Vacation Spots Blog: Best Beaches in Maui, Hawaii – Top 10 Beaches in Maui [With Photos]

By: Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Hawaii is blessed with so many gorgeous natural wonders, from volcanoes to beaches. That’s why we made a list of the best beaches in Honolulu. However, Maui, the second-largest island in Hawaii also boasts of beautiful beaches ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or surfing.

The sand is with unique colors, not only white or gold but there are also red and black sand beaches. You would surely enjoy your vacation in a place where it’s heaven on earth, Maui.

Best Beaches in Honolulu, Hawaii - Top 10 Beaches in Honolulu — Pascal Debrunner

Like most Hawaiian Islands, it’s best to come here from December to August, where the temperatures are great. April to October are dry season too. Peak season is spring break in the US or golden week in Japan, mostly March or April. In September, there is an Aloha Festival also. You may come anytime you feel it’s perfect for you; Maui will welcome you with a heartwarming Aloha.

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On this island in the Pacific, there are undoubtedly many gorgeous beaches. However, we have made a list of the best beaches in Maui so you won’t be stressed too much about where to go or what to see.

Table of Contents

Here are the best beaches in Maui, Hawaii

1. Makena Beach State Park

Best Beaches in Maui, Hawaii Top 10 Beaches in Maui — Photo by Kirt Edblom CC BY-SA 2.0

With 165 acres of nature, beaches, trees, and a dormant volcano, Makena State Park is a fantastic spot to be in Maui. One of the best beaches in Maui is located here, Makena Beach. It is 2.4 kilometers of white sand and crystal blue waters. There may be times you can’t swim or snorkel as the waves are a bit rough, and shore break is dangerous; listen to the lifeguards to keep safe. However, you can enjoy other beach activities like sunbathing, beach volleyball and a Hawaiian themed party on Sundays. It’s a marvelous place to be!

Recommended Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Maui

2. Ho’okipa Beach Park

This legendary spot is best for water activities like windsurfing, kite surfing, surfing, and many more. It’s also a great place to snorkel as you would definitely see sea turtles. The current can be a bit strong, so always be careful swimming or doing activities. You could still enjoy the beach by walking at the tide pools, sunbathing or just people watching. Ho’okipa Beach is one of the best beaches in Maui; you would love this beach park.

Recommended Hotel: Nalu Kai Lodge Paia Hotel

3. Wai’anapanapa State Park

The color of the sand in Wai’anapanapa is not white nor gold, but it’s a black sand beach. With this unique feature, it is one of the best beaches in Maui. Pair the black sand with the lava tube nearby, and it will top your experience in Hawaii. If you go to the cliffs, you would have impressive views of the powerful waves hitting it. However, don’t get scared as you can still snorkel and swim in this place.

Recommended Hotel: Heavenly Hana Paradise

4. Keawakapu Beach

Want to spend time on a beach that’s not overcrowded, and you could swim and snorkel? Well, Keawakapu Beach is one of the best beaches in Maui and has all those three. There are public showers but no restrooms. When you come here, you might want to bring your snorkel gear as there are many corals, and you might see turtles, too! Enjoy the perfect combination of sand, sea, sun, and shade.

Recommended Hotel: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

5. Ka’anapali Beach

Surround yourself with sun and sea at one of the best beaches in Maui, Ka’anapali Beach. This is truly a gem since you can go swimming, snorkeling, and if you’re bored shopping at the establishments nearby. There is a boardwalk where you can a great view of Lanai and Molokai especially during sunset. Book with the resorts nearby and eat at the restaurants, you won’t regret spending time here.

Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

6. Kaihalulu Beach

A hidden gem, an isolated paradise, a local treasure; those are what we could say about Kaihalulu Beach or Red Sand Beach. It will take quite a hike and an adventure to be on this place; however, seeing the crescent-shaped beach and the red rock walls and the unique red sand makes this one of the best beaches in Maui. Don’t forget to wear appropriate footwear and bring some snacks so you would enjoy this scenic place to its fullest.

Recommended Hotel: Heavenly Hana Paradise

7. Napili Beach

A small intimate beach found in Napili Bay is Napili Beach. With tame waters, you would want to snorkel and swim. If you are lucky, you might see turtles nearby; if not, reefs and fishes are abundant in the area. Bring your family and friends to one of the best beaches in Maui. You will love the picturesque sunset here, too!

Recommended Hotel:Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger

8. Honolua Bay

A rocky beach that’s great for snorkeling is Honolua bay, one of the best beaches in Maui. You need to be a great swimmer, though, as you need to swim out to get to see the astonishing reefs or corals In crystal clear water. You can spend the whole day swimming with the fishes and discovering corals bring food and have a picnic too; it’s going to be a grandeur way of spending your vacation.

Recommended Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

9. Kapalua Bay

Ready your snorkel gears as you dive to see marine life in Kapalua Bay Beach. It’s a bit crowded because it’s a popular snorkeling and swimming spot (the waters are calm). However, you can still enjoy this play with your friends and family. If you don’t have gear, you can rent nearby and discover hundreds of colorful fishes in the crystal clear water. You might see amazing turtles too!

Recommended Hotel: Montage Kapalua Bay

10. La Perouse Bay

Hike on the Hoapili trail and discover La Perouse Bay, one of the best beaches in Maui that is filled with basaltic lava, archaeological sites, and home to many endemic marine creatures. You can see tide pools where you can see tiny creatures. It’s also a great place to snorkel; however, ask the lifeguard in case there are shark sightings. It’s a bit of a challenge to come here with lava rocks, but the scenic beauty of this place will make your adventure worth it.

Recommended Hotel: Makena Surf

If you are off on a vacation with sand, sun, sea, and shade, I recommend Maui. Not only is it not much crowded, but you can also see marine life up close when you snorkel. So don’t forget your snorkel gears, waterproof cameras, and bathing suits when you visit this paradise on Earth. Book that plane ticket now and enjoy at least two of the best beaches in Maui.