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One of the main reasons people choose Maui over other travel destinations is for the incredible beaches and I totally get it, Maui has A LOT of beaches to choose from. In fact, Maui has more swimmable beaches than any of the other Hawaiian islands. This post is going to be the ultimate guide to the best beaches in Maui for families looking for sandy, crescent shaped beaches, green sea turtles, the best snorkel spots and tons of marine life, all on this one incredible island.
We are going to break this blog post up by different areas on the island. This will help you determine what beaches are best in the area that you choose to visit and what they are best for on your Maui family beach vacation!
Please keep in mind that even in the calmest water there is still a risk when swimming in the ocean. Always be alert and cautious.
Also, it is ILLEGAL to take sand from Maui’s beaches.
The Best Beaches in South Maui
Southern Maui consists of the areas of Wailea and Kihei. Generally speaking, the beaches in the South (and the west) are the best for families and kids in Maui because they have the calmest waters and best beach conditions on the island which makes it perfect for young children and those looking to go boogie boarding.
#1 Wailea Beach
One of the best beaches for families in Maui can be found right here in this luxury resort community.
Unmatched ocean views, pristine waters and white sandy beaches makes Wailea a great destination for families looking to hit the beach here in Maui.
Several of the beach coves in Wailea are protected from the wind throughout a majority of the year. This means the waters are relatively calm and clear and great for snorkeling and swimming with young children.
There is plenty of free public parking and well maintained shower and bathroom facilities as well.
CHECK OUT THIS SNORKELING TOUR FOR BEGINNERS AT WAILEA BEACH
#2 Kamaole Beach Park
Kamaole Beach Park is broken up into three different parts: I, II and III.
Part I is a crescent-shaped beach, part II is a wide beach with lots of sand, and part III has a grassy park area with picnic tables and a shore break great for bodyboarding.
The water is calm, very sandy and one of the best beaches for kids to swim in Maui. It’s not the best spot for snorkeling, however, as the water can be a little cloudy at times.
Usually there is a lifeguard on duty and the park maintains clean bathrooms and showers. The grassy area in part III is great for family picnics and they offer picnic table seating as well.
Kamaole Beach Park offers easy access to the beach, plenty of nearby street parking and there is a convenience store located across the street.
#3 Maluaka Beach
A less crowded, but just as beautiful, beach for families in Kihei is Maluaka Beach.
The water is relatively calm which is great for swimming but keep in mind it can have some bigger waves come in from time to time which would make it a great spot to go boogie boarding.
There are better options for snorkeling, however, because it is a bit of a swim to get out to the reef. So I wouldn’t recommend it with young children.
Ample parking can be found within a 5 minute walk from the beach and the beach maintains bathrooms, a small changing area and some spots to rinse off.
#4 Makena Beach
Makena Beach is located in the southernmost portion of Maui past the towns of Kihei and Wailea.
Makena Beach is comprised of Big Beach (Oneloa) and Little Beach (Pu’u Ola’i). Big Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island with over 3,000 feet of pristine, soft white sand. Perfect for building those sand castles and one of the best beaches for families in Maui!
I would steer clear of Little Beach with your children, as it is clothing optional. Little Beach is just around the corner from Big Beach and is hidden by a rocky cinder hill.
I would also be very cautious if you are looking to swim at this beach with small children. The waves can be powerful at times, especially in the evening hours. But even on a regular day, the waves are bigger compared to the other beaches in southern Maui.
Park visitors are now required to purchase an entrance and a parking pass. The fees are $5 per visitor, with children 3 and younger free, and $10 for parking.
There are portable toilets on site as well.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A SNORKEL, SURF AND KAYAK TOUR ON MAKENA BAY
#5 Palauea Beach
This hidden gem in Maui is also known as White Rocks Beach. It’s located between Makena and Wailea beaches in a residential area with stunning multimillion dollar homes.
If you’re looking for peaceful, secluded and quiet – this is it. It’s more popular with the locals than it is with tourists.
The water can be a little rough at times here and you will definitely need some water shoes. This is a great spot to snorkel and see lots of different fish, turtles, coral and other marine life. Keep alert, because there also can be sharks in the area.
Parking is limited and there are no facilities.
#6 Oneuli Beach
Oneuli Beach is a black sand beach in southern Maui and is a great option for families looking to get off the beaten path (but maybe not all the way out to Hana’s black sand beach).
