9 of the Top Beaches on Maui For Every Type of Traveler

Given that year-round water temperatures reach up to 80°F (27°C) here, swimming at Wailea Beach is incredible if you're not a fan of a chilly-at-first dip. The ocean conditions are particularly smooth in the morning, making it the ideal time to swim through the bath-temperature waters. A local honu (turtle) or two might even join you, if you're lucky.

Meanwhile, in the afternoons, the conditions often become a little wavier; that’s when the boogie boarders and body surfers come out to play. (There are even options for non-swimmers to enjoy the water here, too.)

Lined by luxurious Maui beach resorts, including Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club and the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Kaʻanapali Beach is a favorite for Maui visitors. It's not just a matter of proximity either; Ka'anapali Beach has also earned its reputation thanks to its gorgeous sands and clear waters.

You can easily spend hours on this sunny shoreline, snorkeling with tropical fish (it’s a popular stop on the island’s snorkeling tours), surfing mid-size swells, walking on the hotel boardwalks, and watching for winter whale spouts in the distance.

Makena Beach (Big Beach) has a lot going on. Across its 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of golden sands, it has opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, boogie boarding, and surfing. To experience it all, you’ll want to stick around this must-visit Maui beach from dawn to dusk.

Insider tip: Makena Beach is actually made up of two separate but close beaches: Big Beach and Little Beach, the latter of which is clothing-optional.

If you’re looking for family-friendly beaches on Maui, Baby Beach in Paia should be at the top of your list. Protected by an exposed line of reef, this tranquil bay is great for kids to play and splash around all morning long.

Just know that this Baby Beach is in Paia, on the North Shore of Maui. There’s another Baby Beach in Lahaina, but as that requires driving through the burned part of Lahaina town (from the August 2023 wildfires), Lahaina’s Baby Beach remains closed.

Tucked on Maui’s North Shore, Hookipa Beach Park is a special spot. In addition to being a prime location for windsurfing, snorkeling, and tidepooling, this incredible beach is where the local turtles like to come and hang out on shore. On any given day, you might see 50+ of these leatherback beauties here.

Insider tip: It’s actually illegal to get too close to turtles in Hawaii. Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away at all times (for your safety and theirs). If you do participate in any Maui wildlife encounters, do so safely, with a guide, and at a distance.

Located in the northwest part of the island, Honolua Bay is arguably the best surfing beach on Maui—though the waves you can see from Hookipa Beach Park at the nearby Peahi surf break will give it a run for its money. In the winter months, waves at Honolua Bay can reach up to 20 feet (6 meters) high.

As you can imagine, it’s best for pros to surf these waves, but you can still watch the talented surfers do what they do best from the safety of the shoreline.

Insider tip: If you want to learn how to surf, it’s best to do so at other beaches apt for beginners. Start with a surf lesson to learn the basics.

Maui has no shortage of excellent places to snorkel. However, with its easy-to-access coral reefs, Makena Landing Park is one of the top Maui snorkeling beaches. Just a short swim from shore, you can spot colorful coral, tropical fish, small rays, hidden eels, and lazing turtles.

Insider tip: While a great snorkeling experience is partially about location, it’s also about ocean conditions. Subscribe to The Snorkel Store’s ocean condition reports to find out the best Maui snorkeling spot on any given day.

Live like Hawaii locals and combine your beach day with a hike (either self-guided or on a hiking tour). Start your day following the relatively easy Kapalua Coastal Trail, taking in the tide pools and ocean views for the entire 1.75 miles (2.8 kilometers) one-way.

When you’re ready to retrace your steps back, you can cool off in the refreshing waters of Kapalua Bay Beach. Ideal for all sorts of beach activities—from snorkeling to paddleboarding to sunbathing—it’s perfect for some post-hike relaxation and fun.

While there are many stunning Maui white-sand beaches, Honokalani Black Sand Beach features glittering dark sands. Located in Waianapanapa State Park on the road to Hana (Hana Highway), this picturesque crescent is framed by teal waters on one side and bright greenery on the other.

Visiting Waianapanapa State Park and Honokalani Black Sand Beach takes some organization, and despite being one of the most secluded beaches on Maui in terms of location, it’s still one of the most popular. You’ll need to reserve a timed ticket in advance, as spots are limited.