Maui, Hawaii, is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and breathtaking scenery. In this article, we'll explore the best beaches in Maui that you should add to your must-visit list for 2023. Whether you're looking for family-friendly beaches, secluded spots, or top surfing and snorkeling locations, Maui has it all. So pack your sunscreen, and let's dive into the top beaches in Maui.


Why Maui's Beaches Are a Must-Visit


There are many reasons why Maui's beaches are at the top of the list of beach destinations. For starters, the island's beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters, pristine sand, and excellent weather. But Maui beaches also offer a wide range of activities, like:

Plus lots more, making them perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a fun-filled vacation.

One of the most popular beaches on Maui is Kaanapali Beach, located on the west side of the island. This beach is known for its long stretches of golden sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also home to several resorts, restaurants, and shops, making it a great spot for tourists to spend the day.

If you're looking for a more secluded beach experience, head to Makena Beach, also known as "Big Beach." This beach is located on the south side of the island and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. The beach is known for its large waves, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers.

Lahaina Sunset, Keith Wills
Sunset at Lahaina Beach.  Keith Wills, Flickr

For those interested in marine life, Maui's beaches offer some of the best snorkeling in the world. One of the top spots for snorkeling is Honolua Bay, located on the northwest side of the island. The bay is home to a diverse array of sea critters, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manta ray.

Maui's beaches are also known for their stunning sunsets. One of the best spots to catch a sunset is Lahaina Beach, located on the west side of the island. The beach offers unobstructed views of the horizon, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the ocean.

Overall, Maui's beaches offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, catch some waves, or explore the underwater world, Maui's beaches have what you need to complete your Hawaiian vacation.

The Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Maui


If you're traveling with family, Maui has a variety of beaches that are perfect for kids of all ages. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft sand, making it an ideal vacation spot for families. Here are some of the best family-friendly beaches that you should visit:

Keawakapu Beach

Keawakapu Beach is one of the best beaches for families, with its calm waters, excellent swimming conditions, and soft sand. It's perfect for families with younger children who want to play in the water without worrying about strong currents. Keawakapu is also great for older kids who want to try out water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. There are plenty of amenities nearby, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, making it easy to spend the whole day here.

Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach is another family-friendly beach with plenty of things to do. This beach is perfect for families who want to try out some water sports, such as parasailing, sailing, and boogie boarding. The beach is also great for families who want to relax and soak up the sun with its soft sand and gentle waves. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and amenities nearby.


Napili Beach

If you want something a little quieter, check out Napili Beach. This beach is perfect for families who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet. The beach offers plenty of shady spots, gentle waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities for the little ones. The beach is also great for families who want to go on a picnic, with its grassy areas and picnic tables.


Kapalua Beach

Kapalua Beach is another great option for families who want a low-key beach day. This beach is known for its calm waters, making it perfect for families with younger children. The beach also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, with plenty of colorful fish and coral to see.

Maui has plenty of other family-friendly beaches to explore, so make sure to do your research and find the one that's perfect for your family. Whether you want to relax and soak up the sun or try out some water sports, Maui has something for everyone.


Maui's Top-Secluded Beaches


If you're looking for a more secluded beach experience, Maui has some hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. One of the most secluded beaches is Honokalani Beach, located on the eastern side of Maui. This unique beach features jet-black sand, dramatic lava cliffs, and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and swimming.

As you make your way down to the beach, you'll be surrounded by lush vegetation and towering palm trees. The black sand is a result of the volcanic activity that occurred on the island thousands of years ago.

Blacksand Beach Maui
The dramatic black sands of Honokalani Beach in Maui.  Wikimedia

Another secluded beach to check out is Wai'anapanapa State Park, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers stunning views of the ocean. The park is home to a variety of native plants and animals, including the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. Take a stroll along the rugged coastline and explore the sea caves and lava tubes that dot the landscape.

If you're feeling adventurous, take a dip in the freshwater pool that's fed by a nearby waterfall. The pool is a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping.

For a beach that's off the beaten path, head to Secret Cove Beach. This hidden gem is tucked away in a small cove and can only be accessed by a short hike through the jungle. Once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with pristine water and fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.