The beach is quite rocky at the shore and the waves can pick up quickly where the under current can pull you out if you are not careful. Sea urchins also like to live on some of the rocks, so be careful when you put your feet down.
These factors make it not the best beach for swimming, but it’s still a great place to at least stop and check out as a secondary option to the black sand beach in East Maui.
There are no facilities and only a small gravel parking lot.
#7 Charley Young Beach
Located near plenty of restaurants and shops in downtown Kihei, Charley Young Beach is one of the best beaches in Maui for families, especially for swimming.
The waters are calm and clear with light waves and you can easily swim, snorkel and paddle board.
You won’t see much while snorkeling unless you go to the edge of the beach along the rocks. It’s a convenient location if you are looking for a quick way to see fish, and possibly green sea turtles, while teaching your kids to snorkel.
This beach does have portable bathrooms and a rinse/shower station with easily accessible parking.
#8 La Perouse Bay
The final beach we are going to cover in southern Maui in this guide to the best beaches for families in Maui is La Perouse Bay.
La Perouse Bay is (literally) at the end of the road in southern Maui and is the site of the last lava flow on the island.
It’s not a beach for swimming, snorkeling or lounging. There are numerous “treacherous tide pool” signs, sharks in the bay, poor visibility and it’s very rocky. But I promise it is worth stopping to take a look around while on a family vacation in Maui.
If you’re up for a hike, bring good shoes and lots of water and take the trek over this field of volcanic rocks and take in the incredible views. If you go between 8am and 10am you can usually spot some dolphins!
The Best Beaches in West Maui
Western Maui comprises the areas of Lahaina and Kaanapali. Like the beaches of Southern Maui, West Maui also has more beaches that are kid friendly due to their calmer waters.
#9 Ka’anapali Beach
One of the top 5 beaches in Maui is definitely Ka’anapali Beach. If you picture a beach in Maui, you are most likely picturing Ka’anapali Beach. This is the ultimate beach for relaxing and one of the best beaches in Maui for swimming with its extremely soft sand.
There’s a good chance that you will be able to see humpback whales during the winter months here on Ka’anapali Beach.
Ka’anapali Beach is usually crowded because its most famous attraction is Black Rock. You will almost always find lots of people snorkeling the area around Black Rock and cliff diving.
There are shower facilities but no public bathrooms. There is also a public parking lot at the Sheraton Maui Resort as well as some other lots scattered near the beach.
YOU CAN BOOK A SNORKEL TOUR FROM KA’ANAPALI BEACH HERE
#10 Baby Beach
Hands down, Baby Beach in Lahaina is the best beach for families and the best beach for kids in Maui. with young children and probably the most family-friendly option in Maui.
There is a long reef offshore that protects this area from the waves breaking. As a result, the water here at Baby Beach is shallow, gentle and warm! Also, no sharks get on this side of the reef, which is a huge relief.
There are bathroom and shower facilities on location, which I know is an absolute must for families traveling with small children. There are plenty of dining options near Baby Beach in Lahaina.
Parking is street parking only, so you may have to walk a little ways to get to the beach.
#11 Launiupoko Beach
If you are traveling with older children and adults who want to surf and boogie board but also with younger children who need smaller waves – this is the beach for you.
The younger children can stay in the cove protected by the rocks where the older children, teens and adults can ride boogie boards and surf outside the cove.
Launiupoko Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with a grassy picnic area where you can take the little ones out of the sun and just watch the surfers.
There are also bathroom and shower facilities here. There is a parking lot on the road that is usually full early in the morning.
#12 Kapalua Bay
Another one of Maui’s best beaches for families is Kapalua Beach at Kapalua Bay. The swimming is great here because the reef protects the beach from strong ocean currents making it one of the calmest beaches in Maui.
Snorkeling around the edges of Kapalua Bay near the lava rocks is a great place to see green sea turtles. This beach is less sandy than others making the snorkeling visibility even better. This is even a great place to take out some kayaks.
At only just under 7 acres, this relatively small beach has a natural pool that is sheltered by a beautiful lava rock wall. They do have picnic tables, restrooms and fresh water showers as well.
There is free parking at Kapalua Bay beach access, but it fills up relatively quickly.
