Maui - the Valley Isle

To us the charm of Hawaii can be found in the small towns that people pass through on their way to Haleakala and the Hana Highway, tucked away in the back of strip malls and off the main streets. Here you find the people who love The Hawaiian Islands for their soul.
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Sandy Sunbathing Beaches
Photo Credit: Tom Driemeyer
 
 
Sunbathing & Swimming Beaches
Click on beach name to bring up more information
Reminders: Drink lots of water - Use lots of sunblock, often - Respect the ocean, don't turn your back
Lifeguard beaches - D.T. Fleming Hanaka'o Kama'oles 1, 2, & 3 H.A. Baldwin Kahana

West Maui Beaches

 
Punalau, Keonehelelel'I or Windmill Beach
Little known beach is only 1/3 mile long, it has lots of shade trees on the back.  Since strong currents can be present during high seas it is advisable to swim and snorkel only when it is calm.
Access is from a dirt road 7/10 mile east of Mile marker 34. There is a KEEP OUT sign at the dirt road just like in Honolua Bay, but the owner doesn't seem to mind as long as you take out all you brought in. Camping is permitted with a Maui Land & Pineapple permit.   Printable map
 
Slaughterhouse Beach - also called Mokule'ia
This small pocket beach has a great sandy beach in the summer, it almost disappears in the winter though. Mornings are best for shade and there is nice sand for afternoon sunning.
Access - Just north of mile marker 32 access is via a concrete stairway.   Printable map
 
D.T. Fleming Beach
Once a single beach it was split into two when the West Maui Volcano's lava flow formed Makalua-puna Point.
D.T. beach has plenty of shade from the Ironwoods and has lifeguards, restrooms & showers, picnic areas with BBQs & tables. All this makes it a popular place; on weekends make sure to get there early. Mornings are the best time here since the winds can kick up the sand a bit in the afternoon.   Printable map
Oneloa Beach
Oneloa is one of the less crowded beaches, only because
of the intimidating expensive beach homes lining it.
When exploring the beach make sure you go all the
way to the opposite end from the public access, that's
where the sandy bottom makes for the best swimming
and snorkeling. No facilities except for a faucet.
Access - Take Office Rd. to the end, turn left then right on Ironwood Lane.   Printable map
 
Kapalua Beach
If you are a timid swimmer this is your spot, bring your reef shoes as this can be rocky. Well protected from heavy surf you can wade without worrying so much about the waves, just remember you never really want to turn your back to the water.
Access - Near the north end of Lower Honoapiilani Road Park at The Kapalua Bay Hotel or near the Sea House Restaurant.   Printable map
 
Napili Bay
Considered the most fun beach (crowded) in West Maui, it has lots of sand that forms a steep bank between the beach and the water.
Access - take either Hui Dr. or Napili Pl. off Lower Honoapiilani Rd.   Printable map  
 
Pohaku Park
Good for sunsets or picnics, definitely not for swimming
Access - just north of the Noelani Condos.   Printable map
Honokowai Beach Park
Another good place for a picnic or sunset, it gets a lot of locals for leisurely afternoons
Access - Southern end of Lower Honoapiilani Rd.   Printable map
 
Keka'a, North or Airport Beach
Narrow sandy beach that drops off fast, use reef shoes as there are rocks to trip over.
Access - There is a dirt road across from the Honokowai Marketplace that may or may not be usable.   Printable map
Kahekili Beach sometimes known as North or Airport Beach
Excellent family beach with restrooms, showers, lots of sand and covered picnic tables. The best part is that as soon as you get your snorkeling equipment on you are on the reef and seeing fish. There is a series of reefs as you swim out with eels and turtles in addition to the abundant fish. This area is also a popular spot with the SCUBA classes and so a great beach dive just after you get your certification. Because the reef is so close this is not a great place to swim. Just continue down the cement path till it ends and the reef does too, its sandy bottom all the way to Black Rock. The water is usually calm here.
Access - North of Ka'anapali turn on Kai Ali Drive, bear right and there is a large parking lot.   Printable map
Black Rock
This large lava formation is right in the middle of Ka'anapali Beach. The Sheraton Hotel is built in and on the rock. The snorkeling is right in front of the hotel along the wall and out around the point, back to the beach on the other side. Colorful coral, a variety of fish and an occasional turtle make this a fun day. The beach is excellent and the entry is smooth sand.
Access - A limited number of free parking spaces is available at the Sheraton parking garage but they fill early so plan on paying the $20 daily fee. Up the road you can park at the Whaler's Mall and make a purchase for free parking validation. It's a short walk up one of the nicest beaches anywhere.   Printable map
Ka'anapali Beach
Although this beach goes by many names everyone can agree that this is one of the finest beaches on Maui. It runs from Black Rock to Canoe Beaches and if the beach front for lots of the big hotels. With all the sand and beachside restaurants it is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset from.
Access - from the free ( but VERY small) garage between the Sheraton and the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, up the road you can park at the Whaler's Mall and make a purchase for free parking validation.   Printable map
Canoe Beach
A popular but ordinary beach with lots of activity including canoe racing. It's called rowing here and is highly competitive among the local schools and clubs. Good place to take the kids snorkeling with facilities. Also next to an historic cemetery if you go for those kind of things.
Access - Just north of the Lahaina post office, you can't miss the parking lot.   Printable map

