10 Best Beaches in Maui

I've been visiting Maui annually for over a decade, thanks in part to a good friend who moved to Hawaii. It's the winter whale watching and the beautiful beaches that make it our favorite place to meet. There's a stretch for everyone here, from soft, pale golden sands and dramatic black volcanic beaches to rare red shores. Some are long and inviting, ideal for barefoot walks, and lapped by calm water for peaceful swims and snorkeling, while others draw surfers and other thrill-seekers with massive waves.

Unless you have unlimited vacation time or are lucky enough to move to the island, you're going to have to narrow down your itinerary. There are over 30 miles of accessible sandy beaches along the 120-mile coastline, so there's no way to visit all of them in just one trip. While that may feel a bit overwhelming, you can easily choose a few that will suit what you're looking for among the very best beaches in Maui.

Located in southern Maui, just a few miles south of the Wailea resort area, Makena Beach is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. A 1.5-mile-long stretch of silky-soft golden sand, it's lapped by Easter-egg blue water and ideal for barefoot strolls while occasionally dipping your toes in the surf. Bodysurfing is popular, with the waves often too rough for swimming, particularly outside the summer months. This is my favorite beach for watching a sunrise. It's worth the early wake-up call to admire Mother Nature's work of art in the sky, blending brilliant hues of pink, purple, yellow, and orange. During the winter, you'll often see the spouts of humpback whales that pass by.

Lifeguards are typically on duty daily from 8 am to 4:45 pm at three tower stations, and you'll find restrooms near the parking areas. Food trucks are often parked near the entrance, but it's best to bring your own food and drink.

Often referred to as Secret Cove, Pa'ako is no longer much of a secret, but it's the perfect stretch to find tranquility just south of Makena Beach. If you visit Makena and find it's too busy for your liking, simply head here, where there are rarely many others around. The pale golden sand is soft and lapped by turquoise water, while surrounded by dramatic, black lava rock formations that create a stunning contrast for photo ops. The beach also provides a perfect vantage point for catching a colorful sunrise.

Keep in mind that there are no facilities here. Pa'aoko is all about serenity. You can park along Makena Road or use the parking areas at Makena Beach and walk about a half-mile. This is also where you'll find the closest restrooms.

Lined with some of the island's most luxurious resorts, Wailea Beach is a popular spot for those looking to blend a high-end stay with a beautiful stretch of soft golden sand. It's the perfect spot for sunbathing, strolling, building sandcastles, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, with calm, turquoise waters providing safe conditions for beginners and kids. Head to the north or south end of the beach for accessible reef viewing, best in the early morning hours when the water will be at its calmest, and you can often see green sea turtles along with a variety of colorful fish. Stick around until dusk, as this is also a great place to catch a picturesque sunset.

There are no lifeguards here, but you will find plenty of facilities, including outdoor showers and restrooms. Plus, free public parking can be found between the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons resorts if you don't plan to stay in the area. 

Ho'okipa is the very best beach for close encounters with sea turtles. Located near the start of the famous Road to Hana, you can often see their heads just above the surface of the water while dozens lounge around on the sand. While there are lifeguards here, the strong currents and massive waves mean it's not the place for a swim. Instead, watch the expert surfers and windsurfers. Major international competitions are held here, drawing the pros. 

This is also a great place to sunbathe and picnic, with picnic tables and barbecue grills available. Bring your own supplies or stop at one of the food trucks for local bites along the way in the Wana Beach area, just west of Ho'okipa. 

Hamoa is located at the end of the Road to Hana, providing a memorable reward after taking out that long, winding road. It's a tiny crescent stretch, but the water is a stunning shade of aquamarine, and the golden sands are backed by towering sea cliffs and lush hala trees for shade while enhancing the beauty. In the winter (and occasionally in other seasons), the surf can be too powerful to swim with no outlying reefs to protect it, but you can wade in the shallows. Or arrive early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful seclusion with a jaw-dropping view. There are no lifeguards stationed here, with facilities limited to picnic tables, foot-rinse showers, and restrooms.

One of the most popular beaches in West Maui, Ka’anapali offers three miles of powdery sand and all the amenities you need for a fun day out. It's perfect for sunbathing, strolling, and swimming in the cobalt blue water. At the north end, you'll find the 16-foot-high rocky outcrop known as Black Rock, one of the best places to snorkel on the island. It's also where you can witness the daily sunset cliff-diving ceremonies. Whale watching tours depart from here during the winter, but you can almost always see spouts and the occasional breach or tail slapping right from shore. 

Lifeguards are stationed here to help ensure safety, and just steps from the sand is Whalers Village, an open-air shopping and dining hub. It also has restrooms and showers, a museum, and a children's play area. 

Napili Bay is just north of Ka'anapali, but it offers a completely different experience. It's not nearly as busy, providing a more tranquil stretch with silky sand. It gently slopes to shallow, typically calm, glassy water thanks to the outer reefs, making it ideal for swimming or snorkeling, often with green sea turtles. That said, big swells can occur, especially in the winter, making it a better beach to watch for humpback whales during the season. 

Facilities are limited, but at the north end, you'll find Sea House Restaurant at Napili Kai Beach Resort for beachfront dining with an ocean view, along with a grocery store and restrooms. 

Located along the Hana Highway at mile marker 32 in Waianapanapa State Park, Honokalani Beach is an Instafamous spot. You'll be dazzled by lush greenery and jet-black sand, stunningly contrasted by turquoise water. It's not a beach for activities like swimming due to the strong rip currents, but photographers and adventurers will love it as a wild, unspoiled stretch with the opportunity to walk through a lava tube. 

Be sure to time your visit at low tide so you can access the short lava tunnel from the shore, where you'll be greeted with a breathtaking, framed view of the ocean. The tube opens up directly to the waves that crash against the cliffs. Be sure to wear water shoes to avoid a painful walk across some of the larger volcanic pebbles. As the beach is part of a state park, you'll need to pay a fee to enter, but you'll have access to showers, restrooms, and picnic areas.

If you want to capture a photo of a unique red beach, Kaihalulu is where you'll want to go. The secluded rust-colored sand is tucked at the base of the lava cinder cone that gives it the extraordinary hue. That said, this one isn't for families with kids, requiring a descent on a narrow, steep trail that's slippery when it's wet out and prone to crumbling. That makes it a must to wear sturdy shoes and avoid visiting on a rainy day. Be sure to bring a bag for any trash, as there are no receptacles or facilities of any kind.

While Kaihalulu is worth the trek for the views alone, you can also take advantage of the calm waters. Protected by a volcanic rock seawall, it provides the perfect spot for swimming or snorkeling. At either end of the cove, you might get to watch some cliff-jumpers too. 

Nestled in a sheltered cove at the northwest side of Maui near Kapalua Resort, Kapalua is a crescent of golden sand with all the essentials for beachgoers. It's been named the very best beach in the entire country, with the water often calm for swimming, snorkeling, and other activities like SUP, protected by two reefs. Those who want to explore on land can walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail. It leads from the beach, traveling along the coast and passing a bird refuge on its way to Ironwoods Beach.

If you don't have any gear with you, you'll find a stand with SUPs, boogie boards, umbrellas, and beach chairs for rent onsite. Restrooms and showers are also available.