#13 Napili Bay
Right next door to Kapalua Bay Beach is Napili Bay and it is one of THE BEST snorkeling spots in all of Maui. The glass, clear turquoise water makes Napili Bay a snorkeler’s paradise. You can almost always see green sea turtles swimming near the lava rocks on the beach.
There is an offshore reef that protects the beach from strong currents making it a good, and safe, option for families with smaller children who want to swim, snorkel or paddleboard. This area is typically less crowded than other western Maui beaches offering a more quiet time.
Keep in mind, there are sharks in the Napili Bay area.
Since Napili Bay is close to the North shore of Maui, the winter months can bring in occasional big waves where you will likely see experienced surfers head out into the water here.
Be sure to have lunch at the Sea House Restaurant overlooking gorgeous Napili Bay.
#14 Olowalu Beach
Olowalu Beach, nicknamed Turtle Reef, is home to one of the oldest and most unique reef systems in Maui.
The calm, clear waters and cool coral reefs make for a great place to let your kids practice swimming and snorkeling.
There are portable toilets and parking off the highway. Do not park in the sand unless you have an AWD vehicle, you WILL get stuck.
Also, don’t go barefoot under the trees … they drop thorns.
The Best Beaches in East Maui
All of these incredible, unique beaches are going to be off the famous Road to Hana.
#15 Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
You will have to take a mildly challenging 10-20 minute hike down a narrow and slippery trail to get to this secret hidden gem off the Hana Highway near mile marker 35. But man oh man is it worth it! The sand on this beach is actually a deep red because it is rich in iron deposits.
If the water is calm and you stay within the lava rock wall you should be okay to swim here. But if the currents are strong and the water is rough, which it usually is, it’s probably best to stay out of the water.
There are no facilities located here and parking is very limited along the Hana Highway.
#16 Hamoa Beach
One of the most popular beaches for families, and all tourists in general, located in East Maui off the Hana Highway at mile marker 51 is Hamoa Beach. This wide, crescent shaped, sandy beach is surrounded by sea cliffs and lush, green vegetation making this beach absolutely picture perfect.
The sand runs right into the ocean so you don’t need to worry about stepping on rocks which makes this a great beach for families.
In the winter months, you will find quite a few surfers here since the waves get much bigger during this time of year. The winter also brings powerful swells, rip tides and currents which make swimming much more hazardous.
Hamoa Beach is also exposed to open ocean, unlike some of Maui’s other beaches, which can cause stronger currents.
There is street parking, public bathrooms with showers and a foot wash station.
This is easily one of the best, and most beautiful, beaches in Maui.
#17 Pa’iloa Black Sand Beach
Located in Wai’anapanapa State Park (mile marker 32 off the Hana Highway), is THE famous black sand beach in Maui. Pa’iloa Beach is known for its gorgeous black lava cliffs that stand out among the lush greenery, a blowhole, freshwater caves, sea arches and, of course, black sand.
You will want to make sure you bring shoes for this beach since it’s not really sand and more like little black pebbles.
Wai’anapanapa translates to ‘glistening waters’ in Hawaiian and I promise you’re definitely going to want to jump in those glistening waters as soon as you see them. But be very careful!! There is no lifeguard here and the waves can be pretty strong. The shoreline also drops off quickly and without warning. This area is also home to many jellyfish and Portuguese Man of War.
Reservations are now required to enter Wai’anapanapa State Park. You are able to make these reservations HERE up to 14 days in advance, but they have to be made at least one day before your planned visit. Entrance fees are $5.00 per person (children 3 and under free) and $10 to park. You also must choose a time slot to enter the park when making your reservation and you must exit the park when your time is up.
There is a picnic area, shower facilities, and restrooms in the beach park.
#18 Koki Beach
This beach is known for its dark sand and beautiful views. The sand is sort of red in color so it could be a good alternative for you and your family if you don’t want to or aren’t able to make the hike down to Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach.
Koki Beach has some powerful waves, which makes it a great spot for surfers of all skill levels.
There is this incredible BBQ hut on the beach called Huli Huli Chicken that I highly recommend you check out. Grab some food and head to the beach park’s shaded area under the trees for a picnic!
This beach does not have any facilities, but you can go just down the road to Hamoa Beach and use those if needed. There is lots of parking here at Koki Beach.
The Best Beaches in North Maui
The beaches on the North Shore of Maui are no less incredible than the beaches of East, South and West Maui. However, the waters here can be incredibly rough.
