Beaches: Amazing Hawaii – here are the best beaches in Maui ranked

Kahekili Beach, also known as Airport Beach, is located just north of Kaanapali Beach. Its named after the nearby old airport site. The beach is renowned for its excellent snorkeling, with a reef teeming with marine life just offshore. Kahekili Beach Park offers ample facilities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. The sandy shoreline and calm waters make it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also part of the Kaanapali Beachwalk, providing

Kaanapali Beach, stretching three miles along Mauis northwest coast, is renowned for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Black Rock, located at the northern end, is a popular spot for snorkeling and cliff diving. The beach offers a variety of activities, from parasailing and jet skiing to catamaran cruises. Amenities include beachfront resorts, restaurants, and shopping. Kaanapali Beach is also home to a nightly cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock, a tradition honoring the islands heritage. Its a must-visit for its beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

Black Rock Beach, located at the north end of Ka'anapali Beach on Maui, Hawaii, is famous for its striking black lava promontory known as Puu Kekaa. This scenic beach boasts soft, golden sand and clear, azure waters, making it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The iconic Black Rock provides excellent snorkeling opportunities, teeming with vibrant marine life, including tropical fish and sea turtles. Adventurous visitors can enjoy cliff diving from the rock, a tradition rooted in Hawaiian culture. With its breathtaking sunsets, stunning ocean views, and rich cultural history, Black Rock Beach offers a unique and memorable experience on Maui’s beautiful coastline.

Napili Bay is a picturesque crescent-shaped beach located in the Napili area. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The beach is lined with charming resorts and vacation rentals, offering a laid-back atmosphere. Napili Bay is known for its beautiful sunsets and views of the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai. There are no public restrooms or showers, so visitors should come prepared. The serene environment and natural beauty make Napili Bay a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Kamaole Beach Park III, often simply referred to as Kam III, is a popular family-friendly beach located in Kihei. It boasts a large grassy area ideal for picnics, playing frisbee, or just lounging under the sun. The sandy shoreline is perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and snorkeling, with gentle waves making it safe for children. The beach park also features barbecue pits, picnic tables, and a playground, ensuring a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages. Lifeguards are on duty, adding an extra layer of safety for beachgoers.

Honolua Bay, located on Maui’s northwest coast, is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and diving conditions. The bay is part of a marine conservation district, ensuring its underwater ecosystem remains vibrant and healthy. In the winter months, it becomes a popular spot for experienced surfers due to its powerful waves. Access to the bay involves a short hike through a lush forest, adding to the sense of adventure. There are no facilities at Honolua Bay, so visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies.

Maluaka Beach, often referred to as the "locals beach," is situated in front of the Makena Beach and Golf Resort. It offers excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, with frequent sightings of sea turtles in its clear waters. The beach is well-equipped with restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, making it a comfortable spot for a day trip. The sandy shoreline and gentle waves make Maluaka a favorite for families and those looking for a more relaxed beach experience away from the busier tourist spots.

Kapalua Bay is a picturesque beach known for its stunning scenery and calm, clear waters. The bay is protected by two lava rock points, creating ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Its a fantastic spot for spotting tropical fish and sea turtles. The beach is equipped with restrooms, showers, and nearby parking. Kapalua Bays golden sand and gentle waves make it a perfect destination for families and snorkelers of all skill levels, and its beautiful sunsets are a must-see.

Kamaole Beach Park II is the middle section of the three Kamaole beaches in Kihei. It offers a wide, sandy shoreline and calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is well-maintained with lifeguards on duty, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The grassy area behind the beach is ideal for lounging or enjoying a picnic. Kamaole II is known for its beautiful sunsets and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for a relaxing beach day.

Ulua Beach, located in the Wailea resort area, is a fantastic spot for snorkeling and diving. The beach is part of the Wailea Beach Path, making it easily accessible for a leisurely stroll. The clear waters and abundant marine life make it a favorite among snorkelers and divers. Ulua Beach is equipped with restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The gentle waves and soft sand make it a great location for families and beachgoers looking for a quieter spot to enjoy the sun and sea.

Mokuleia Bay, also known as Slaughterhouse Beach, is a hidden gem located near Honolua Bay. The beach is accessed by a steep staircase, adding to its secluded feel. The bay is part of the Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District, ensuring its waters are teeming with marine life. Its an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving, with clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. There are no facilities at Mokuleia Bay, so visitors should come prepared. The pristine beauty and tranquility of this beach make it well worth the visit.

Big Beach, also known as Oneloa Beach or Makena Beach, is one of Maui's most expansive and unspoiled beaches. Located in Makena State Park, it stretches over a mile long and is known for its fine golden sand and impressive waves. The beach is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and bodyboarding, although visitors should be cautious of strong shore breaks and rip currents. Exercise caution if you have children or are an inexperienced ocean swimmer, especially during large swells. The waves can be surprisingly strong and may knock you into the sand unexpectedly. There are portable restrooms and picnic tables available, but no lifeguards, so it is important to stay vigilant while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of Big Beach.

