Best Beaches on Maui

Maui is one of the best Hawaiian Islands to visit when you are looking for a cultural adventure. The locals will welcome you with open arms as they share their traditions and their language. Choosing Maui for your next family vacation will ensure you get a little history lesson as well. But one of the best parts about vacationing in Maui with your family is the time you will spend on the colorful sandy beaches. Each one of the beaches in Maui offers something unique, so it is best to check a few out before claiming your family’s personal favorite.

Best Beaches on Maui

Kapalua Beach

Kapalua Beach almost always comes first on the list of the best beaches in Maui. The calm water is perfect for swimming. The palm trees offer a shady respite from the sun. And the restrooms ensure you can stay at the beach from sun up until sundown. However, those aren’t all the reasons why locals and tourists alike love this beach in Maui. Many people arrive at this beach to do a little scuba diving, boogie boarding, and even hiking along the Kapalua Coastal Trail. But the best time to visit this beach is during the winter months. This is when your family can watch the whales as they migrate to the deeper water surrounding the island.

Kaihalulu Beach

If your kids want to see a beach filled with red sand, you must check out Kaihalulu Beach. This is one of the secret beaches in Maui, and it is actually located on private property. Therefore, if you plan to see this beach, you must obtain permission before walking down the road. The trail leading to the beach is slippery, so it is best to wear sturdy walking shoes for this family adventure.

Ho’okipa Beach Park

Surfing families will want to venture over to Ho’okipa Beach Park to catch some waves during a vacation in Maui. The waves are normally the most powerful in the afternoon. So, if you are just learning how to surf, you may want to arrive earlier in the day. It is not recommended to go swimming at this beach, due to the strong currents. If you do not surf, you may still want to check out this beach because numerous green sea turtles hang out on the sand.

Honolua Bay Beach

Swimming and snorkeling in the marine area of Honolua Bay Beach are amazing. However, there are multiple rocks underneath the water, so you will want to be cautious. When your family is done swimming, you must walk over to the lookout point. That is where you will see gorgeous views of the bay.

Keawakapu Beach

If your family wants to avoid crowds during your Maui vacation, you may want to consider spending a little time at Keawakapu Beach. This is one of the small beaches on Maui and hardly anyone chooses to spend a day there. The water is perfect for swimming. But it will be the snorkeling over by the reef that will capture your attention the most. And if your kids are a little more adventurous, they can try to do a little stand-up paddleboarding before you head back to your resort.

Hamoa Beach

The sand on Hamoa Beach is actually gray, thanks to the black lava cliffs that surround it. The sand is also surrounded by lush vegetation, so your family will feel a relaxed vibe from the moment you arrive. Plus, you can all do everything from swimming and snorkeling to surfing at this beach. Just keep in mind that the currents can get extremely powerful at times, especially during the winter months.

Kaanapali Beach

This is one of the best beaches in Maui if you are looking for a beach near your resort or hotel during your family vacation. A paved path leads directly to Kaanapali Beach from many of those accommodations. When you are not in the water swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, and parasailing, you can go shopping at Whalers Village.

Olowalu Beach

Olowalu Beach is also called Turtle Reef because so many green sea turtles hang out there. There is a very diverse reef system at this beach. That reef makes it the perfect destination for snorkeling. When your family enters the water, you will have the opportunity to see at least twenty different marine species.

Makena Beach

Makena Beach is one of the larger beaches on Maui. The massive cliffs surrounding the beach create a picturesque scene. Once you add in the large shore break, you will instantly see why it is the number one spot for body surfing, body boarding, and skim boarding. The waves are quite powerful at this beach in Maui. So, it is best not to enter the water there unless your family members are experienced swimmers or surfers.

There are almost too many beaches in Maui to count. However, these are the best beaches in Maui, and I know you will find a favorite during your family vacation.

So, are you ready to plan your next beach vacation in Maui?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not quite ready for the planning stages of your next family vacation, you can always sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the amazing travel information I share.