There are so many activities in Maui, but I do appreciate just lounging at one of the many beautiful beaches. We found out that the beaches in Maui are public, even the ones in front of the resorts, so the ocean is accessible wherever you go!

General tips

• Best time to go to the beach and snorkel: Morning since it is less windy. The wind can pick up and we saw so many beach umbrellas, including ours, fly away
• Things to bring: SUNSCREEN! The wind is strong, but so is the sun and you can definitely burn. Additionally, beach chairs (the sand can get really hot), beach umbrella (the afternoon sun beats down), and towels.
• Nice to haves: snorkel gear, water shoes (if you are going to rocky beaches or exploring reefs), boards, waterproof cameras or cases if you are snorkeling, change of clothes if you decide to swim, and snacks and drinks
• Snorkeling tips: Best time is in the morning since the waves are calmer. There were times when we had to stop or head back to shore because the waves would push us down or too close to a reef or rock. Given the waves, I personally recommend a floatation device to rest and also help keep you afloat when the waves get strong. SGDF was super out of breath by the time we would finish a snorkeling session. Depending on where you are staying, there are several areas to rent gear. We went to Snorkel Store in Kihei since they were one of the least expensive options for better gear. Also, don’t forget don’t touch the sea turtles!

South West

Kihei’s beaches aren’t the typical white sandy beaches, but feels like truly local spots and perfect for beginner surfers. When SGDF and I went, most of the locals told us to go to Kihei or near Lahaina since the waves are calmer and the beaches tend to be less windy. There are a few beach parks with designated green areas with picnic tables and grills. Kamala Beach Park is where we went to surf since Maui Waveriders is across the street, and Kamaole Beach Park I – III are also great areas to grab a bite and eat at the beach. A local told me in the evening there are sea turtles at Kamaole Beach Park III but didn’t get a chance to go there myself. To get here: The beaches are literally along S Kihei Rd and the signs are pretty prominent, just pull over and find parking nearby!

Wailea Beach is one of my favorite beaches – white sand, lounge chairs (from the resort), and somewhat shielded from the wind since it is a bit enclosed. There is a resort feel to this beach, but in general a great spot to spend the afternoon and catch the sunset. We saw several people snorkeling and swimming here since the waters were still calm in the afternoon. To get here: Just put “Wailea Beach” in your GPS, and you most likely will be driving down S Kihei Rd (if coming North of Wailea). There will be an opening to off the road to turn in and you will drive down this drive way and the public parking lot is on your left. The beach will be left of the parking lot and there is the upper level with tables, shower station, and restrooms and then stairs leading to the beach.

Makena is a great spot to visit multiple beaches, snorkel, find sea turtles, and catch the sunset. SGDF and I spent the afternoon at Big Beach for lunch (there was Jaws Fish Taco Trunk in the parking lot) and to read. This long white sandy beach is partially surrounded by a mountain range since it is at the edge of Makena Beach State Park, and is huge stretch of beach. There are lifeguards on duty, which explains why there were so many wakeboarders, surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers, despite it being really windy that day. To get here: Just put “Big Beach” in your GPS and follow directions, which will take you right to the free parking lot. You will have to walk through this woodsy area to the beach (see below).

Maluaka Beach is where Turtle Town is located and the first spot we were able to find sea turtles! I was told this was the spot to find sea turtles (remember to stay at least 10 feet away from them so they can breathe / protect this endangered species). The beach is also right by the resorts so it was crowded later in the day, but a great spot to snorkel and body board. Turtle Town is this area off the rocks of Maluaka Beach (near the south edge). We swam from the shore and towards the rock where we immediately found fish and coral. Tip: Be very careful of the waves and coral / rocks since the waves can knock you into them. We had to avoid certain areas or go further in since we were getting too close to large rocks. To get here: Put “Maluaka Beach” into your GPS but track it on a local map. You will drive down Makena Road, pass Black Sand Beach and a church. The free parking lot is on your left and there are restrooms in the lot. You will have to walk south of Makena Road and there will be an opening on your right with signs, “Drop off only” and a pathway to the beach. To get to Turtle Town, walk to the south most part of the beach to where the black rocks are and swim out.

North West

Lahaina is the old town and ancient capital of the Hawaiian kingdom. We didn’t spend too much time at the beaches but it is a great area for beginner surfers. If you drive further up or down, there are areas to stop and where I saw the most surfers. To get here: Just drive along the road and there are parking spots off the road. One thing to note is to be careful turning in and leaving since the beaches are off the highway.

Kaanapali is home to Black Rock Beach and Ka’anapali Beach, rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui. These beaches are very close to one another – Black Rock Beach is on the northern tip of Ka’anapali and a popular area to snorkel and see sea turtles. Ka’anapali beach is gorgeous since it is a 4-mile stretch of white sand and clear blue waters near Whalers Village and the resorts. To get here: Just put either beach into your GPS. The tricky thing is finding parking. There apparently are free parking areas (based on Trip Advisor) but we couldn’t find them and instead went to Whale Village, a cool shopping center right off the beach. If you purchase something or eat, then you can get validated parking.

 

 

East & South

The Road to Hana is a great drive and you can stop by some amazing beaches and state parks. The following are some of my favorites going north to south.

Wai’anapanapa State Park may be my favorite beach spot in Maui. I personally loved it because of the unique black sand beach, hikes, and freshwater caves. The freshwater cave is towards the left when leaving the parking lot. We walked down to the caves and people would leave their belongings on the side of the rocks before jumping in. Heads up, the water is really cold but was so refreshing and a thrill to jump in. Tip: Make sure you bring a towel and change of clothes. It was also helpful that I was wearing water shoes since it was rocky below. Some people had flashlights to explore deeper in the caves.

After exploring the caves, we went and admired the views. This was one of the most picturesque beaches we went to since the beach is surrounded by greenery and the turquoise and blue waters were vibrant against the black sand. I highly recommend spending some time and relaxing at the beach. To get here: This is at the Mile Marker #32 and there should be signs off the road. You would turn left onto Wai’anapanapa Road and drive down the road to the free public parking lot. The lot can get really crowded so be patient or you may have to park further back and walk in.

Hamoa Beach is past Hana (about 2.5 miles south) and super relaxing. This crescent-shaped beach is also surrounded by some amazing greenery and vegetation. If we ever come back, we definitely will pack a picnic to relax here. To get here: Turn left onto Hamoa Loop Rad and drive past Koki Beach. We ended up parking along the road and walked down the stairs to the beach.