Kamaole Beach Park I, the largest of the three Kamaole beaches in Kihei, offers a wide expanse of golden sand and clear waters. Its a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie boarding. The beach is equipped with lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable visit. The grassy area behind the beach is perfect for picnics and relaxation. Kamaole I is known for its stunning sunsets and is a great place for families and beach enthusiasts to enjoy a day by the ocean.

Keawakapu Beach stretches between Kihei and Wailea and is known for its soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. This beach is less crowded than some of its neighbors, offering a more tranquil setting. Its a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing, with views of the offshore islands and the West Maui Mountains. The beach is equipped with restrooms and showers, and there are a few restaurants and shops within walking distance. Its gentle slope and calm waves make it an ideal location for families with young children.

Mokapu Beach, adjacent to Ulua Beach in the Wailea area, is known for its soft sand and excellent snorkeling conditions. The beach is part of the Wailea Beach Path, offering easy access for a scenic walk or jog along the coastline. Mokapu Beach features restrooms, showers, and a grassy picnic area, making it a convenient spot for a day at the beach. The calm waters and vibrant marine life make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. With its beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere, Mokapu Beach is a great choice for a relaxing beach outing.

Polo Beach, situated in the luxurious resort area of Wailea, offers a serene and picturesque setting. This crescent-shaped beach is known for its golden sand and clear, calm waters, making it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is relatively quiet, providing a peaceful retreat away from the more crowded tourist spots. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and ample parking, with the nearby Polo Beach Club offering additional conveniences and dining options.

Wailea Beach, located in the upscale resort area of Wailea, is a stunning stretch of golden sand flanked by luxury hotels and resorts. The beach offers gentle waves and clear, calm waters, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The wide shoreline provides plenty of space for sunbathing and beach activities. Facilities include restrooms, showers, and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops. Wailea Beach is known for its pristine beauty, excellent amenities, and the breathtaking sunsets that make it a top choice for visitors.

Olowalu Beach, located along the Honoapiilani Highway, is famous for its excellent snorkeling conditions and calm, shallow waters. The beach is part of a reef system that stretches along the coastline, providing a haven for marine life and making it a snorkeler paradise. Olowalu is often referred to as "Turtle Reef" due to the frequent sightings of green sea turtles. There are no facilities at Olowalu Beach, so visitors should come prepared. The natural beauty and vibrant underwater ecosystem make it a must-visit for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Baby Beach, located in Lahaina, is aptly named for its shallow, protected waters that are perfect for young children. The beach is sheltered by an offshore reef, ensuring calm and gentle waves. The sandy shoreline and clear waters make it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a safe and fun beach day. There are no facilities at Baby Beach, so visitors should bring their own supplies. The serene environment and picturesque views of the neighboring islands make it a popular choice for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Puamana Beach Park, located near Lahaina, is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The beach features a mix of sandy and rocky areas, with tide pools that are fun to explore. Facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and barbecue grills, making it a convenient location for a beach day or picnic. The spacious lawn areas provide plenty of room for relaxation and play. Puamana Beach Park is known for its beautiful views of the West Maui Mountains and the island of Lanai, offering a scenic backdrop for beach activities.

Launiupoko Beach Park is located just south of Lahaina and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The park features a natural wading pool created by an offshore rock wall, making it a safe and fun spot for children. The beach is popular for picnicking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and showers. With its beautiful views of Lanai and stunning sunsets, Launiupoko Beach Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Maui.

DT Fleming Beach, located in Kapalua, is a beautiful sandy beach popular for bodysurfing and boogie boarding. The beach park offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. The waves can be strong, making it more suitable for experienced swimmers and surfers. The beach is backed by a grassy area with plenty of shade, perfect for picnicking and relaxing. DT Fleming Beach is known for its scenic beauty and less crowded atmosphere compared to other Maui beaches.

Charley Young Beach, situated at the northern end of Kamaole Beach Park I in Kihei, is a local favorite known for its soft sand and tranquil waters. The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It offers a peaceful atmosphere compared to some of the more crowded beaches. There are no lifeguards, but the beach is equipped with showers and nearby parking. The gentle slope into the ocean makes it safe for families with children. Charley Young Beach has scenic views and a relaxed vibe that make it a perfect spot for a quiet day by the sea.

Canoe Beach, is located near Lahaina. This beach is known for its calm waters and is a favorite spot for outrigger canoe paddling, hence the name. The park offers shaded picnic areas, barbecue grills, restrooms, and showers, making it a convenient location for family outings. The sandy beach is great for swimming, and the nearby reef provides opportunities for snorkeling. With its laid-back vibe and local flavor, Canoe Beach is a great place to experience traditional Hawaiian water sports.

Wahikuli Wayside Park, situated between Lahaina and Kaanapali, offers a long stretch of sandy beach with calm waters suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The park is well-equipped with facilities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. The grassy areas and shaded spots under large trees provide a comfortable setting for picnicking and lounging. Wahikuli Wayside Park is a favorite among locals and visitors for its convenient location and family-friendly amenities. The stunning views and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a leisurely day by the ocean.