Maui is one of the most beautiful Hawaiian islands but the reason why it’s the best it’s all down to the fact that Maui has more miles of swimmable beaches than any other island in the region. A day on the beach is a classical Maui experience and one you shouldn’t miss out on.
However, with so many different beaches, each one offering something unique, it can be hard to determine the best one to spend your day at. Luckily for you, we’ve done our research and present you with a list of the best beaches in Maui.
1. Mokuleia Bay Beach (Slaughterhouse)
The most popular activities at Mokuleia Bay Beach are snorkeling and bodysurfing. It gets the name Slaughterhouse because of the erratic winds that can accumulate during the day. The beach is at its calmest during mornings, so it’s best advised you get there early on. This beach is mostly for people who thoroughly enjoy snorkeling and bodysurfing due to favorable conditions.
2. Honokahua Bay Beach
Honokahua Bay Beach is an all-rounded beach that everyone can enjoy. Ideal for a nice day out at the beach doing swimming, surfing, boarding, bodysurfing, and snorkeling, Honokahua is mostly known for the high winds that usually occur in the late-afternoons. During the winter months, Honokahua Bay Beach is a very popular destination for boogie boarders and bodysurfers due to the large waves.
3. Kapalua Bay Beach
According to Cruisin Maui, Kapula Bay Beach is one of the best beaches for snorkelers due to the crystal clear waters. This beach is absolutely magnificent and a popular destination for all activities including scuba diving, swimming, boogie boarding, etc. The beach enjoys quite calm conditions and it is not ideal for surfing. In the winters, however, larger waves can occur. Mornings at Kapula Bay Beach are when it’s mostly calm and the beach can get a little overcrowded due to it not having large waves.
4. Napili Bay Beach
A popular destination for snorkeling and swimming, Napili Bay Beach is right next to Kapula Bay Beach. Calm in the summer, rougher during the winter months, Kapula Bay Beach’s crystal clear waters make it a must-visit destination for snorkelers. The most popular snorkeling destination is Honokeana Cove, which is a rocky bay located south of the beach. This place is the home to Hawaii’s green sea turtles, and there is a nice restaurant located nearby.
5. Kahekili Beach Park
Yet another popular beach for snorkeling and scuba diving, Kahekili Beach Park is easily accessible by car and there’s no trouble for parking. Kahekili Beach Park is a very popular place for a picnic or even a BBQ. The conditions are mostly calm throughout the day, which makes it a must-visit beach if you’re a fan of snorkeling and discovering sea life. The afternoons, however, can become quite windy.
6. Ka’anapali Beach
A very well-rounded beach for literally every popular activity, Ka’anapali Beach is the place to go if you enjoy cocktails and cliff jumping. There is a popular resort that directly takes you to the beach, called Ka’anapali Resort, and you even have free parking if you’re staying there. Waves can be higher in front of the Ka’anapali Marriott, and the best place to go snorkeling is the north side of the beach. There is a nearby cove to the south which is a perfect place to enjoy your snorkeling activities during windy times.
Nina Smith