The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation, giving it a secluded and intimate feel. Take a break from the sun and explore the tide pools that are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and sea urchins.

Maui's secluded beaches offer a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking to relax on the black sand of Honokalani Beach or explore the sea caves at Wai'anapanapa State Park, Maui's hidden beaches are sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.


The Best Snorkeling Beaches in Maui


If you're a fan of snorkeling, Maui has some of the best snorkeling beaches in the world. With its sparkling waters and abundant sea life, snorkeling in Maui is an unforgettable experience. The island is surrounded by a vast coral reef system that's home to hundreds of species of fish and other marine creatures.

One of the top snorkeling spots in Maui is the Molokini Crater. This crescent-shaped volcanic crater is located just off the coast of Maui and is home to more than 250 species of fish. The visibility in the waters surrounding the crater is excellent, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. The crater is protected, so you can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional shark. But note that you can't just walk, drive, or swim to the crater — you have to take a boat from Maui in order to see the snorkeling area.

Honolua Bay
The calm waters of Honolua Bay.  Edmund Garman, Flickr

Honolua Bay is another great snorkeling spot in Maui. The bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life. The bay is home to a variety of marine creatures, including sea turtles, octopuses, and eels. The bay is surrounded by lush greenery, giving it a secluded and peaceful atmosphere.

If you're looking for a snorkeling spot with a beautiful coral garden, Black Rock Beach is the perfect spot for you. The beach is located on the west coast of Maui and is home to a stunning coral garden that's home to various sea creatures, including colorful fish and sea turtles. The beach is also a popular spot for cliff jumping, so if you're feeling adventurous, you can take a leap off the black rocks into the crystal-clear waters below.

For beginners, Ulua Beach is the perfect spot for snorkeling. The beach has calm waters and sandy shores, making it an ideal spot for those who are new to snorkeling. The beach is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manta ray.

Maui is truly a snorkeler's paradise, with its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral gardens. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, Maui has a snorkeling spot that's perfect for you.


Top Surfing Spots in Maui


Maui is home to some of the world's best surfing beaches, with waves that are suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. One of the top surfing spots is Ho'okipa Beach, which is known for its consistent waves and excellent wind conditions, making it a favorite among windsurfers and kiteboarders.

Another top surfing beach is Honolua Bay, which is known for its slow and steady waves, making it perfect for beginners. And if you're looking for a challenge, head to Pe'ahi, also known as Jaws, which has some of the largest waves in the world.


Essential Tips for Visiting Maui's Beaches


Before you hit the beach, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind:

  1. Always wear plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin from harsh UV rays.
  2. Make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  3. Be sure to check local weather conditions and surf reports before heading out, as conditions can change quickly.


Renting a Boat in Maui


If you're looking for a unique way to experience Maui's beaches, consider renting a boat for the day or by the hour. Renting a boat allows you to explore some of Maui's remote beaches and hidden coves that are not accessible on foot. Plus, you can enjoy a day of fishing, snorkeling, and cruising along Maui's beautiful coastline.

Maui's beaches offer something for everyone, from family-friendly beaches to secluded spots, top surfing and snorkeling locations, and everything in between. So if you're planning a beach vacation in 2023, be sure to add these top Maui beaches to your list of must-visit destinations.


Frequently Asked Questions


  • What is the best time to visit Maui's beaches?
    • The best time to visit Maui's beaches is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, you'll experience less rainfall and more sunshine, making it the perfect time for a beach vacation.
  • Can you snorkel at Maui's beaches?
    • Yes, Maui has some of the best snorkeling beaches in the world, with crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life. Some of the top snorkeling spots include Molokini Crater, Honolua Bay, Black Rock Beach, and Ulua Beach.
  • Is it safe to surf at Maui's beaches?
    • Maui's beaches offer a range of surfing conditions, from gentle waves suitable for beginners to big waves suitable for experienced surfers. However, it's important to always exercise caution when surfing and to be aware of any potential hazards, such as rocks, coral, and strong currents.