It’s also steps away from some of the best beach bars and oceanfront restaurants in Maui. Backed by a one-mile stretch of resorts and condos, this gorgeous stretch of sand in West Maui is one of the island's recreational hotspots. How does Kaʻanapali Beach define fun? Here's how: paddleboarding, parasailing, snorkeling, swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, sunset cruising, and strolling along the Kaʻanapali Beach Walk. When conditions are calm, you may see kids boogie boarding but at other times the shore breaks can be dangerous and are suitable only for experienced bodysurfers, who come to get tossed about wildly by the waves. The ocean at Big Beach is a pretty turquoise blue. Turn around for a view of its cute sidekick, Little Beach, a sandy cove that doubles as an unofficial nude sunbathing spot. Looking south, it’s immediately clear why Big Beach is known as Oneloa (“long sand”) in Hawaiian. The only signs of civilization are the lifeguard station and the pit toilets, plus the Jawz Fish Tacos food truck in the parking lot.įor a sweeping view of the shoreline, climb to the top of the lava promontory north of the beach. Backed by a tangle of kiawe trees and flanked at both ends by lava outcrops, this golden strand in Makena State Park stretches for nearly a mile and is free of commercial development. It's easy to see how Big Beach at Makena State Park earned its name © Shutterstock / sodapuretravel Big Beachīig Beach is a glimpse of Maui untamed. And the fun starts early at Wailea Beach flanked by the enormous Grand Wailea Resort and the more reserved Four Seasons, this wide sandy beach is abuzz from dawn until dusk. And we mean that as a compliment – this is Maui, not the mainland, so the beach vibe never feels over-the-top, just fun. If you’re looking for a scene, this is it. You certainly won’t be alone on Kapalua Beach, but its beauty and easy-going vibe will have you feeling like you’ve been let in on a local secret. Molokaʻi is a gentle presence across the channel. The scene is low-key and the beach rarely feels crowded even though it’s encircled by upscale condos and celebrity-friendly Montage Kapalua Bay is nearby. Come midday, pick up a picnic lunch at the Honolua Store just up the road. The scenic Kapalua Coastal Trail, which wends its way along the shoreline to DT Fleming Beach, also starts here. Long, sheltering outcrops at both ends of the bay make Kapalua Beach the safest year-round swimming spot on this coast. The shore has a gentle slope, so it’s easy for young kids to splash around in the water. Families can swim, snorkel, look for green turtles, play in the sand, rent stand-up paddleboards or simply sunbathe and kick back with a good book. The Hawaii you've always imagined at Kapalua Beach © arkanto / Shutterstock Kapalua BeachĪt the southwestern tip of Kapalua, this golden crescent is an easy place for parents and kids to spend the day. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter. Remember to slap on coral-safe sunscreen before kicking off from shore the sun can be unforgiving. Top Tip: Snorkelers take note: you can often rent gear at a better price at rental shops in nearby towns rather than down on the beach, where resorts charge a premium. Keawakapu is also pleasant for an end-of-day swim. For snorkeling, try the rocky outcrops at the north and south ends of the beach. The Kihei Coastal Trail kicks off at the north end of the beach, where morning yoga sessions on the soft sand are a popular way to start the day. Arrive early to stake out a place at 5 Palms bar, which has a happy hour almost as popular as Mother Nature’s performance.īy day, the beach is good for getting active. Daytime beachgoers hang around for the natural light show while locals drop in from nearby condos. Sunsets are particularly spectacular at Keawakapu Beach in Kihei. Sunsets feel like a party in South Maui, with small crowds gathering every afternoon to watch the sun drop behind the ocean (you might even hear applause). Here's our pick of the nine best beaches on the island. Whether you want to sunbathe or play, Maui has a beach for you. Green sea turtles are regularly seen just off-shore year-round, and in winter, migrating humpback whales are visible from beaches up and down the coast (you can paddle out from shore in a kayak for a closer look, but don't touch or interfere). It's not just about sand and surf – many beaches in West Maui and South Maui are hotspots for wildlife watching. Snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing are top activities across the Valley Isle. With warm weather year-round and miles of soft sand, the island is a sunbather’s dream, but active travelers won’t be disappointed. From the stunning sunsets at Keawakapu Beach to the wild black sands of Paʻiloa Beach, Maui's sandy shores have drawn admirers for centuries.
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