South Maui Beaches

Ma'alaea Bay
This beach is made for strolling. With a 3 mile sandy stretch from the harbor down to Kihei you can indulge in a long walk, we suggest either in the morning or at sunset since the combination of wind and sand can make the afternoons uncomfortable.
Access - pretty much anywhere along the road you'll find spots or park at the harbor.   Printable map
Kama'ole Beaches 1, 2 & 3
These three beaches are separated by rocky outcroppings. The beaches are excellent with showers, restrooms, picnic tables, shade trees and lifeguards most of the time. The snorkeling is good around the rock outcroppings at the ends of each beach. Beach 1 is the biggest and best for swimming. Beach 2 is similar to 1 just smaller. Beach 3 is the most popular with locals, at the south end you will find a lawn big enough to indulge in quite a few sports all at the same time, unfortunately it also has the smallest sandy beach.
Access - Parking is right in front of the beach, if that's full there are also some lots across the highway.   Printable map
Keawakapu Beach
A sparsely used beach with good snorkeling around the rocks at the north end in front of the Mana Kai Hotel. The main public access area has a great sandy bottom as does the beach area just south of that where the beach widens out. Showers available at the southern end of the beach.
Access - As you head south on South Kihei Road, just past the boat launch, look for parking lots along the left side of the road and the signs indicating public beach access on the right.   Printable map
Wailea Beach
This is one of the premier beaches anywhere. Calm waters, fine sand restrooms, and showers make this one of the nicest spots to catch some rays. Swimming is not suggested because of all the rocks on the shore and in the water.
Access is between the Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons hotels. The public parking fills early but it's a great place to spend a long day. There are showers and restrooms and a classy clientele to rub elbows with.   Printable map
Polo Beach
Lots of parking, easy access, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and BBQs. Smaller sunbathing area than others and rocks to watch out for in the sand, but you can almost always find a place to park.
Access - 2 miles from the Wailea Iki intersection.   Printable map   
Palauena Beach or White Rock
Excellent swimming most of the time. No facilities and you have to take a short path through the trees to get here, it is a local favorite and worth the search.
Access - Off Makena Rd. between Kuakahi and where Makena Rd and Makena Alanui meet.   Printable map
Maluaka Beach
In front of the Maui Prince Hotel it has a nice sandy beach for sunning, at the south end is shade, restrooms, showers and a picnic area. Snorkeling is off the south end of the beach and has on of the turtle towns.
Access - past the Maui Prince Hotel, or on Makena Rd just south of Honoiki, park 100 yards from the drop -off area near the Keawala'I Church(don't walk through the cemetery).   Printable map
Big Beach also known as Oneloa or Makena Beach
This beach is what most people dream of when they think of Hawaii's. It's one of the most popular beaches for swimmers, snorkelers, funlovers and boogie boarders. It is over 100 yds. wide and 2/3 mile long, facilities include porta potties and picnic tables. For the more adventuresome hike around the promontory to the right. Although nude sunbathing is illegal in Hawaii's, nudists sometimes use this beach. There are times when "free campers" take advantage of the isolation and can be territorial, so check it out at the top of the promontory before going down to the beach.
Access - there are 2 parking lots you can see from the road also one further on where it is more convenient to park if you're going to use the south end of the beach (shady there).   Printable map
 
Pa'ako Beach or Secret Cove
Just past Big Beach at the first phone pole, there is a public access to a small beach where many folks have gotten married. Space is limited and it fills up so if you want to go there go early.
Access - you can use the parking for Big Beach, it's a short hike.   Printable map

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Hana Beaches

Wai'anapananpa Black Sand Beach
There are two features that make this beach different from any other on Maui. One is the only black sand beach, which is formed from lava into fine-grained sand. The other is the spring-fed freshwater caves, one is good for swimming but both are a cool refreshing break from the beach. Because it is part of the campgrounds you have nice facilities to use: restrooms, showers, picnic areas and lots of grass to play on.
Access - park at the campgrounds just past mile marker 32 on the Hana Hwy. and follow the signs. Click here for camping information.   Printable map
 
Red Sand Beach
The sand forming the beach is from the crumbling red & black cinders that make up the hill behind the beach. Sometimes used by nudists, be forewarned and don't go there if you are offended. The swimming is marginal at best but the wonderful range of colors of the beach and foliage make this a worthwhile adventure.
Access - Park on Uakea near Hauoli, just past Sea Ranch Cottages there's a large lawn owned by the county. Walk across the lawn, there's a trail on the right side headed down. Don't walk through the Japanese cemetery use the other trail on the right. You'll see a sign there that says there is no trail but hey you're standing on it! Takes about 5 minutes to get to the beach.   Printable map
Koki Beach
We mention this one because it is a great beachcombing beach. Swimming is not recommended.
Access is off the north end of Haneo'o Rd.   Printable map
Hamoa Beach
Great beach located just below the Hotel Hana Maui. This is reputed to be a great place to learn to body surf, you can lose some skin if the waves rub you into the beach. The facilities there are for hotel guest but the showers and everyone uses restrooms.
Access - at the south end of Haneo'o Rd., look for the paved path leading down to the beach.   Printable map

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Disclaimer: The information contained within these pages is meant only as a general guide as to what to expect when visiting Hawai'i. This information is kept as up-to-date as possible. Since weather and environmental conditions may change quickly, it is always prudent to take into consideration weather and environmental conditions when planning any activity.
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