Honolua Bay - While not offering much of a beach, Honolua Bay is one of the best locations to experience the beauty of Maui’s underwater world. Few places on the island are better for snorkeling than Honolua. The crystal-blue waters and giant reefs provide an array of fish of every color and shape. Charter boats often anchor here to let their passengers enjoy the the beauty of this protected bay.
Mokule'ia (Slaughterhouse) Beach - A crescent of white sand provides a perfect environment for the sun lovers, while the more active explore the incredible snorkeling found in this tiny bay. Conditions can be dangerous in the winter when heavy surf pounds the shore, but the summer is usally perfect for bodysurfing. Concrete stairs lead down to this wondwerful beach that is still called "Slaughterhouse" by the locals.
D.T. (David Thomas) Fleming Beach - Fleming Beach, one of the best and biggest beaches on the northwest side of the island is located between two large reefs at the bottom of the Kapalua Ritz-Carlton. Accomadations provided by the park include restrooms, barbecue grills, showers, and a lifeguard. Under good conditions, Fleming is a great family beach.
Kapalua Bay Beach - Kapalua Bay Beach is one of the most popular destinations for beach-goers on the northwest side of the island. It is a crescent of white sand nestled between two black lava rock points which reach out into the sea and protect the bay from the rough ocean currents. Kapalua Bay Beach offers a little bit of everything, including public accomadations include bathrooms, two showers, and an activities rental shack.
Napili Bay Beach - Napili Bay is a world-class beach that draws bodyboarders during the winter months and in the summer is ideal for swimmers. Napili Bay Beach is often overlooked in favor of its neighbor, Kapalua Beach but has fewer beachgoers. Public access is found at the end of Hui St. off of Lower Honoapiilani Highway. Parking is legal along the street, with a convenience store and beach shower adding to the amenities.
Kahana Beach - Beginning at the Kahana Beach Resort and continuing past the Sands of Kahana, this stretch of beach is never very crowded, but not worth a special trip.
Kahikili (Airport) Beach - This beach, adjacent to Kaanapali, offers an expansive stretch of white sand that is ideal year-round swimming. This is the perfect place for a day at the beach if are not looking for seclusion but still expect to find restrooms, a grassy area and plenty of space to spread your beach blanket.
Kaanapali Beach - One of the longest stretches of white sand coastline on the island this beach offers an incredible array of activities and amenities. Charter boats regularly set sail from shore, and rental companies offer all kinds of activities. The sun-bathing here is world-class, although you will have to search for any shady areas if you need to get out of the midday sun. Beyond the beach Kaanapali offers some of the finest resort accomadations, shopping, and beachfront restaurants in the Hawaiian Islands.
Hanaka'o'o (Canoe) Beach - Called Canoe Beach by almost everyone, this park area is perfect for a number of activities including bodyboarding, swimming and sunbathing, but the beach lacks the pristine quality of a Kaanapali or Kapalua Beach.
Wahikuli Beach Park - This is a wonderful beach located on the northern edge of Lahaina Town is convenient place for a barbecue and a quick dip in the ocean. There is plenty of parking and dacilities.
Puamana Beach Park - Known to some locals as "Hot Sands", this park just south of Lahaina Town is a popular spot for surfers. Like many of the beaches along the highway between Maalaea and Lahaina, this is a nice spot but it lacks the qualities which would make it memorable.
Launiopoko State Wayside Park - This popular spot for novice surfers but little else. Facilities includie bathrooms, showers, barbecues, and picnic tables. LOcated just a few miles south of Lahaina Town. Look for the sign.
Mile Marker 14 - As the name suggests, the beach is located at mile marker 14 on Honoapiilani Highway(30). and is a favorite snorkeling spot for tourists. While it does not offer the incredible snorkeling of a Honolua Bay or La Perouse, it is much more accessible . The water here is usually very tranquil and shallow, making it necessary to negotiate your way through channels in spots where the coral reaches the surface.
Ukumehame Beach - Popular with local fishermen, this beach has little else to make it stand out in the crowd of excellent Maui beaches. There is a paved parking lot, some grills and picnic tables, and a restroom. The beach is rather small and the shoreline is rocky. All in all, not a very exciting place for a day at the beach. Located between mile markers 12 and 13 on Honoapiilani Highway. Look for the sign.
Papalaua Beach - Sometimes referred to as "Thousand Peaks," this beach is long and narrow, with plenty of space to lay out. But look out for the numerous and painful kiawe tree stickers. Like other beaches along the highway, Papalaua can be convenient if not spectacular. On Honoapiilani Highway between mile markers 11 and 12. .
