10 Best Beaches in Maui
Maui is nothing if not beach country. From the glitzy, cabana-lined shores of Wailea to the quiet, hidden coves of Hana—against the backdrop of rocky cliffs and rainforest, as well as some gems for swimming and snorkeling—Maui’s 120-mile coastline has something for every kind of beach-lover. Here, we’ve hand-picked the island’s 10 best beaches; read on and start planning your trip.
Click the link to read our complete Maui guide.
Editor's note: Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hours and accessibility of many places are fluid and subject to change. We advise you to double-check details before making your plans.
AlamyBig Beach
Stretching over a mile long and 100 feet wide from sand to shore, Big Beach is—as its name suggests—one of the largest beaches on the island. It's also one of the most stunning, sheltered by low black lava cliffs and blessed with cool emerald waters and ultra fine silver sand. Added bonus: thanks to its tucked-away location in the lush, 165-acre Mākena State Park, it's a more peaceful alternative to the resort-studded beaches in Lahaina and Ka'anapali.
AlamyHamoa Beach
Though it’s a mere pocket of sand at the Hana end of Maui—no longer than 1,000 feet—Hamoa is undoubtedly one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. It’s backed by a thick forest of Hala trees, its shore is wide and golden, and its waters a brilliant shade of aquamarine. But be warned: as pretty as it looks, Hamoa isn't protected by outlying reefs, which means the surf can be quite powerful, so it’s best to wade in the shallows or enjoy the view from the shore. Pro tip: the newly opened Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt (formerly the Travaasa Hana) offers guests shuttles to and from Hamoa Beach daily, beginning 11 a.m.
AlamyKa’anapali Beach
With three miles of powder-white sand and crystalline water, it’s no wonder that Ka’anapali is the most popular beach in West Maui. Though it’s strung with resorts, it remains one of Hawaii’s most picturesque beaches, and is spacious enough to never feel too crowded. There’s a lot to do, too, from snorkeling to jumping off Black Rock, a 16-foot cliff on Ka’anapali’s northern end—keep an eye out for green sea turtles! Stay the night at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, which reopened in November 2020 after a stunning $120 million transformation. Its newly-built Hōkūpa tower is arguably the most luxurious offering on Ka’anapali.
AlamyKapalua Beach
Kapalua is one of Maui’s best snorkeling beaches, protected by two reefs that extend out on either end to form a crescent-shaped cove. Its rocky northern end has especially calm waters, excellent visibility, and is rich with marine life—expect to see everything from butterfly fish to spotted Moray eels. Our favorite place to stay in the area is the Montage Kapalua Bay, which reopened in October 2020 with its luxe rooms and pandemic-friendly private luaus (a luau experience—music and dancing included—from the comfort of your own lanai).
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AlamyHonokalani Beach
With its jet-black shore, aquamarine waters, and jungle-like foliage, Hana's Honokalani Beach is one of Maui’s most Instagram-worthy spots. But it’s more than just a pretty face: beyond luxuriating on its onyx sand (actually millions of tiny lava pebbles), there's lots to do, from boogie-boarding to exploring the many sea caves carved into the cliffs along the shore. It’s wild, unspoiled Hawaii at its best, and a necessary stop along the Hana Highway—just look out for mile marker 32.
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Napili Beach
A few miles south of Kapalua on the island’s northwest shore is Napili, known for its show-stopping sunsets and silky golden sands. Thanks to outer reefs that protect its crystal-clear waters from large swells, it's perfect for both swimming and snorkeling–you may even spot green sea turtles, which love to frequent the area. Afterwards, treat yourself with dinner at nearby Merriman’s and a room at the beautiful Napili Kai Beach Resort—one of Maui's best resorts—located mere steps from the sand.
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AlamyKaihalulu Beach
Tucked at the base of a lava cinder cone that gives the sand its signature rust-red color, Kaihalulu, again in Hana, is a photographer's dream. Its calm, protected waters are a surreal shade of Kool-Aid blue and are perfect for both swimming and snorkeling (just steer clear of the cliff-jumpers at either end of the cove). Be warned: the hike down is steep and narrow—don't attempt it when it's rainy!—but the views alone make it worth the slightly gnarly trek.
GettyWailea Beach
Fronting the Four Seasons Resort Maui—a classic celebrity haunt—glamorous Wailea Beach is where all the A-listers come out to play. And no wonder: besides its sprawling sugary sand and iridescent waters, the beach boasts stunning views over the Molokini Crater and the islands of Lanai and Kahoolawe. Be sure to keep an eye out for its newest addition: the AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea will open in April 2021, with 110 minimalist-luxe rooms and a poolside tiki bar, nestled on three acres of lush, jungle-like gardens.
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AlamyKeawakapu Beach
Tucked discreetly between Wailea and Kihei, Keawakapu offers a great alternative to South Maui’s larger and more touristed beaches. Its cushiony white sand makes it an excellent spot for lounging, strolling, and sunrise yoga, while the ocean is calm and good for swimming and snorkeling, particularly at the southern end of the beach. If you want to stay close (and who could blame you), book a room at the zen, ultraluxe Andaz Maui, located five minutes' drive from Keawakapu—it's one of the best resorts on Maui.
AlamyBaldwin Beach
Located near Historic Paia Town on Maui’s North Shore, Baldwin Beach is one of the island’s most family-friendly, equipped with bathrooms, showers, barbecues, picnic tables, a covered pavilion, and lifeguard stations. There’s even a section dubbed “Baby Beach” thanks to a large reef on Baldwin’s western tip that creates a sheltered, shallow pool perfect for the keiki. Afterwards, be sure to stop into the beloved Mama's Fish House—one of Maui's best restaurants–for a post-swim seafood feast.
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