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Maui has 120 miles of coastline and 30 miles of beaches. There are a wide variety of beaches suitable to a range of activities. The following information is a general guide to some of the most popular and exciting beaches. Always follow the directives of the lifeguards, heed posted signs, and use common sense. Many of Maui’s beaches are far away from civilization, and quite isolated from emergency services should you get into trouble. Have fun exploring but keep in mind that beach conditions change daily. It is always a good idea to check the weather conditions and surf reports before going to the beach. |
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Stable Road, Camp One, Sprecklesville, Lobster Cove, Euro Beach, Secrets, Baldwin Beach, Baby Beach, Paia Bay, Tavares Bay, Kuau Point, Mamas, Lanes, Hookipa, Peahi, Kanaha Beach Park, Kite Beach, Kahului beach, Pier One, Kahului Harbor, Y-hata, Paukakalo, Waiehu Beach, Sand Piles, Waihee, Honomanu, Wainanpanapa, Honokalani, Pa’iloa, Hana Bay, Kaihalulu, Koki, Hamoa, Waikaloa, Maalaea, Haycraft, Kealia, Sugar Beach, Mai poina oe lau, Typhoon lagoon, Kalepolepo, Lipoa, Kalama, Cove Park, Changs, Charley Young, Kamaole I, Kamaole II, Kamaole III, Kihei Boat Ramp, Kiawekapu, Punahoa, Mokapu, Ulua, Wailea, Polo, Palauea Beach, Po’olenalena Beach park/paipu, Nahuna point (5 graves), Makena Landing, Malauka Beach, Oneuli Beach (Black Sand Beach), Little Beach, Big Beach (Makena beach, Oneloa beach), Pa’ako Beach, Ahihi Cove, La Perouse bay, Little cape St Francis (Cliffs), McGregor Point (lighthouse), Papalaua beach, Ukumehame Beach, Punahoa Beach (Mile marker 14), Olowalu (Ka’ili’ili Beach), Awalua Beach, Kulanaoka’i Beach, Launiopoko Beach Park, Puamana Beach Park, Shark Pit, Lahaina Beach, Armory Park (Front Street), Baby Beach, Mala Wharf, Wahikuli, Hanakao’o Beach, Embassy Suites, Black Rock, Kahekili (old airport beach), Ka’anapali Beach, Honokowai Beach Park, S-turns (Hui O Pohaku park), Kahana Beach, Napili bay, Kapalua Beach, D.T. Fleming Beach Park, Mokule’ia Beach (slaughterhouse), Honolua Bay, Osterizers & Rainbows, Maui’s Best Beaches. |
NORTH SHORE BEACHES (From West to east) Kahului – Haiku |
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Sprecklesville: Sprecks (aka Stables Beach) is Just off Stable road on the eastern side of the airport. You turn right onto a narrow, bumpy, windy dirt road that eventually takes you to a sandy beach parking area with room for about 20 cars (It used to be bigger here). Sprecks is on private land and public access is tenuous. Respect![]() |
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Lobster Cove: a small bay that is surrounded by private property. It is only accessible by walking from Sprecks, or down from Sugar Cove. It is a shallow bay, without any beach, but the waves offshore are good at times, mostly preferred by windsurfers launching at Sprecks. |
Stable Road: At the end of stable road are a number of houses with private water access. These houses are a favorite place for windsurfers to stay, because they can launch right our of their back yards. This is relatively expensive to stay here because it is ocean front, and it has a lot of noise from airplanes directly overhead. There is almost no beach here, because thee is severe shoreline erosion. They recently tried to restore sand to a beach here but it was not very successful. There are many offshore reefs, and the windsurfing is more advanced here. not a good place for beginners. In the mornings it can be good for a SUP or some fishing. |
Secrets: a secret spot that my buddies made me swear never to reveal. I could take you there some time. Like most of the best places on Maui you are not simply told about, rather you are shown by someone who knows the place and cares for it, and the place is shared with you. This ensures that the newcomer is indoctrinated with the correct sense of appreciation for what they are shown. |
Baldwin Beach: A good place for boogie boardi![]() ![]() ![]() |
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the “baby” beach: Located at the western end of Baldwin Beach park. The baby beach is a good natural ocean pool for babies and timid swimmers. The waves break over the rocky reef. Do not walk on the reef here, the waves breaking onto the rock ledge can be very dangerous at times. The rocks protect the pool from the brunt of the wave action creating a calm zone. The waves breaking over the rock wall create a water current which flows along the shoreline and flows seaward at the eastern end. The water flows swiftly during big surf, and is not good for babies to swim too close to eastern end where the water flows back out to sea. |
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Paia Bay: Some shore breaks and a few reef breaks. This park has a skateboard park and some basketball courts. Permanent washrooms, showers and a cafe built into the old surf club. Parking can get busy on weekends. This beach fills ![]() |
