9 Best Maui Beaches for Swimming in 2024

We start this guide right with the main topic, the best beaches for a swim in Maui – While it might sound like a given, the beaches below are mostly great for swimming, as opposed to other ones on the island that are better for diving or snorkeling in Maui.

We separate this section into 3 parts – The beaches for swimming in West Maui, South Maui, and other ones that are worth checking out.

West Maui has calm, clear waters thanks to the West Maui Mountains. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting marine life.

No trip to Maui is complete without visiting some of these beaches. And you might even see a sea turtle!

Ka’anapali Beach

Ka’anapali Beach is on Maui’s west coast just north of Lahaina. Three miles of golden sand and crystal-clear water are perfect for swimming, snorkeling (read: taking photos underwater!), and sunbathing. Luxury resorts, shops, and restaurants line the beach so there are plenty of amenities for an amazing day out.

Black Rock at the north end is a great snorkeling spot where you can see tons of marine life. Public access points with parking but it fills up fast. Public restrooms and showers along the beach. Ka’anapali Beach has it all!

That being said, the best spot for seeing marine life in Maui is Molokini Crater, and you’ll have to book a Molokini snorkeling adventure by boat if you want to reach it. Is it worth it? Definitely, and we recommend booking now before the tour sells out.

Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Bay is on Maui’s northwest coast. A beautiful crescent-shaped beach with calm, clear water, and white sand. Great for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding due to the reef that creates gentle conditions.

Lush tropical landscaping and upscale resorts surround the bay, and you’ll love the unique setting. Limited parking near the beach so get there early.

All in all, it’s the perfect spot to spend a relaxing day by the ocean, peaceful yet active enough to spend a couple of hours.

Napili Bay

Napili Bay is on Maui’s northwest shore. A peaceful and turquoise water beach with soft golden sand. A crescent-shaped beach perfect for families with safe swimming and great snorkeling.

The scenery with lush greenery and sunsets is beautiful. Restrooms and a few restaurants nearby so it’s a great day trip with everything you need.

Parking can be limited so get there early. Napili Bay’s calm water and views are a local and visitor favorite – And this means peaceful retreat and tons of fun in the sun.

South Maui has beautiful beaches. This area gets more sun so it’s a great option for those who want to get some sun while taking a dip in the Pacific.

Makena Beach (Big Beach)

Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, is in Makena State Park on Maui’s south coast. It’s one of the largest beaches in Maui with a huge expanse of golden sand and blue water.

Great for sunbathing, swimming, and bodyboarding but the shore break is strong so be careful. Makena Beach has plenty of parking and basic facilities like restrooms and picnic areas so it’s a full-day beach trip.

The natural beauty and space of the beach are perfect for both relaxation and adventure – Plus, this area is known by locals as Turtle Town, and you’ll be able to snorkel with turtles. That being said, the waves are sometimes rough, so check the forecast before going.

Wailea Beach

Wailea Beach is on Maui’s south coast. A beautiful beach with soft white sand and calm clear water.

Part of the Wailea resort area with high-end hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There’s parking at public access points, but spots fill up fast, especially during peak times, so keep that in mind if you rent a car.

In addition, there are public restrooms and showers nearby. Wailea Beach is perfect for a day of relaxation and luxury by the ocean.

Charley Young Beach

Charley Young Beach is at the north end of Kamaole I Beach in Kihei. A local and tourist favorite. Soft white sand and calm clear water.

It’s great for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing, and you can’t really go wrong picking this beach for a day out.

More laid back than some of the bigger and more crowded beaches on Maui. Parking in nearby lots and along South Kihei Road but it can get busy. In short, Charley Young Beach is a great spot for a relaxing beach day.

We’ve covered the top swimming beaches on West and South Maui but here are a few more that are a little different.

These areas are less crowded so they’re great for those who want to get off the beaten path.

Hanakao’o Beach

This West Maui beach park has beautiful views and is a peaceful spot for those looking to escape some of the busier tourist areas. Hanakao’o means “digging stick bay” and was once called Sand Box Beach.

It was named after a box of sand that was left on the beach in the early 1900s. This little gem is great for just enjoying the water or reading a book. There are a few resorts nearby, which is nice if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists in the main areas of Maui.

Ho’okipa Beach Park

If you want more action, this North Shore beach park is along the Hana Highway, and many tours of the Road to Hana stop here, so make sure to book before they sell out.

Ho’okipa Beach Park is known as the “birthplace of modern surfing” and it’s a great spot to catch big waves or watch the windsurfers who frequent the area. There are designated swimming areas at this beach but be aware of the conditions which can change quickly.

Baldwin Beach Park

This North Shore beach park is almost a mile long and has soft sand and protected swimming areas. Baldwin is a great spot for families and is locally called Baby Beach.

When you need a break from swimming there are picnic tables and BBQs where you can sit and eat with your family.

When heading to the beaches of Maui, be sure to pack the right stuff so your day is fun and stress-free. First and foremost, bring reef-safe sunscreen. This protects your skin from the harsh UV rays and helps keep the coral reefs healthy so Maui’s underwater world can continue to thrive.

Beach towels are a must for lounging on the sand and drying off after your swim.

Apart from that, hydration is key in Maui’s tropical climate so pack plenty of water. The sun and sea can dehydrate you quickly so make sure to drink throughout the day.

A waterproof phone case is a great addition to your beach bag so you can take amazing photos without worrying about water damage.

In addition to these must-haves, here are a few more tips to ensure a safe and fun beach day. Always respect the ocean and its power.

Conditions can change quickly so stay informed on local surf reports and be aware of hazards. Swimming with a buddy is always a good idea, for mutual support and safety. Apply and reapply sunscreen often, especially after swimming to stay protected from the sun’s strong rays.

Don’t forget to bring snacks or a picnic lunch to keep you fueled and consider bringing a beach umbrella or tent for shade. With these tips and packing smart, you’ll be able to make the most of your beach time on Maui and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.