Maui's World-Famous Beaches

The Vibe: This is the energetic, sun-soaked heart of resort life on Maui. The beaches are long, wide, and bustling with activity. It's the place to see and be seen, with easy access to restaurants, shopping, and oceanfront bars.

Best For: People-watching on the golden sands of Kāʻanapali Beach, which stretches for three miles. The snorkeling around Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock) at the north end of the beach is fantastic, though it can get crowded. For a more relaxed but equally beautiful setting, Kapalua Bay is a sheltered, crescent-shaped cove with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

My Parking Tip: Parking here is notoriously tricky. The free public access lots for Kāʻanapali fill up before 9 a.m. Your best bet is to pay to park at Whalers Village and get your ticket validated with a purchase at one of the shops or restaurants. For Kapalua Bay, the small lot fills up even earlier; try to arrive by 8 a.m. or be prepared to hunt for street parking.

The Vibe: Sun-drenched and diverse, South Maui offers everything from the laid-back feel of Kīhei to the manicured luxury of Wailea. This region boasts some of the most consistently sunny and dry weather on the island.

Best For: Families flock to the Kamaʻole Beach Parks (Kam I, II, & III) in Kīhei. These beaches have lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and large grassy areas perfect for a picnic. Kam III is especially popular with families because of its gentle waves and playground. For a postcard-perfect luxury experience, Wailea Beach is unbeatable. And for a long, beautiful walk that feels a bit more secluded, Keawakapu Beach, which straddles the Kīhei-Wailea border, is my go-to.

My Parking Tip: One of the best things about South Maui is that most beaches have dedicated public parking lots. The lots for the Kamaʻole parks can fill up on weekends, but there's usually overflow parking nearby. Keawakapu has convenient lots at both its north and south ends.

The Vibe: Wild, windy, and wonderfully bohemian. This is the undisputed heart of Maui's surf culture, where the raw power of the Pacific is always on display.

Best For: This area is for watching, not swimming. Head to Hoʻokipa Beach Park to see some of the best windsurfers and kiteboarders in the world dance across the waves. It's an absolutely thrilling spectacle. My favorite time to go is late afternoon. After you've watched the surfers, look to the eastern end of the beach; you'll often see dozens of honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) coming ashore to rest for the night.

My Parking Tip: The main Hoʻokipa Lookout provides the best vantage point for watching the action. Be patient, as parking spots turn over frequently. As with any popular, more remote spot, it's wise not to leave any valuables visible in your car.