The 18 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beaches in maui"
Named by 7 of 81. Ka'anapali BeachWest Maui, United StatesCalled the best Maui beach for water activities.Three miles of shoreline with resorts, restaurants and shops close by.
Named by 6 of 82. Kapalua Bay BeachWest Maui, United StatesProtected by lava rock, it has some of the calmest and clearest water on the island.A favorite for snorkelers and swimmers, and gentle enough for children.
Named by 5 of 83. Napili BayWest Maui, United StatesCalm water and a natural reef keep the waves gentle, good for families and casual swimmers.A large, wide beach popular with families.
Named by 5 of 8
4. Wailea Beach
South Maui, United States
Calm water suited to swimming and paddleboarding on the sunny south coast.
Gentle waves and soft sand between resorts.
Named by 4 of 85. Makena Beach (Big Beach)South Maui, United StatesA long, wide beach with room to spread out, but with a strong shore break.Plenty of space for everyone along its length and depth.
Named by 4 of 86. Baby Beach (Lahaina)West Maui, United StatesShallow, well-protected water makes it a strong pick for young children.A stretch of reef shields the beach from big waves.
Named by 4 of 87. Black Rock (Ka'anapali)West Maui, United StatesEasy to get into the water with a gentle current, so it suits first-time snorkelers.Widely known for snorkeling among marine life and sea turtles.
Named by 4 of 88. Wai'anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)Hana, United StatesA black sand beach on the Road to Hana.So popular that reservations are required.
Named by 3 of 89. Keawakapu BeachSouth Maui, United StatesA long white sand beach in front of a residential area, with lots of room.Less crowded than other south shore beaches.
Named by 3 of 810. Hamoa BeachHana, United StatesA long stretch of shoreline free of coral and rock, so you can wade in barefoot.A crescent-shaped bay along the Road to Hana with gentle waves.
Named by 3 of 811. Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town)South Maui, United StatesGreen sea turtles bask on the sand and swim in the nearby reefs.Turtle Town is a shallow coral reef about 200 yards off Makena Point, a common snorkel tour stop.
Named by 3 of 812. Olowalu BeachWest Maui, United StatesA long open beach on the way to Lahaina with plenty of space to learn to surf.A good spot for humpback whales from December to March.
Named by 3 of 813. Ho'okipa Beach ParkNorth Shore, United StatesHawaiian green sea turtles come ashore here, a stop on the way to Hana.Surfers fill the water in the mornings.
Named by 3 of 814. D.T. Fleming Beach ParkWest Maui, United StatesA family-oriented beach that is less crowded and has lifeguards.
Named by 2 of 815. Honolua BayWest Maui, United StatesPart of a marine conservation district, with some of the best snorkeling on Maui.There is no sandy beach, but the rocky shoreline gives views of marine life.
Named by 2 of 816. Polo BeachSouth Maui, United StatesLess crowded and easy to reach, a quieter sunset pick.
Named by 2 of 817. Kahekili Beach ParkWest Maui, United StatesA calm park with picnic tables and BBQ areas.
18. Kamaole Beach Parks (Kihei)South Maui, United StatesKamaole I has a long golden beach with a gradual entry and a lifeguard.Kamaole III is a popular place to watch the sunset.
Fares to Maui from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name April to May and September to October as the best time to visit Maui.
One guide says the north shore beaches are calmest in summer and the south shore beaches are calmest in winter.
Are Maui beaches swimmable?
Yes, many are. One guide counts over 30 miles of swimmable beaches, and says many of the best are lifeguarded, though rogue waves and currents can occur.
Named by 7 of 81. Ka'anapali BeachCalled the best Maui beach for water activities.Three miles of shoreline with resorts, restaurants and shops close by.
Named by 6 of 82. Kapalua Bay BeachProtected by lava rock, it has some of the calmest and clearest water on the island.A favorite for snorkelers and swimmers, and gentle enough for children.
Named by 5 of 83. Napili BayCalm water and a natural reef keep the waves gentle, good for families and casual swimmers.A large, wide beach popular with families.
