The omg! Insider Guide to Maui Beaches

One of the most popular vacation destinations in the world is, without a doubt, Maui. Not only is it swoon-worthy and looks like a veritable Paradise all year long, but its beaches are perfect for a variety of activities and occasions. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly location, a perfect spot for water sports like surfing, diving or a romantic getaway with your sweetheart, Maui welcomes you with the ideal setting for all your needs and desires.

  • Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach, Napili Bay, Kapalua Beach

Best for: Families

Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach – Image source: https://flic.kr/p/q62Veo

Why: All of these locations provide exquisite scenery with lava rock and palm trees and soft, sandy beaches where children can safely play, while the parents kick back and enjoy a beach read or a swim. It’s no wonder they’re amongst the most popular beaches in Maui, especially Kapalua Beach. The shores are not steep and the waves are not very problematic, so you can relax about letting your kid near the water or teaching them how to swim with the beautiful sea creatures. In addition, parking, showers and bathroom facilities are also available close-by, which makes life easier for parents, especially those who have toddlers. Hotels and other accommodation are modern, clean and kid-friendly, so you won’t run into wild party spots and loud music until the wee hours of the morning, disrupting your children’s sleep. These choices present something for everyone and will ensure that the kids have where to play, run around and build castles in the sand, while the adults are having fun, as well. All in all, a great vacation for everyone involved.

  • Hookipa Beach, Honolua Bay, Peahi, Kihei, Lahaina, Kaanapali

Best for: Surfing

Hookipa Beach
Hookipa Beach – Image source: https://flic.kr/p/eZcMYm

Why: Maui is one of the greatest destinations for getting your surf on, especially in places like Hookipa Beach or Honolua Bay. These are the choice locations of professional surfers, which you can admire here all year round, but mostly during the winter, when the waves are massive. Big wave surfing is most notably practiced just east of Hookipa, in Peahi, where they tow surfers with jet-skis. This is now known as “tow-in surfing” and it is a technique that is gaining popularity. But surfing in Maui is not limited just to professionals – first-timers or beginners are welcome, as well, in locations such as Kaanapali, Kihei and Lahaina, in South Maui and West Maui. Here, you can benefit from lessons, if you are uninitiated in the world of surfing or you can just practice your techniques in surf spots that are safe and beginner-friendly. Speaking of beginner-friendly, you may also want to consider trying something called stand-up paddle boarding, which is surfing upright, with the help of a paddle. This is a great sport in itself or a good way to “get your feet wet”, so to speak, when it comes to traditional surfing. Tourists have been popularizing this technique more and more and lessons are available throughout all of the beaches mentioned. So if surfing is what you’re after, this careful selection of Maui beaches is all you will ever need for an incredible experience, whether you are a well-versed surfer or just a beginner.

  • Maluaka Beach, Black Rock, Napili Bay

Best for: Diving

 Turtle Bay (next to Napili Bay)
Turtle Bay (next to Napili Bay) – Image source: https://flic.kr/p/9GNgh3

Why: Experienced divers won’t want to miss the wonderful beach dive locations of Maui, as they can be truly breathtaking. Scuba divers, swimmers and snorkelers can all get a kick from these gorgeous spots which allow them to experience the wonders of the Hawaiian sea. Coral, tropical fish and a multitude of other creatures can be admired here, as you swim along the colorful sea life. If you are not exactly an expert diver, you can still enjoy the beautiful locations and even benefit from lessons, directly from the experts. These are exquisite places to discover your love for diving or practice your new skill alone, with friends or even together with your children. It is completely safe and it makes for an incredible experience. Turtles, coral, exotic fish and other wonderful sea life creatures can be witnessed and admired by the entire family! What is more, there is a good variety of hotels and restaurants within the resort, so there are plenty of different activities you or your loved ones can enjoy. Impressive food, comfortable accommodation and even good shopping locations await you on the Maui beaches to offer you the eventful vacation of a lifetime!

  • Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia’u Beach

Best for: Couples

Sunrise at Mai Poina Oe Iau Beach
Sunrise at Mai Poina Oe Iau Beach – Image source: https://flic.kr/p/9sTaQy

Why: To put it simply, more often than not, Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia’u Beach is totally empty. While this may not be appealing to a thrill-seeker or party animal, it makes it the perfect destination for a couple newly in love, looking for a quiet, romantic location where they can enjoy privacy and some alone time. With no one to bother you and your partner, you are free to engage in whatever displays of affection you feel like, without running the risk of being gawked at or scandalizing children or elders. Win-win! In addition, if you enjoy long, romantic walks on the beach (it’s a cliché for a good reason!), this is the ideal spot, because this beach is in connection with miles of beaches, ending with Maalaea. The sights are amazing, but the people are scarce, so you can walk around to your heart’s content, look for beautiful seashells or enjoy the beach, without anyone bothering you.

All in all, Maui provides the perfect locations for a variety of tourists and interests. Whoever you are and whatever kind of beach vacation you are looking for, Maui can offer you the ideal destination for your dream beach getaway. Whether you’re looking for something safe and fun for the family, a surf haven for a wild time, a quiet and romantic beach for a bit of private lovin’ or an ideal spot for diving, look no further than Maui. There is something for everyone and you will undoubtedly be able to find a Maui beach that will be both breathtakingly beautiful and will suit your every need and expectation from the vacation spot of your dreams.