Whether your idea of a day at the beach consists of lounging on golden sand, surrounded by palm trees and turquoise water or going out for a bodyboarding session before enjoying an afternoon beach barbecue, West Maui has a beach for you. Enjoy this list of the most popular West Maui Beaches, and remember to practice the proper safety precautions while in the ocean!
1. Ka'anapali Beach
Ka'anapali Beach is a 3-mile, picturesque beach in West Maui, famous for great snorkeling, morning walks and cliff jumping from atop the volcanic ocean cliff known as Black Rock. Named America's Best Beach in 2003, this popular hangout is fronted by high end resorts and a great place to spend the day with family and friends.
Golden-white sandy beach
Calm conditions with possibility of strong currents
Excellent snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving
Nightly cliff diving ceremony
Walking trail off of beach
Shopping and restaurants within walking distance
Great whale watching and sunset views
Abundant coral, tropical fish and sea turtles
Public restroom facilities in nearby Whalers Village
No lifeguards
Parking lots nearby - look for blue Shoreline Access signs for free parking lots
2. Napili Bay
One of the most beautiful beaches in West Maui, Napili Bay is a popular hangout for visitors and residents and an excellent spot to enjoy a midday nap, picnic, stand-up paddle board session or refreshing swim. Although it's not visible from the street, you'll likely know when you've arrived based on the cars parked up and down the street.
Golden-white sandy beach
Steep incline into the water, but calm conditions with possibility of gentle waves
Excellent snorkeling, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) on both sides of the bay
Great sunset views and possible whale watching
Abundant coral and tropical fish
Restaurants within walking distance
No public restrooms - reserved for those staying in nearby hotels and condos
No lifeguards
Street parking can be hard to find, so get here early for the best results
3. Baby Beach
Pu'unoa Beach, also known as Lahaina's Baby Beach, is a great option if you plan on going to the beach with small children in West Maui. Often visited by local families, this beach is perfect for those of you who aren't serious swimmers or don't want to worry about waves knocking over your little ones.
Dark brown sandy Beach
Calm conditions because of exposed reef protection
Extremely shallow, so best swimming is for small children
Not good for snorkeling or scuba diving
Great views of neighbor islands
Shopping and restaurants within walking distance
Great whale watching and sunset views
Public restroom facilities nearby
No lifeguards
Street parking or lot parking in Lahaina
4. Shark Pit
If you're looking for a surf spot in West Maui, head to Shark Pit at the south end of Lahaina. Follow the Shoreline Access signs and enjoy a surf session, which may or may not be crowded depending on the day and time. Shark Pit is our pick for the Best Shortboard Spot in Lahaina.
Breaks right and left with hollow waves
White Tip Reef Shark hangout
Abundant reef and marine life
Paddle out near the boats to the left across the "Shark Pit" Channel
Located on the side of the highway between Lahaina and Ka'anapali, Wahikuli State Park is a great place to enjoy a beach barbecue with friends and family. A popular hangout for Maui locals, head here for morning snorkeling and swimming before enjoying lunch with a view.
Dark sandy beach
Generally calm conditions with possible currents and waves
Shopping and restaurants close, but not necessarily walking distance - bring your own food and drinks instead
Steep drop-offs, not best for small children
Good snorkeling and swimming
Great whale watching and sunset views
Public restroom facilities, barbecue grills, picnic tables, grassy areas
No lifeguards
Parking available, but fills up in the afternoons
6. Kapalua Bay
Named America's Best Beach in 1991, Kapalua Bay is exactly what comes to mind when you think of tropical Hawaiian paradise. Offering sheltered conditions that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling year-round, Kapalua Bay is the perfect place to enjoy the day outdoors in West Maui, although you should expect others to have the same idea.
Golden-white sandy beach
Calm conditions with possibility of current and gentle breaking waves
Excellent snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving
Vibrant marine life, including corals, tropical fish and turtles
Great sunset views
Public restroom facilities at top of trail
Nearby beach shack with snacks and drinks
No lifeguards
Parking in front of beach path, back rows of Tennis Club or lot at end of Kapalua Place
Can't get enough of Kapalua Bay? Fortunately, one of the best accommodations on the island, Montage Kapalua Bay, sits a stone's throw from Kapalua's golden sands. Guests of Montage can enjoy the resort's luxury microcosm, home to the renowned Spa Montage, award-winning restaurants like Cane and Canoe, upscale accommodations, and countless top-end amenities- all with Kapalua Bay at their doorstep.
7. Alii Kahekili Beach Park
Also known as Kahekili Beach, Airport Beach and North Ka'anapali Beach, this beach is located just north of Black Rock. This scenic beach offers lots in the way of facilities, with a covered pavilion and barbecue grills. Head here for a fun swimming or snorkeling session with friends and family.
Golden-white sandy beach
Calm conditions with possibility of strong currents
Excellent snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving
Great whale watching and sunset views
Restaurants within walking distance, but best to bring your own food and drinks
Steep drop-offs, not best for small children
Public restroom facilities, barbecue grills, seating area, covered pavilion, grassy areas
No lifeguards
Parking available, but fills up in the afternoons
8. Launiupoko Beach Park
A great option for longboard surfers, families and those who enjoy outdoor picnics, Launiupoko Beach is our pick for Best Longboard Beach in West Maui. A popular hangout for Maui locals, this beach park is perfect for a quick swim or surf session. Because of a natural pool with surrounding lava rock wall, small children will enjoy swimming in the shallow, warm waters.
Dark sandy beach
Consistent surf break beyond rock wall
Great for relaxed swimming and stand-up paddle boarding
Great whale watching and sunset views
No restaurants or shopping within walking distance
Public restroom facilities, barbecue grills, picnic tables, grassy areas
No lifeguards
Parking available in lot, but often crowded
9. Oneloa Bay Beach
Also known as Ironwoods, this beautiful West Maui beach is a great option for surfers and those looking to enjoy Maui scenery from the shore. While not a good option for swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving, we recommend enjoying a surf session or relaxed, scenic breakfast here at least once.
Golden-white sandy beach
Take a walk on nearby Kapalua Coastal Trail
Often uncrowded
Windy in the afternoons
Good surfing and bodyboarding during north swells
Not good for swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving when rough - if calm, enter on the west end of beach
Not good for small children
Restaurants and shopping at nearby Ritz Carlton Resort, but best to bring your own food and drinks
Named America's Best Beach in 2006, D.T. Fleming Beach is a beautiful beach fronting the The Ritz Carlton in Kapalua. While we can't recommend this beach for small children due to rough conditions and waves, this is a great beach for those of you who enjoy playing in the waves or watching others do so.
Golden-white sandy beach
Strong rip currents and powerful waves are common
Not good for relaxed swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or small children
Windy in the afternoons
Good surfing and bodyboarding during north swells
Scenic beach with excellent views
Restaurants and shopping available in The Ritz Carlton, but best to bring your own food and drinks
Public restroom facilities, barbecue grills, picnic tables, grassy areas
