Beaches · Maui · United States
The best beaches in and near Maui
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 293.xx.xxx.xx, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Kāʻanapali Beach (In Kāʻanapali, about 45–60 minutes from the airport). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 27°C (81°F)
The beaches
In Kāʻanapali, about 45–60 minutes from the airport · Families and snorkelling
1.Kāʻanapali Beach
Long golden beach with resort facilities, a beach walk and snorkelling at Black Rock.
In Wailea · Calm swimming and sunsets
2.Wailea Beach
Wide crescent in front of luxury resorts with calm morning water and views of Kahoʻolawe.
In Kīhei · Families with young children
3.Kamaʻole Beach Parks
Three sandy beach parks in Kīhei with lifeguards, grassy areas and gentle water most mornings.
About 10 minutes south of Wailea · Scenery and strong swimmers
4.Mākena Big Beach (Oneloa)
Wide, undeveloped stretch of golden sand with strong shorebreak.
In Nāpili, north of Kāʻanapali · Couples and snorkelling
5.Nāpili Bay
Small, sheltered bay with turtles and good snorkelling when calm.
About 2.5–3 hours from Kahului by car · Remote, lush scenery
6.Hāmoa Beach
Grey-sand crescent below green cliffs near Hāna, with bodysurfing in the right conditions.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C (75°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| February | 24°C (75°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| March | 24°C (75°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| April | 25°C (77°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| June | 26°C (79°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| November | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| December | 25°C (77°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for first-timers, families, beach and luxury
Kāʻanapali
Kāʻanapali has large resort hotels and condos along about 5 km of sand, joined by a paved beach walk, with Whalers Village shopping centre and Black Rock's snorkelling at the northern end. Sunsets face Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. It is about 45–60 minutes' drive from Kahului airport.
- Good
- Walkable resort strip with restaurants; Calm summer swimming and good snorkelling; Sunset views across the channel
- Watch out
- Long drive to Haleakalā and Hāna; Resort and parking fees add up
- Nearby
- Black Rock, Kāʻanapali Beach, Honolua Bay, Kapalua
Getting to the beaches
- Car — A hire car is essential for exploring.
- Bus — Maui Bus, run by the county, links Kahului with Kīhei, Wailea, Kāʻanapali and Upcountry towns on limited routes, at low fares but with infrequent services.
- Boat — Snorkel, whale-watching and sunset cruises leave Māʻalaea Harbor, Kīhei and Kāʻanapali Beach.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in January–December. The busiest of those is January, so book early.
Beach safety
Ocean conditions are the biggest risk: shorebreak, currents and high surf cause many visitor injuries, so swim at lifeguarded beaches and when in doubt stay out. Flash floods can turn streams dangerous within minutes on the Road to Hāna, and car break-ins at trailheads are common. The Haleakalā summit is cold and at high altitude. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Maui have beaches?
Yes: Kāʻanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, Kamaʻole Beach Parks, Mākena Big Beach (Oneloa), Nāpili Bay and Hāmoa Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Maui?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Maui?
Kāʻanapali Beach: Long golden beach with resort facilities, a beach walk and snorkelling at Black Rock.