The beautiful beaches of Maui

The island of Maui is home to numerous beautiful beaches. Some offer swimming year-round and others are best for surfing during certain parts of the year. Depending on where you are staying, here is a list of some of the famous Maui beach vacation spots by region.

West Maui Beaches
If you drive along the west coast of Maui from Lahaina to Kapalua, you'll notice that many beautiful sandy beaches line the coast.

Kaanapali Beach offers three miles of white sand and a variety of watersports, including surfing, windsurfing, sailboat and catamaran rides. Black Rock, on the northern end of Kaanapali Beach, is famous for snorkeling. There are many beach vacation hotels in the area, including the Hyatt Regency Maui, a family beach vacation resort on 40 acres.

We liked the sandy beach at Napili Bay because there are no high-rise buildings around it, and the bay is well protected from waves.

Kapalua Resort is home to the Kapalua Beach, Oneloa Bay Beach and the D.T. Fleming Beach.

South Maui Beaches
The general rule is the farther south you go, less crowded the beaches will be.

Kihei offers a series of beaches along the six-miles Kihei coastline, some with lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic facilities.

Polo Beach and Wailea Beach offer restrooms and equipment rentals.

If you prefer a more secluded beach vacation getaway, visit Maluaka Beach at the Maui Prince Hotel where you may see green sea turtles.

A few miles past the Maui Prince Hotel lies the Big Beach at Makena which, one of our favorite beaches on Maui. As its name implies, the Big Beach is quite large, and, best of all, empty. It features white sand, picnic facilities and restrooms.

East Maui Beaches
The beaches on East Maui are unlike any other beaches in Hawaii. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, the beaches near Hana are secluded, scenic and colorful. Here you'll find white, red and black-sand beaches only a few miles from each other.

Hamoa Beach is a must-see if you are planning to visit East Maui. As you approach the beach on a path from the main road, you'll walk past colorful flowers and palm trees which surround Hamoa Beach.

Hana Bay Beach, located just off Hana Highway, features black volcanic sand.

Red Sand Beach is a bit difficult to get to - you'll have to follow a narrow path along the coast - but quite unique. The beach offers swimming and snorkeling, and you'll probably be the only one there.

Find out more about Maui and plan your beach vacation.

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