The 5 Best Beaches on Maui in 2025

Maui has long held a reputation for being home to some of the world’s best beaches. From expansive, sun-soaked shorelines to sheltered coves with abundant marine life, Maui offers something for every type of beachgoer. Whether you’re looking to swim, snorkel, sunbathe or simply soak in the views, the Valley Isle delivers—and our readers seem to agree. Here, we spotlight the top five winners for Best Beach on Maui in HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. A few have even been named America’s Best Beach by acclaimed coastal ecologist Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman at one time or another.

1. Kāʻanapali Beach

Be sure to stay for sunset at Kāʻanapali Beach.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S. and the world, Kāʻanapali Beach is a top destination for couples, families and solo travelers. Once a retreat for Native Hawaiian royalty, it remains a significant site for culture and recreation in West Maui.

This three-mile stretch of white sand runs alongside Kāʻanapali’s resorts and condos, offering access to award-winning accommodations, sought-after restaurants, locally owned shops and iconic ocean activities.

A true bucket-list destination, Kāʻanapali Beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boat cruises, parasailing (late spring to early winter), whale watching (winter to spring) and stunning sunsets year-round.

Nearby resorts enhance the experience with amenities ranging from private poolside cabanas and indulgent spa treatments to lawn games.

Attend a lūʻau or keep it casual with happy hour at Leilani’s on the Beach or Monkeypod Kitchen—don’t miss the Hula Pie at the former or the mai tai topped with lilikoʻi foam at the latter. Cap off the evening by watching the nightly cliff diving ceremony at Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock).

Free and paid parking are available throughout the Kāʻanapali area. Note that lifeguards are not present at this beach.

READ MORE: Your Updated Guide to West Maui

2. Mākena Beach (aka Big Beach)

Mākena Beach offers a sense of seclusion and raw beauty that’s rare among Maui’s more popular beach destinations.
Photo: Getty Images/Troy Harrison

As one of the largest beaches in South Maui, Mākena is fittingly known as Big Beach.

With no resorts lining the shore, Mākena Beach offers a sense of seclusion and raw beauty that’s rare among Maui’s more developed beach destinations. Sweeping views of Molokini Crater and Kahoʻolawe add to the dramatic landscape.

This expansive stretch of sand is tucked between two black lava outcroppings that naturally shield it from trade winds, making it ideal for sunbathing, picnicking or a casual game of volleyball.

A premier spot for skimboarding, the beach is also renowned for bodyboarding and snorkeling—though swimmers should take caution, as the shore break can be intense and conditions are often challenging for beginners.

Food options are limited, so plan ahead or grab a bite from one of the nearby food trucks offering tacos, hot dogs or sandwiches. Picnic tables, trash cans and portable toilets are available in the park, and lifeguards are on duty.

3. Wailea Beach

Wailea Beach offers a graceful blend of cultural richness and refined relaxation.
Photo: Getty Images/YinYang

Rooted in Hawaiian history and located in the heart of Maui’s most luxurious resort community, Wailea Beach offers a graceful blend of cultural richness and refined relaxation.

Once an ancient Hawaiian settlement named after Lea, the goddess of canoe builders, the area later served as ranch land and a U.S. Marines training ground during World War II before developing into a luxurious visitor destination.

Although it is one of five beaches in the area, Wailea Beach is often considered the best because of its crystal-clear waters and soft, golden sand—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding or an outrigger canoe tour. If you’re lucky, you might spot a green sea turtle or even a humpback whale offshore (especially during the winter). The beach also boasts views of Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe on clear days.

Wailea Beach sits between two of Maui’s most iconic, world-class resorts: The Four Seasons Resort Maui—the filming site for “The White Lotus” — and the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Access the beach via a scenic 1.5-mile coastal trail that connects Wailea’s beaches, resorts and upscale restaurants like Spago by Wolfgang Puck or the newly opened Nobu Grand Wailea.

Public parking is available between the resorts, but it fills quickly, so it’s best to get there early. There are restrooms and showers at the beach, but there are no lifeguards on duty.

4. Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Bay is ideal for both sunbathing and ocean activities.
Photo: Getty Images/arkanto

Surrounded by lush greenery, lava rock headlands and two protective reefs, Kapalua Bay is ideal for both sunbathing and ocean activities. Its natural barriers shield the beach from swells, making it a safe choice for families and first-time snorkelers.

Start your day at the Aqualani (formerly Kapalua Bay Beach Crew) kiosk on the north end, where you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, paddleboards, kayaks, boogie boards, floaties and snorkel gear. The company also offers guided kayak and snorkel tours—an unforgettable way to explore this Marine Conservation District and its abundant coral reefs, tropical fish and even green sea turtles.

For those seeking a light hike, Kapalua Bay marks the start of the scenic 2.5-mile out-and-back Kapalua Coastal Trail, which stretches along the shoreline to D.T Fleming Beach.

While there is free parking available in a lot and along the street, spaces are limited, so arrive early to secure a spot. Amenities include public restrooms, showers, picnic tables and a water fountain. Note there are no lifeguards on duty.

5. Nāpili Bay

Nāpili Bay’s sunny shoreline and tranquil waters are naturally protected by fringing reefs and steep volcanic headlands.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

A West Side gem beloved by both locals and visitors, Nāpili Bay fronts low-rise condos and resorts that preserve the laid-back, old-Hawaiʻi charm.

Named after pili (an indigenous grass), the area was once used by Native Hawaiians for agriculture, fishing and spiritual purposes. It was later developed into a resort community by Dr. Dwight Baldwin, with the plantation-style Nāpili Kai Beach Resort opening in the 1960s.

The bay’s sunny shoreline and tranquil waters are naturally protected by fringing reefs and steep volcanic headlands. Summer brings prime conditions for snorkeling, paddling, boogie boarding or swimming—even for young children. In winter, the waters can be rougher, but whale watching opportunities from the shore more than makes up for it.

Stop by Snorkel Bob’s before hitting the beach for gear rentals (including wetsuits) or to book ocean tours like boat trips, surfing and kayaking.

Sea House Restaurant offers spectacular views right at the water’s edge, while The Gazebo—a local favorite—always has a line that proves worth the wait once you try the macadamia nut pancakes.

Parking is limited, both paid and along nearby streets. There are no public restrooms, but nearby resorts and restaurants may allow use of facilities, especially with a purchase or a polite ask. No lifeguards are on duty.

See all of the winners of our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.  

Ashley Probst is a longtime contributor to HAWAIʻI Magazine.