#19 Baldwin Beach
One of the best beaches in Maui can be found on Maui’s North Shore. Baldwin Beach is actually located more on the north west shore of Maui in Paia, close to Baby Beach in Lahaina.
There is a small tide pool on the left side of the beach that is protected from the open ocean offering a great spot for little ones to swim. Typically, there is a lifeguard here as well.
On calmer days, you will almost always see lots of green sea turtles.
The stronger waves at this beach make it a prime spot to see surfers.
There are restrooms and showers here. They also have a sports field and picnic area in the beach park.
#20 Ho’okipa Beach
Located in Paia, off the Hana Highway at mile marker 9, Ho’okipa Beach is a nice beach to relax on the sand and watch the windsurfers.
The impressive surfing conditions bring people from all over the world to surf at this beach. This is also a favorite local surf spot as well.
Green sea turtles love to come up and lay on the beach here as well. If you arrive around 4pm you will surely see the beach lined with them. Please respect their space and leave them alone.
Ho’okipa Beach does have public bathrooms and showers and parking is just a short walk from the beach.
#21 Honolua Bay
Also located in north west shore of Maui, Honolua Bay is a good spot to snorkel and see reefs, fish, turtles, eels and other marine life.
Make sure you have water shoes on because the shoreline is rocky and the rocks can be very slippery.
The water is generally calmer, but it can be hard to swim against the current at times especially for young children. If it has been raining or there has been raining or there has been any run off into the bay do NOT go into the water. This causes the water to be murky with low visibility – and that’s when sharks come into the bay to hunt.
There are no restrooms, showers or lifeguards. There is roadside parking only, and it usually fills up rather quickly.
Are Maui Beaches Safe?
Overall, Maui beaches are safe for families, but no matter how calm the water is, there is still a risk for injury when swimming in the ocean. Always use extreme caution and consider the conditions before taking yourself, or your family into the water.
If there is low visibility or murky water, it is best to stay out of the water as this draws sharks in to hunt.
What Part of Maui Has The Best Beaches?
The part of Maui that has the best beaches is going to largely depend on what you, and your family, are looking to do when you are at the beach. A surfer is going to have a drastically different opinion on what beach is best than a snorkeler or family with small children would have.
Generally speaking, the beaches in the west and south are better for swimming and for families, especially those with young children. The beaches in the North are generally better for surfers and the beaches to the East hold many hidden gems.
Use the guide above to determine what beach is best for your family based on what you are looking to do while visiting Maui.
What Beaches Are Best For Families In Maui?
For families looking to swim and spend time in the sand, the best beaches for families in Maui generally are those to the west and south.
Launiupoko Beach, Maluaka Beach, Makena Beach, Wailea Beach, Charley Young, Kamaole Beach Park, Kaanapali Beach and, of course, Baby Beach in Lahaina are all going to give you that soft, sandy beach and calm water, perfect for kids to swim and play.
Best Beaches In Maui For Snorkeling
Generally, the best beaches for snorkeling in Maui are Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay and Honolua Bay.
Best Beaches In Maui For Swimming
You will find a lot of great swimming in many of Maui’s beaches. In fact, Maui has more swimmable beaches than any other Hawaiian island. So the possibilities for swimming are really endless.
But just keep in mind, again, the waters are stronger in some areas and some beaches may only be fit for an experienced swimmer.
There are usually lifeguards at beaches that are part of the state park systems, but not always.
Best Beaches In Maui For Surfing
For those looking to get out and catch some waves while in Maui, the best beaches for surfers are going to be Koki Beach, Baldwin Beach, Ho’okipa Beach and Hamoa Beach.
Beaches That Are Hidden Gems
If you are strictly hoping to see some beaches that are different from your typical white sandy beach, Maui will certainly not disappoint you.
The best beaches for sightseers, that I would consider hidden gems, are definitely Palauea Beach (White Rocks), Oneuli Beach (black sand), Pa’iloa Black Sand Beach and Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach.
Wrap Up: The Best Beaches In Maui For Families
No matter which of these 21 beaches you choose to take your family to in Maui, you will find a variety of things to do. Each beach offers something unique and different and you will surely see why Maui has some of the best beaches for a family vacation.
Need help planning your family’s activity itinerary? Click here!