Tavares Bay: Tavares is an advanced surf break favored by short-boarders and body-boarders. There is a small parking area next to a house with a blue tile roof. There is a reef that you can paddle around and the break is off to the right in the bay. The wave is short and fast. Unless you are really desperate, you are better off leaving this wave to the locals. Tavares is protected from the wind and larger waves because it is situated deep in the bay. So it will be one of the last places on the north shore to get blown out when it is windy. This wave has a limited capacity for surfers, and any more than about ten surfers on the break is a crowd, so you better know your wave etiquette before paddling out here. |
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Lanes: Just downwind (west) of H’poko is Lanes. It is a long left-hander, (that breaks into the same channel as H’poko). When it is high surf windsurfers love this wave which is usually less crowded than the other breaks. this is a good surfing break, but it gets Windsurfers that get into trouble at lanes may have to swim their gear ashore at Wana Beach. Wana (pronounced “var-nuh”) Beach is basically a rock ledge covered with sea urchin. Windsurfers will usually launch at Ho’okipa and sail down to ride lanes. Surfers can Get in at Ho’okipa and paddle with the current past the rocks to get to lanes. |
Ho’okipa: Take Hana Highway 380, 2 miles past Paia going east. Ho’okipa is a sandy beach with 2 picnic pavilions and (2) life guard tower. Ho’okipa is famous place for watching the world’s best windsurfers at play. The headlands at each end of the beach are great vantage points for spectators, and the sandy beach below is a good sunbathing spot. Ho’okipa has some of the island’s most advanced Surfing and Windsurfing conditions. ![]() There are several “keyholes” in the reef where experienced surfers can get into the water between waves. One area at the western end of the beach has a open entry where the expert windsurfers can launch. This beach can get some huge waves. Even the experts get washed up on the rocks here. |
There are now two lifeguard towers at Ho’okipa, but that does not mean that it is a good place to swim. In the mornings there may some divers here, and during the day there can be some people fishing off the rocks so take care of their lines. |
Peahi (Jaws): Ten times a year or so you can hear a faint rumbling that gets steadily louder over a few days, and builds to a crescendo the night before a big wave day at Jaws. It is the rumor of swell and the gossip and predictions theories and formulas of storm tracking and swell modeling, that surfers will translate into wave predictions. As the day dawns the tow-in crews are already prepared and are launching their skis over heaving seas. Peahi dubbed “Jaws” has the reputation of being the biggest “ride able” wave in the world, and has definitely captured the attention of the expert watermen who ride it. The wave at Peahi is too big and fast to be ridden by conventional paddle-in surfing. So the teams use the skis to get the surfer up to speed on the massive waves that travel up to thirty miles per hour. The wave slows as it hits the reef and lifts the riders skyward. As fast as the surfer descends the wave the wave lifts itself up. The surfer has to out run the wave to escape the wave. There is nothing to see there when the wave isn’t breaking. But when it is on, there is a scramble to get a good vantage point on the cliffs overlooking the break. In the excitement some thoughtless spectators drive over the landowners pineapples to find a parking space. For the next few hours the crowd watches in admiration and amazement as the world’s top big wave surfers perform amazing feats of bravery and athleticism. |
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CENTRAL MAUI BEACHES (From East to west) Kahului – Waihe’e |
![]() Kiters mostly use the area between the old Hale to the Ka’a Point. There is no kiting allowed on the water before 11am. The next sections are called Ka’a Point, and Kite Beach (Ka’a Point to the water plant). Ka’a Point has its own access road, and parking, and this area is used by fishermen and local families especially on the weekend. There is some kiting here for advanced kiters. The one sandy area is called ProBeach. Then the next section of the beach down to the end of rock wall is where the beginner kiters go. Beginner beach, has different names for each section, and the locals can point out the different parts. take care when strolling down this section on a windy day as beginner kiters tend to crash their kites a lot. All together combined these sections are almost two a beach that is almost miles long. Click here for more information about Kanaha Beach |
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Pier One: Is the eastern pier of the Kahului harbor. it has a road to the container terminal. The gates get locked after dark. This is a fishing spot. Sometimes in large surf it could be paddled into, but nowadays is used infrequently by a few tow-in surfers and the occasional kiteboarder. This spot is not recommended for kiteboarders because if anything happens there is no exit point. It gets big at Pier one, but you know it has a deep channel too. My good buddy told me that it was way tougher to tow-in than Jaws (not necessarily bigger), ![]() |
