Top Beaches on Maui

With its mix of busy, developed beach resorts and off-the-beaten path coastal parks, Maui has something for everyone. Whether you want to surf, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun, here are some of the best Maui beaches.

Kaanapali Beach

Conveniently close to the resort of Lahaina, Kaanapali is a popular beach area with good swimming and snorkeling. Every evening around sunset, cliff divers jump into the sea from Puu Kekaa (Black Rock).

Olowalu Beach

If you want to snorkel, Olowalu Beach is your best bet. Sometimes referred to as Turtle Reef, the reef off this beach is full of ancient coral heads and diverse marine life that spans sea turtles to manta rays.

Papalaua Beach

Although it's situated right off of a major highway, the narrow beach of Papalaua Wayside Park draws fewer crowds than most of Maui’s best-known beaches. Here you'll find plenty of surfers and body boarders, but not many parking spaces, which tends to keep the crowds at bay. Camping is allowed here with a permit, except on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Wailea Beach

On the southern part of the island, this well-maintained beach is good for swimming and snorkeling and features all sorts of water sports activities. It's a popular spot for sunbathers, with plenty of shaded lounge chairs flanking its shores, and the excellent facilities encompass a paved walkway, showers, and bathrooms.