There are 81 accessible beaches on Maui and 39 have public facilities. We can’t really say there’s a “best” beach because all of the beaches are pretty awesome.
The list below is far from complete, but includes some of our favorites as well as some of the most popular beaches on Maui:
Kihei
Sugar Beach
Located in the North end of Kihei, Sugar Beach stretches more than three miles and runs all the way around to Ma’alaea. Be sure to explore the tidepools!
Kamaole I, II, III
These three beaches are some of the most popular and busiest beaches in Kihei. Kamaole I especially is popular for its white sandy bottom and ideal swimming conditions. Each beach offer full amenities, including (good) parking, restrooms, showers and lifeguards.
Charlie Young
Right in Kihei — on Maui’s South Shore — Charlie Young beach is the Northern extension of Kamaole I. It’s also known as one of the best places to learn how to boogie board or surf. The water is warm and shallow.
Keawakapu
Keawakapu borders of Kihei and Wailea and offers excellent swimming and snorkeling. It is lesser known but just as beautiful as the Kamaole Beaches.
Kalepolepo
Kalepolepo is a small and lovely beach — a nice escape for a low-key BBQ or sunset. The area was the choice of kings. An ancient Hawaiian fishpond surrounds the water, making it calm and great for kids. Locals also fish here.
Wailea
Wailea Beaches front the main resorts on South Maui — from the Andaz to The Fairmont Kea Lani. They all have white sand beaches with lava flows creating natural reefs teeming with marine life. Waves here aren’t too big, which make for great snorkeling.
Makena – Big Beach
Makena Beach is one of Maui’s most popular and photogenic beaches and it’s huge: over a mile long and a 100 yards wide. The waves here are usually big, so please exercise caution while playing in the water.
Makena – Little Beach
On the North side of Big Beach, just over the rocks, is Little Beach. It’s more sheltered and less windy, and a good place for all-over tan (clothing is optional!).
Secret Beach
Secret Beach is kind of secret, like the name implies. It’s past Makena Big Beach, and if you keep on the lookout, you’ll find this tiny beach hidden behind a wall with one small entrance. Planning a beach wedding or a proposal? This may just be your spot — it’s small (about 100 yards), with velvety soft sand and palm trees for shade. Rock pools surround each side and the middle. Secret Beach isn’t for swimming, but kids can enjoy tide pooling
Other Maui beaches
Olowalu – Mile Marker 14
This awesome snorkeling and surfing beach is located close to mile marker 14 on Honoapiilani Highway. The beach itself runs next to the highway for about two miles.
Ho’okipa
Ho’okipa is world famous for excellent surfing and windsurfing, with waves reaching 30 feet in the winter. If you’re in Paia, it’s a must-see.
Kapalua Bay
Known as one of the Best Beaches in the world, Kapalua Bay offers unrivaled sunsets, snorkeling and swimming.
DT Fleming
How does half a mile of fluffy white sand sound? This popular Kapalua beach has amenities such as restrooms and lifeguard station.
Wai’anapanapa
This somewhat-hard-to-pronounce beach in Hana has black sand and is a must-see for its raw beauty. Large waves make swimming a challenge, so it’s probably better for looking.
Hana Bay
The large crescent shape of Hana Bay is fairly protected, leaving calm and approachable water. It’s popular with families and picnics, and offers restrooms facilities and showers.