Kahului Harbor: has several good breaks (inside and outside the break wall) when there is a large north swell. Surfers come here to find some sanctuary when the north shore gets too crazy. There is a pair of wedge shaped breaks that are popular and some nice waves deeper in the harbor that break less often. Don’t be caught off guard, the waves in there can get pretty mean sometimes and the currents are strong enough to fold the flat ocean in peculiar ways. Boats have right of way in the marked channels, so get out of their way. Watch out for broken glass when entering at the ramp. There are several places where the bold surfer will jump in off the rocks. To not attempt to exit on the rocks when the waves are surging. There has been some dredging in there recently for the boat ramp improvements that may have affected the breaks. ![]() |
Y-Hata: not much of a wave but one day when it was way too big everywhere else on the north shore (unless you had a jet-ski, which we didn’t), This can sometimes be surfed but the waves are challenging, and tricky. There was a rip current right in the elbow of the coast, that gave you a chance of getting through the wall of waves. There are a bunch of double-up waves from the echo waves reflected off the rocks. It gets kinda messy, fast and scary but we have surfed it a few times when there was nowhere else to go. |
Paukakalo: Another break near here is Paukakalo which is more rocky and a little less friendly than Waiehu. It has a boulder beach, and can get big lefts. When the surf is up it is definitely for advanced surfers only. |
Waiehu Beach Park: Lower Waiehu Beach Park Road. Waiehu, HI ![]() is a surfing and fishing beach. Mostly locals will be surfing here when the waves are just right. Do not surf close to where locals have been fishing all night because there will usually be a lot of bait in the water. Watch out for divers coming ashore and trailing there fish behind them. Do not surf close to any river mouths especially after the rain. Mostly a long-boarding wave. This area usually has have strong currents when the wave has any size. A few people will kite here when the wind is too easterly at Kite-beach. These is very little room to move here and it is only for advanced kiters. Yes it is shallow and onshore too. |
Sand piles: Should be called wave piles. It can get big out there. and be prepared to do a lot of paddling against the strong currents. the huge volume of water dumping onto the reef creates a river like current that constantly wants to pull you away from the takeoff zone (when its big). It often gets blown out here, but if you’re there at the right time, it’s pretty sweet. |
Waihe’e Beach: This beach is narrow and relatively free of crowds. Mostly local families and fishermen who sometimes camp here. The beach faces east and is a popular fishing spot with surfing on the surrounding reef. The water here is mostly shallow with channels through the reef. Beware of shallow water and coral heads. |
BEST DIVING BEACH = Makena Landing: Kayaking, diving and fishing area. A sandy and rocky shoreline comprise Makena Landing Beach Park. Scuba divers, snorkelers have access to one of Maui’s most interesting underwater areas. Parking is limited. | ||||||||||
BEST SNORKELING SPOT = There are several great snorkeling spots. depending on your comfort level and how far you are prepared to swim. The easiest place to snorkel is at Mile marker 14. Where the water is calm and the fish are close to shore. Molokini Crater has the best day snorkeling experience. You will need a boat ride to get there. Boats leave from Kihei Boat ramp or Ma’alaea Boat harbor. | ||||||||||
BEST LONGBOARD SURFING = Longboard Surfing at Launiupoko beach park. Launiupoko is located at the 17mile marker, just three miles from Lahaina town. Launiupoko has gentle waves and the area is protected from the trade winds. Take care because the water is quite shallow in places and you should wear booties to protect your feet from the coral. You should always take a lesson before attempting to surf on your own. Share the waves and surf with a smile. Launiupoko has a nice picnic area, restrooms, showers and plenty of parking. It may get a little crowded on weekends and public holidays. | ||||||||||
BEST BEGINNER SURFING = Beginner Surfing at Kalama beach park. Kalama Park is on Maui’s south shore in Kihei. Kalama is best in the early mornings before the trade winds kick in. Kalama has several different breaks that are gentle and great for beginners. You should take a lesson from one of the good schools, and your instructor will show you how to surf, and where to surf, so that you do not get in other people’s way. Take care because the water is quite shallow in places and you should wear booties to protect your feet from the coral (and the coral from your feet). Kalama Park has great facilities, restrooms, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, skate parks, and much more. For more info on Surfing Lessons click here. Click here for information on Renting surfboards. | ||||||||||
BEST WINDSURFING BEACH = Kanaha Beach is the state’s most popular windsurfing beach. It has great conditions for beginners and experts. The eastern end of Kanaha Beach is world famous for windsurfing. Windsurfers from all over the world come here to ride. This is also the best beach to do your windsurfing lessons, the last cove on the right is also called “Kooks Beach” and is where the beginners go. “Kooks” is also where you will see the slalom racing in summer. To see the windsurfing action from shore, the most famous windsurfing beach on Maui is Ho’okipa Beach Park. Ho’okipa is located a few miles past Paia town. Spectators can sit on the grassy headland on the western end and watch the experts ride the waves close to shore. take your camera. For more info on Windsurfing Lessons click here. | ||||||||||
