage, and the dark, rocky beach is a stark contrast to the bright blue waters of the Pacific. The beach is also home to a natural sea arch and a freshwater cave, adding to the park’s unique charm. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the beach, including swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing or take a stroll along the hiking trails that wind through the park. The area is rich in history and legends, with many tales of ancient Hawaiian royalty and battles that took place in the region. There are also basic facilities available, such as restrooms and showers, and visitors can rent beach gear from the park’s visitor center. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the area’s natural wonders, or immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and history, Waianapanapa State Park Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Maui.
Conclusion
When it comes to experiencing the best beaches in Maui, a rental car is essential. With so many incredible destinations to choose from, you’ll want to make the most of your time on the island. At RentMauiCars.com, we offer a wide range of rental vehicles to suit your needs and budget so you can make the most of your vacation on Maui! Whether you’re looking for a luxury car, a spacious SUV, or a budget-friendly option, we have you covered. Book your rental today and start exploring the stunning beaches of Maui!
