Maui Beaches
Find the Perfect Beach on Maui
Maui is known as “the Valley Isle” for the expanse of land that spans the distance between Haleakala and the West Maui mountains. At 48 miles long and 26 miles wide and a population of 166,000, Maui is the second largest island in Hawai’i in both size and population. While there are a wide range of activities to enjoy, your trip to Maui would not be complete without a full exploration of the many magnificent beaches.
Some like ’em hot (shade isn’t an issue), some like long (contemplative walks, anyone?), and others really only care about the surf break. Whichever way you like your beach experience, we’ve got the what’s what at a dozen of Oahu’s most popular beaches. For the 411 on showers, nearby food stops, and (as often as possible) the story behind the name of the beach, click below.
North Shore
The North Shore has long stretches of beautiful beaches and is where Maui’s elite watersports athletes live and play. Exposed to large surf in the Winter and tradewinds nearly year round, this side of the island is a mecca for surfing, windsurfing, kiting, and wingfoiling.
Whether visiting the North Shore to watch wind surfers or embarking along the Road to Hana make a stop at one of these North Shore and East Side beaches.
West Side
The West Side offers beaches with excellent snorkeling and swimming, along with long stretches for walking. There can be rough conditions offshore, creating strong currents, so as with any beach, it’s recommended to check in with lifeguards before venturing too far from shore.
With so many picturesque beaches to choose from Ka’anapali to Kapalua, find your favorite on the hot and dry West Side of Maui.
East Side
The East Side is home to the sleepy town of Hana and boasts a number of beautiful beaches. Give yourself a full day to enjoy the drive, and don’t be surprised if a passing rain squall or two sends you running for cover between sunbathing sessions, and be on the lookout for rainbows.
South Side
The South Shore, on Maui’s leeward side, has the hottest and driest climate on Maui, which provides the most picture-postcard beach going experience. It also makes for some of the busiests beaches. From Maalaea to Makena, this is where you’ll find a range of the most idyllic beaches on Maui.
From Kihei to Wailea and beyond, the South Shore has some of the best snorkeling and sunbathing stops on the island.
Pick Your Beach Type
Last But Not Least — Safety First!
The ocean is powerful and unpredictable and sadly, too many visitors learn about this power, the hard way. To ensure a safe, injury free experience, select beaches with lifeguard towers, and always check for and read the signs on the beach about the water’s currents and conditions. Ask locals and lifeguards if you have any questions. Here are some quick tips:
- Never swim alone, in high surf, or in murky waters near the river mouths.
- Remember: eight days after the full moon, keep your eyes out for man-of-war jellyfish (look like blue bubbles) mostly on the East Side of the island and box jellyfish in Waikiki Bay, check the Waikiki Aquarium’s helpful schedule.
- If there aren’t any people in the water, there’s probably a reason for it.
- Never turn your back to the ocean, and always remember, when in doubt, don’t go out into the surf unless you are completely confident of your abilities.
Visit hioceansafety.com for up to date information on Hawaii’s water conditions and beaches.
Photo: Subtle Cinematics
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