One of the many reasons why so many insist on making Maui their home is the beach. The beauty of Maui’s beaches is just one of a kind. While Oahu has plenty of good beaches too, Maui’s laidback, small-town vibe offers more tranquillity, with less fanfare compared to the beaches of Oahu’s North Shore or Waikiki.
Maui is home to a variety of top rated beaches. Honolua Bay’s excellent surf breaks are perfect for surfing, while the calm waters of Kapalua Beach are ideal for families with kids. The islands sprawling coast means you’re guaranteed to find a good spot under the sun; perfect for enjoying a relaxing day of swimming or sunbathing. Below are a few of Maui resident’s favorite top beaches:
Kaanapali Beach
Fronted by some of the best luxury condos in West Maui, Kaanapali Beach is a miles-long stretch of sand that runs from Black Rock to Canoe Beach. This long and wide beach is ideal for swimming and other water activities. There’s also a long concrete path adjacent to the beach which offers the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely beachside stroll while passing through a variety of shops and restaurants. Kaanapali Beach is a lively beach area with many activities going on, including a daily local ceremony in which a diver lights a torch along a cliff before diving. This is said to be a re-enactment of the historic dive of King Kahekili, a revered king of Maui. So, if you’re looking to enjoy some cultural activities while doing a bit of shopping on your Maui holiday, then head to Kaanapali.
Makena Beach State Park
Makena Beach is known for its undeveloped sandy coast and blue-green water. This beach is also quite wide, giving you lots of space to enjoy any number of beach and ocean activities. Since the area is not yet developed, there are no resorts and restaurants nearby. However, small shops and food vendors can be found on-site, selling delicious snacks and beverages. Makena is definitely quieter compared to Kaanapali Beach and the other popular beaches in Maui. So if you prefer to swim at a beach that’s not too crowded, then this place would be perfect. But be warned, the waves and current here can be quite strong, so exercise caution when heading to the water.
Kapalua Beach
Kapalua Beach is a beautiful stretch of shoreline located on the north-western tip of Maui. Its water is calmer, so it’s also safe for younger children. The surrounding area is occupied by the Kapalua Resort, but this beach is open to the public. Dubbed the “Best Beach in the World,” by Conde Nast, Kapalua Beach is a scenic little cove, that’s a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. Here, your little ones can have a great time playing in the water while watching the sea turtles frolic off shore. After spending a day playing at the beach, enjoy a leisure walk through the Kapalua Coastal Trail, which runs along the beach, and is easily accessible from the main road. There are not too many amenities on Kapalua Beach, but there is a small shack that rents out snorkel gear and paddleboards available.
Wailea Beach
The sands of Wailea Beach are often dotted with umbrellas, occupied by residents and visitors to our lovely island home. Wailea Beach is wide and the ocean is calm. Snorkelling is a great activity on this beach, especially around the rocky outcroppings. You can also enjoy surfing and body boarding here since the beach regularly offers small waves with gentle slopes. When visiting during the winter, you might be lucky enough to spot some whales playing in the water. Expect to hear ukulele music playing from the nearby resorts as you witness another beautiful Maui sunset on the beach!
Waianapanapa State Park
Offering a sweeping view of the ocean, with scenic hills and valleys in the background, this state park and beach on the road to Hana is truly worth a stop. Since many people who come here won’t stay long enough to swim, the beach at Waianapanapa State Park is often not too crowded. Aside from swimming at the beach, there are several other activities you can enjoy here. This 120-acre protected area has picnic pavilions, rental cabins, and camping sites. Consider staying overnight, before continuing your drive to Hana. The views in Waianapanapa State Park are not like any other, and you’ll be treated to pure natural beauty anywhere you look here.
Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is a crescent-shaped beach in East Maui surrounded by scenic, lush landscape. This secluded shore has smooth sands and beautiful blue-green water, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Surrounded by cliffs, this beach has two access points, one of which consists of stairs leading down to the sea coming from a shuttle drop-off area. The other access point is a small service road, accessible by foot only. Hamoa Beach is a famous spot for surfing; bodysurfing and boogie boarding are also popular activities here. Snorkelling around the left of the cove is also possible, but you have to be very careful since this beach is exposed to the open ocean. Thus, powerful currents and surf can be present, especially towards the end of the beach.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is located on the west side of Maui, about a 5-minute drive from Kapalua Bay. This beach is one of the most popular spots for surfing in Maui during the winter months. During this time, Honolua is known for its hollow, but powerful waves offering incredibly long surf rides. The bluffs right above the bay offer an excellent vantage point for visitors to watch expert surfers from a safe distance. During the summer months, the waves in Honolua Bay are calmer, making it a perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. This beach is part of the Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District. Thus, you will have a wealth of marine life to explore during your dive. Unfortunately, there’s only a single rocky shoreline here, so it may not be an ideal spot for sunbathers.
Ready to purchase a beachfront luxury Maui home from which to become acquainted with some of the best beaches on the planet? Contact me today and we’ll find the perfect Maui property with direct oceanfront access for you! Mahalo.
