The island of Maui is a beautiful location for a vacation, and there is a lot to explore. There are a number of beaches in the area that you can enjoy, including Launiupoko Beach Park, Ka’anapali Beach, Olowalu Beach, Hamoa Beach, and Airport Beach.
Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach, Maui is the premier spot for people watching, water sports, and scuba diving. With more than a mile of white sand, warm water, and a beautiful reef, it’s no wonder this beach is so popular. Whether you’re a family or a couple, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for here.
Ka’anapali Beach is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and is a great place to snorkel and see tropical fish. The water is safe for swimming in the southern section, but the northern part is not recommended.
For those who like to swim, it’s best to check out the area’s two snorkeling spots. La Perouse is a favorite of locals, and a great place to see dolphins.
Kapalua Beach is also a top snorkeling spot, and offers an enclosed bay with coral reefs on two sides. This is a great beach to go for a walk or kayak. It is also great for boogie boarding and paddle boarding.
You’ll want to check out the nearby Ho’okipa Lookout for some great views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal northwest Maui. There are some great picnic spots, and you can enjoy the beach’s long, soft sand and beautiful reef.
For a more quiet, family-friendly beach, check out Baldwin Beach. It is one of the most popular west ends, but can get windy in the afternoon. Also, the beach has restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and payphones.
In addition, the beach is a good choice for scuba diving and cliff jumping. However, it can be difficult to find a good snorkeling spot off the shore.
If you’re interested in a night out, visit the Hula Grill. They have a barefoot bar, and the place is a popular local hangout.
Olowalu Beach
Olowalu Beach is a popular swimming and snorkeling destination on Maui. This spot is famous for its coral gardens and beautiful rock formations. It is also home to turtles.
Other attractions include Baldwin Beach Park, Kihei Beach and Hamoa Bay. The beach park at Baldwin is the largest in the area. There are a variety of amenities at the park, including a soccer field, rest rooms, picnic areas, barbecues, and lifeguards.
The best time to visit Baldwin Beach is late morning or early afternoon. If you plan on spending the day here, keep in mind that the sand can be rocky in the afternoon. You’ll be better off visiting the east end of the beach, which is protected from strong winds.
Olowalu Beach is a popular snorkeling destination, but you should be aware of the hazards of the reef. There have been shark attacks in recent years. Also, the ocean floor is not very shallow. For this reason, it is recommended that you use shallow water to avoid stepping on the reef.
While the Olowalu Beach is not the best place to go for swimming, it does have a nice sandy bottom and a large coral reef. The area is home to a variety of fish and turtles.
Another local favorite is Launiupoko Beach. Located near the town of Paia, this is another great snorkeling spot. It’s a relatively easy swim from the shore, although the waters can be rough.
Kahekili Beach, located on Pu’u Keka’a, is a small, white sand beach that is less popular than the beach at Kam III. It doesn’t have the full range of amenities, but it is still a good choice for families.
Launiupoko Beach Park
Launiupoko Beach Park is a great family-friendly beach in Maui. Located about two miles south of Lahaina, it is a favorite hangout for locals and tourists alike. Featuring surf breaks that are ideal for longboarding and surfing, it also has an ocean wading pool.
The ocean conditions can be very powerful at this beach, so be aware. You should always watch the ocean for a period of thirty minutes before entering the water. Also, make sure to avoid hanging out under coconut trees carrying nuts.
Surfers will love the soft white sand at this beach. In addition, there are plenty of surf breaks offshore, making it ideal for paddleboarding. One of the best breaks is at the far end of the park.
Several surf schools are located at this park, so it is a popular destination for both beginners and experts. This area also is known for its long-lasting wave sets. It is also a favorite spot for snorkeling.
The best time to visit this area is during the sunset. You will enjoy spectacular views of the neighboring islands. Make sure to watch for high surf advisory signs.
A small lagoon is also available for swimming at Launiupoko. There are also restrooms, picnic tables, and showers. There are additional parking spaces across the highway.
Another good beach in the area is Kanaha. It has a beautiful view of the coast, but it can be windy. If you are looking for a less developed beach, then you might want to check out Kalepolepo Beach.
This small, white sand beach is a great spot to take a swim. You can also visit the Waihee Cemetery, which is a memorial to Hawaiian chiefs and sailors.
Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is a crescent-shaped beach. It has wide sands and crystal-clear waters. The beach offers snorkeling, swimming and bodysurfing. There are restrooms and a pavilion. This beach is not recommended most of the year.
The beaches in the north shore are renowned for surf. You can try boogie boarding or kite boarding in the afternoons. They are great for families. If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, you’ll enjoy the small coves.
Kapalua Beach is a popular spot for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. It’s also home to some of Maui’s best seafood restaurants. This beach is protected from the west by coral reefs.
The east end of the peninsula features a small cove. These coves are perfect for fishing, swimming, and bodysurfing. When the waves get high, you’ll need to watch for sea turtles.
There are two other beaches in the area. Both are rocky. Koki Beach is on the left side of the peninsula. Although it has rock outcroppings on either end, it’s relatively flat and is considered an intermediate to advanced surfing spot.
Slaughterhouse Beach is a smaller cove with a short trail to access it. This is a great bodysurfing spot, but it can also be prone to big waves during the winter. In the afternoons, the east end can be windy.
Kahekili Beach Park is the northernmost of the Ka’anapali Beach Resort beaches. This park offers a grassy, accessible parking lot and a grassy beach park.
There is no lifeguard at Pailoa Beach. But it’s safe to swim, as long as you keep an eye out for the waves.
Hamoa Beach is not recommended most of the year. It’s a beautiful beach, but it’s remote and can be difficult to find.
Airport Beach
Airport Beach is located in the west side of Maui. It is a favorite spot for people to visit. The beach is also a great location for bodyboarding.
The beach is a good place to watch whales. Humpbacks often make their way close to the beach. During the winter months, the sand can be very steep. So, it’s best to avoid swimming too far from the shore.
For good snorkeling, you should try to go to the east end of the beach. The water is shallow and a reef is nearby. There is also a colorful underwater universe to explore.
Airport Beach is a popular spot for tourists and locals. It has a lot of amenities that are not found at other beaches on Maui. You can rent surfboards, take a swim or even relax in a grass lawn. A gazebo and a shower station are available to keep you comfortable.
You can park your car at the large public parking lot. Some visitors find it hard to find a spot. Be sure to check with locals to see if they know where to park.
Parking is easy at Airport Beach. However, you may want to drive in during the afternoon to avoid the crowds. If you do come during the day, you can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach.
There are no lifeguards at Airport Beach. Although, they can provide information on surf conditions. Also, the sand can be very shallow during the winter months.
Airport Beach is a popular destination for people who love to swim and play in the water. It is also a good place for a picnic. During the afternoon, the breezes can get quite strong.