This Maui Beach Made Fodor’s List of Best Family Beaches in the US

While the town of Lahaina was devastated by wildfire in 2023, every beach in West Maui outside of the immediate burn zone is now accessible, including Puunoa Beach, just a short walk north from the downtown area. Recently named by Fodor’s as one of the best in the country for families, it’s also known as “Baby Beach” as it’s particularly good for the little ones. 

With calm, shallow waters, even babies and toddlers can safely splash around and play near the shore. A massive coral reef offshore protects the beach from large waves, creating a natural swimming pool with no strong currents. It’s possible to walk out as far as 100 yards, with the water only reaching up to your waist. With the coral reef so close to the sand, it’s also ideal for beginner snorkelers. The kids can easily spot colorful fish and even sea turtles in water that’s just ankle-deep.

You might simply relax while the kids build sandcastles, but if you have children ready for stand-up paddleboarding, Puunoa is a great spot with SUP rentals available. Facilities are basic, as this is mostly a residential beach, but parking, showers, and picnic tables are easily reached at nearby Launiupoko Beach Park. 

It’s a walk or short drive for food and drink, so you might want to bring your own before hitting the beach. The Lahaina Cannery Mall has an indoor, air-conditioned food court with food trucks offering an excellent selection of diverse eats for the whole family.

The majority of accommodation options near Puunoa are vacation rental homes and condos. Puunoa Beach Estates, with 2- to 3-bedroom villas, is the closest and most luxurious, located right on the beach. If you don’t mind a longer stroll, Lahaina Shores Beach Resort is about 10 to 15 minutes away on foot. Reopened in the summer of 2025, it’s significantly less expensive and highly rated, with studio and 1-bedroom condos featuring full kitchens and private ocean- or mountain-view balconies.

Beyond the family-friendly beach, there’s another important reason to visit Lahaina. As Beach.com reported last fall, it’s an “act of Kōkua.” Just showing up helps support many of the local businesses. But you might also consider volunteering through organizations like HandsOn Maui or a beach cleanup, with opportunities through the Maui Surfrider Foundation and others. It’s a great teaching experience for the kids that also helps the community as it continues to recover.