Best Beaches in Maui — Ka’anapali, Wailea, Big Beach & Hidden Gems

Maui has over 30 miles of beaches — from wide resort sands to hidden coves accessible only by trail.

Ka’anapali Beach

Maui’s most popular resort beach — a 3-mile stretch of golden sand fronting the major Ka’anapali resort hotels. Excellent swimming, snorkeling at Black Rock (the lava cliff at the north end where cliff divers jump at sunset), and the Whaler’s Village shopping center. This is where most visitors spend their beach time.

Wailea Beach

The upscale south shore — calm, clear water, fine golden sand, and the Four Seasons, Grand Wailea, and Fairmont resorts as the backdrop. The Wailea Beach Walk connects five beaches along a 1.5-mile paved coastal path — one of the most beautiful walks in Hawaii.

Big Beach (Makena)

Also called Oneloa — the biggest beach in Maui. Wide, dramatic, with powerful shore break waves. Not for casual swimmers (the waves slam hard) but incredible for bodyboarding and photography. Adjacent Little Beach is Maui’s unofficial clothing-optional beach.

Hidden Gems

Napili Bay — a quiet crescent of calm water north of Ka’anapali, perfect for families. DT Fleming Beach — consistently rated one of the best beaches in America, with a grassy park behind the sand. Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu) in Hana — a stunning red cinder beach in a hidden cove. The trail to reach it is steep and can be dangerous — assess conditions carefully.

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