Good to know
Good to Know
- Most Maui beaches are public and free to access; parking is the main cost consideration.
- South Maui (Wailea, Kihei) generally has calmer year-round waters; West Maui (Ka'anapali, Kapalua) experiences stronger winter swells.
- Honolua Bay requires a short jungle walk to reach the beach; rocky entry means water shoes are helpful.
- Weekday mornings typically see fewer crowds than afternoons and weekends across all beaches.
- Snorkeling gear rental shops are abundant in tourist areas; bring reef-safe sunscreen as it is required at many marine conservation areas.
Beaches
Ka'anapali Beach
- Vibe
- full-service, family-friendly
- Parking
- Free in public areas; paid resort parking available
- Best For
- Families seeking convenience and services
- Location
- West Maui
- Facilities
- Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, food vendors
- Description
- Iconic 3-mile sandy beach with resort amenities, calm waters suitable for swimmers of all ages. Several beachfront hotels and restaurants.
Wailea Beach
- Vibe
- full-service, family-friendly
- Parking
- Paid parking at Wailea Beach Village; approximately $3.00 USD per hour
- Best For
- Families wanting amenities and calm waters
- Location
- South Maui
- Facilities
- Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, nearby restaurants and shops
- Description
- Well-maintained sandy beach with calm waters. Adjacent to Wailea Village with shops and dining. Popular with families and couples.
Honolua Bay
- Vibe
- quiet, snorkel-focused
- Parking
- Free roadside and parking lot parking
- Best For
- Snorkelers and divers seeking marine life
- Location
- North West Maui (Kapalua area)
- Facilities
- No lifeguards, restrooms, or other facilities at the bay; 3 porta-potties located at dirt parking lot. Food truck across the street from parking area selling smoothies, lunch, and cold drinks.
- Description
- Located in West Maui on the northernmost part. One of Maui's best snorkel spots with incredible visibility during summer months. Not a typical white sandy beach; the perimeter is made up of small rocks and flat pebbles.
Wailea Cove
- Vibe
- quiet, protected
- Parking
- Free parking nearby
- Best For
- Families with small children seeking calm, protected waters
- Location
- South Maui
- Facilities
- Limited facilities; nearby Wailea Beach has full amenities
- Description
- Small, protected cove with calm waters ideal for families with young children. Less crowded than main beaches.
Kaahumanu Beach
- Vibe
- quiet, family-friendly
- Parking
- Limited free roadside parking
- Best For
- Families preferring quieter settings with good shallow-water access
- Location
- West Maui (Kaanapali area)
- Facilities
- No lifeguards; restrooms at nearby resorts
- Description
- Small sandy beach tucked between resorts. Less crowded alternative to Ka'anapali with calm, shallow waters.
Napili Beach
- Vibe
- quiet, family-friendly
- Parking
- Free parking in nearby public lot
- Best For
- Families and digital nomads seeking a local neighborhood vibe
- Location
- West Maui (Kapalua area)
- Facilities
- Public restrooms, nearby restaurants and shops in Napili
- Description
- Small, sheltered sandy beach with calm waters and a casual community feel. Popular with families and long-term visitors.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Maui
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.