Planning a Maui vacation with kids? Whether you’re looking for calm waters for toddlers, great snorkeling spots for older kids, or beaches with shade and amenities for parents, this guide to the best family-friendly beaches in Maui has you covered. From the gentle waves of Napili Bay to the unique black sands of Waianapanapa State Park, we’ve rounded up the top spots where parents can relax and kids can play safely. Each beach includes tips on parking, restrooms, lifeguards, and what makes it special for families.
Have you seen our ranked lists?
Top family friendly Maui hotels
Beaches: Amazing Hawaii – here are the best beaches in Maui ranked
Fun kids activities in Maui
1. Kahekili Beach Park (Airport Beach)
Why families love it: This beach offers a quieter alternative to the crowded Ka’anapali Beach, with calm waters ideal for swimming and plenty of space for kids to run around. The shallow reef close to shore is a great spot for beginner snorkelers, and the beach is also a favorite for whale watching during the winter months. Families can enjoy picnicking under the shade of palm trees or relaxing on the soft sand.
Good to know: During whale watching season, this beach offers great opportunities to spot whales from shore.
- Lifeguard: No
- Restrooms/Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes
2. Kapalua Bay Beach
Why families love it: Named the best beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2018, Kapalua Bay offers crystal-clear water and a protected cove, making it ideal for families with young children. The soft sand and shallow waters make it a safe place to swim, while the excellent snorkeling provides an opportunity for kids to see colorful fish and sea life up close. The area is also home to the scenic Kapalua Coastal Trail, where families can enjoy a short hike with stunning ocean views.
Good to know: The parking lot fills up quickly, so be sure to get there early or park at Merriman’s restaurant nearby for a small fee.
- Lifeguard: No
- Restrooms/Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes
3. Napili Bay
Why families love it: Napili Bay is one of the more peaceful and scenic beaches on the island, with no large resorts in sight, only small inns and hotels. It’s a spacious beach with gentle waves, making it perfect for young swimmers. The bay is often visited by green sea turtles, and families can spot them near the rocks along the shoreline. It’s a relaxing spot for parents to unwind while the kids play and explore.
Good to know: Napili Bay is home to the famous Gazebo restaurant, perfect for a breakfast before heading to the beach. The area also offers plenty of dining and shopping options for families.
- Lifeguard: No
- Restrooms/Showers: No
- Parking: No
4. Kamaole Beaches I, II, and III (Kihei)
Why families love them: These three beaches offer a variety of experiences for families. Kamaole I and II are calm and perfect for swimming, while Kamaole III is better for body surfing with its consistent waves. All three beaches have plenty of amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and parking, making them convenient for families with young children or those looking for a day of fun. Kamaole I’s northern section, Charley Young Beach, offers some of the best snorkeling on the island.
Good to know: Kamaole III has large grassy areas with swings, making it a great spot for a picnic or a break from the sand.
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Restrooms/Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes
5. Wailea Beach
Why families love it: Wailea Beach is located in front of luxury resorts but remains accessible to all visitors. The beach has soft, wide sand and shallow waters that are perfect for families with little ones. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy a day of relaxation, with beautiful ocean views and plenty of space for kids to play. Although the snorkeling isn’t as spectacular as some other beaches, there are still plenty of fish to see.
Good to know: Wailea Beach is located near the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons resorts, making it a great spot to combine a beach day with some upscale dining and shopping nearby.
- Lifeguard: No
- Restrooms/Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes
6. Ulua Beach
Why families love it: Ulua Beach is a great spot for snorkeling, especially for families who want to explore the underwater world without venturing too far from shore. The beach is peaceful with calm waters, and there’s plenty of space for kids to play. Families can walk along the Wailea Beach Path, which connects Ulua Beach to nearby Mokapu Beach, offering a fun family outing.
Good to know: The parking lot fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early. If you can’t find a spot, head up to Keawakapu Beach, just a short walk away.
- Lifeguard: No
- Restrooms/Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes
7. DT Fleming Beach Park (Kapalua)
Why families love it: This spacious beach offers something for everyone. Kids can enjoy running on the soft sand while parents relax under the shade of ironwood trees. The waves are perfect for bodyboarding, and during high surf, it’s an excellent spot to watch expert surfers in action. The beach is also less crowded than some of the more popular areas, making it a peaceful place for families to spend the day.
Good to know: The beach is located next to the Ritz-Carlton, where you can grab a delicious milkshake from the Burger Shack.
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Restrooms/Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes
8. Maluaka Beach
Why families love it: Maluaka Beach is a hidden gem in south Maui, offering crystal-clear water and calm surf, perfect for young swimmers. The beach is smaller and less crowded, making it ideal for families seeking a more tranquil experience. The water is calm and clear, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling with the kids.
Good to know: The beach is tucked away and not directly visible from the road, so it’s easy to miss. There are two parking lots, so if the first one is full, head to the second.
- Lifeguard: No
- Restrooms/Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes
9. Keawakapu Beach
Why families love it: Keawakapu Beach offers a quieter, less crowded experience than many other beaches in south Maui, making it a peaceful choice for families. The beach is long and stretches out between Kihei and Wailea, with calm waters perfect for swimming and shallow areas ideal for kids to wade in. It’s also a great place to explore tide pools at the north end, offering a fun and educational experience for young adventurers.
Good to know: There are multiple parking lots along the beach, so finding a spot is easier than at some other beaches.
- Lifeguard: No
- Restrooms/Showers: No
- Parking: Yes
10. Baldwin Beach
Why families love it: Baldwin Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The beach offers something for everyone: calm waters for swimming, large open areas for kids to run around, and a protected area called Baby Beach for younger swimmers. The scenic views and spaciousness make it an excellent choice for a family day out.
Good to know: To reach Baby Beach, you’ll need to walk a bit from the main parking area, but it’s worth it for the calm water and shallow depth.
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Restrooms/Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes
11. Waianapanapa State Park (Road to Hana)
Why families love it: If you’re taking the Road to Hana, Waianapanapa State Park is likely on your list of must-see stops. The beach is famous for its striking black sand, providing a unique experience for families to explore and appreciate. The panoramic views of the rugged coastline, dark ocean waters, and green jagged cliffs are breathtaking. There’s so much more to discover here — from scenic walking trails and a blowhole to natural arches. It’s an ideal place for a family photo op, a leisurely walk, or just soaking in the beauty of Maui. If you want to make a longer stop, the park offers a campsite and cabins for a cozy overnight stay.
Good to know: Be sure to make entrance and parking reservations in advance, as access to the park is limited to protect its natural beauty.
- Lifeguard: No
- Restrooms/Showers: Yes
- Parking: Yes
Have you seen our ranked lists?
Top family friendly Maui hotels
Beaches: Amazing Hawaii – here are the best beaches in Maui ranked
Fun kids activities in Maui
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on Maui.
