Top 5 Must-See Beaches on Maui
- Makena Beach (known as Big Beach)
- Wailea Beach
- Ka’anapali Beach
- DT Fleming Beach Park
- Ho’okipa Beach
Makena Beach (aka Oneloa or most commonly called – Big Beach)
Located just four miles south of Grand Wailea Resort in South Maui, this beach definitely earns its name as it is BIG! The gorgeous white sand spans for more than a half mile (or over 3,000 ft) long. It is also extremely wide so you will find plenty of space to set up shop and not feel claustrophobic from other close beach-goers. The pristine sand definitely sets this beach apart as the sand is super smooth on your feet when entering the water.
The beach is so big there are even three places to park and enter. You’ll find plenty of parking at the first two entrances, except for Sunday evenings due to the weekly epic Drum Circle gathering at neighbor – Little Beach. That’s a whole other blog post! Who’s been?! Another convenience that Big Beach offers are the amenities. Though there are no showers, port-a-potties are at both the first two entrances along with picnic tables, trash bins, and nearby food trucks. Be sure to check out Jawz Tacos – mmm! Be sure to watch out for is the on-shore break when there is a large south swell. This is never a beach that is safe for small children or inexperienced swimmers. In recent years three lifeguard stands were added. If any beach on Maui should have had lifeguard stands, this is it. Just be mindful of the tide and never turn your back on the ocean!
Wailea Beach
Another gorgeous beach located in South Maui. Wailea Beach is consistently rated one of the world’s best beaches. It is also nice and wide with perfect sand. The clear, calm water is great for swimming or entering the water for a board-of-your-choice adventure. When the ocean is calm, snorkeling is very good around the rocky outcroppings that define both ends of the beach. Boogie boarding and body surfing are also fun in the typically regularly formed, small waves and gentle slope. Or simply relax and enjoy the views of surrounding Kaho’olawe, Molokini, and Lana’i.
Because this beach is shared by the Wailea Beach Villas, the Grand Wailea Resort, and the Four Seasons Resort, it can occasionally feel a bit crowded. But public showers, restrooms, and plenty of free public parking are perks of the nearby resorts. Ka’anapali Beach Ka’anapali Beach was originally the retreat for Maui royalty and is now a popular getaway for the world. If a world-class resort destination is what you’re looking for, it really doesn’t get any better than this. It stretches three miles from Canoe Beach to Black Rock and consists of white sand, crystal clear water, hotels, condominiums, restaurants, and high-end shopping.
Black Rock is the prominent rocky peninsula and snorkeling spot at the north end of the beach. A great opportunity to hike up and cliff dive if you’re feeling adventurous! This beach is also perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. If walking or running is your thing there is a paved path that stretches along the whole beach providing easy access to explore. Like all Maui beaches, this beach is open to the public. There is parking available in paid lots or free spots are available near blue “Shoreline Access” signs.
D.T. Fleming Beach
Located in upper western Maui north of Kapalua and the Ritz-Carlton hotel is DT Fleming Beach, which is named after the man who introduced pineapple to West Maui. It can get crowded on weekends and holidays but it’s definitely less developed or “touristy” than Ka’anapali Beach.
This beach is the most popular bodysurfing and bodyboarding site on West Maui. Occasionally, surf on the small reef at the east end of the beach is good enough for surfing. You will also find people snorkeling, diving or simply swimming and sunbathing. This beach does have lifeguards and is equipped with amenities – restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, picnic tables, barbecue grills, drinking water, and a parking lot.
Ho’okipa Beach Park
Located in Paia at mile marker #8.8 of the Hana Hwy (aka Hwy 36) is pretty much the “it of the it” when it comes to a world-class surf destination. Not only does this include board surfing, but also windsurfing and kiteboarding as well. Ho’okipa Beach park hosts professional windsurfing competitions on just about any day with wind.
Ho'okipa means "hospitality," but this spot isn't an open invitation for anyone to paddle out. Not only can the waves get pretty massive, this is definitely a well-known locals spot. If you’re considering getting in to surf or sail here, you’d better be skilled enough for the conditions – especially if the orange flags are out and the surf is big. Even if you are not personally ready to tackle these ocean adventure sports, this beach is a must-see! The best place to watch the action and snap photos is at Ho’okipa Lookout, located on the far end of the beach overlooking the popular surfing spot called “Pavillions”.
The lookout also has its own large parking lot, which is where you should park if you’re continuing toward Hana. There you will find food trucks with fresh Hawaiian fruit and local cuisine. This beach isn't known for being a great swimming beach, so don't plan on taking a leisurely soak here. But be sure to keep your eye out for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles near sunset. The Honu come up to shore to rest and are a spectacular sight! The beach park has lifeguards, showers, pavilion, picnic tables, bathrooms & port-a-potties.
Picking Your Favorite
At the end of the day you can’t really go wrong when choosing your favorite Maui beaches to visit. Just depends if you are looking for adventure sports or simply relaxing. May have to take a few trips here to try them all out. What is your favorite beach on Maui?
About Skyline Eco-Adventures
Skyline Eco Adventures is the first zipline company in the USA. Skyline’s mission is to provide a safe and exciting means for seeing and experiencing the natural wonder of the Hawaiian Islands. Click Here to see our Maui zipline tour options in Ka'anapali and Haleakala.