BEST SUNBATHING BEACH = Makena Beach “Big Beach” in south Maui. has several large parking lots, and a long wide sandy beach. There is plenty of room to spread out. Drive all the way south past Wailea, and the road veers to the left after the cinder cone, and the road rolls up and down, then look on the right for the entrance to one of several large parking areas. Lock your car, and take the short trail to the beach. This beach is a local favorite. There are some porta-potties, and now has a lifeguard on duty. the shore break can get extremely rough, and it is deceptively powerful. Many people have been taken unaware by the powerful surf and get tossed around in the pounding waves. Do not swim here when there are waves unless you are an experienced bodysurfer. Take care. | ||||||||||
BEST CLOTHING OPTIONAL BEACH = The best clothing optional beach is Little Beach access from Big beach and a short hike to the right over the rocks at the end. This is a smaller sandy beach, that has some small surf and clothing optional is the norm. This beach is at the tip of the island so watch out for strong currents. Swimmers can get into trouble whilst swimming here. There is no lifeguard on duty. | ||||||||||
BEST KITEBOARDING BEACH = Kanaha Beach in Kahului, behind the airport, has the best kiteboarding on the island. The western end closest to the harbor is known as Kite Beach. Here you will see kiteboarders of all levels from beginners to pros. When watching it is best to stay at the edge under the trees, and away from launching and landing kites. The kite scene is quite entertaining to watch. For more info on Kitebeach click here. | ||||||||||
Colorful Sand Beaches |
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WHITE SAND BEACHES = White sand can be made from silica, coral, or shells. Many beaches on Maui will have a high content of coral sand. Coral sand contains digested coral fragments from the byproduct of parrot fish digestion, as well as the remains of pulverized coral and shells. | ||||||||||
BLACK SAND BEACHES = Black volcanic lava rock makes beautiful sand, when pounded into a fine black sand it has formed several breathtaking beaches. The black sand beach in Wai’anapanapa state park is a must-see beach. It also has a mixture of small rounded lava pebbles that give a great foot massage as well. Other black sand beaches can be found in south Maui and in Hana Bay. | ||||||||||
RED SAND BEACHES = Red iron-rich volcanic lava rock also makes beautiful beaches. Kaihalulu beach aka “red sand beach” in Hana is a hidden treasure. it takes a hike to get there. but it is spectacular and unique. the beach is in the eroding cinder cone, it has a rich red sand that comes from the surrounding cliffs. It is ok to swim here within the natural pool inside the rocks. But be careful because the water can get rough, and is not safe for timid swimmers, and remember that there is no lifeguard on duty here. Some people do go clothing optional here, but it is not a requirement. Take extreme care when traversing the trail to reach this beach. There is a steep trail around the cliff, that is sloped sideways, and slippery because it is constantly eroding. Many people have fallen off this trail and some have died. | ||||||||||
GREEN SAND BEACHES = the most famous Green sand beach is on the big island, where an eroding cinder cone has contributed millions of tiny peridot (olivine) crystals into the sand there. The natural green color of the volcanic crystals gives the sand its distinctive color. But that is not the only green sand to be found, there are other places with green sand, with perhaps a lower concentration of the crystal, but it can be found on Maui if you are looking for it. Take a closer look at a handful of beach sand and see the mixture of sand grains, and see which ones you can recognize. | ||||||||||
Conduct, Etiquette, Rules |
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Know before you go: Beaches are natural areas and gateways to the ocean environment. Be aware that ocean ecology deserves your respect and “kokua” (cooperation). Do not trample coral or pollute or interfere with the creatures in the sea. For more information go to the Ocean Etiquette page. Before you attempt to operate any surf craft you should be aware of ocean & beach safety, and surfing etiquette. Do not operate any surfcraft/watercraft without proper knowledge and training. There are also many rules that govern the use of different watercraft at various locations. These include permits, licenses, and ROW (right of way rules). Not all watercraft are allowed at certain beaches. There are legal restrictions on locations, times, and types of use. Check the local rules or ask the lifeguards before you paddle out. | ||||||||||
Key to Symbols
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Photos Suzie and David Dorn, Blue Hawaiian helicopters, and some aerial photos on this page taken by Kim and Forest Starr |