10 Best Local Beaches on Maui

While many visitors flock to the well-known shores of Wailea and Kaanapali, Maui is also home to lesser-known beaches beloved by locals. Here’s a guide to ten local favorites that offer beauty and tranquility away from the usual tourist spots.

Slaughterhouse Beach

Located past Kapalua on the upper west side, Slaughterhouse Beach is stunning despite its grim name. This spot is accessible via a steep, paved trail that leads to secluded sands and crystalline waters. Renowned for snorkeling, visitors can explore vibrant marine life, while the nearby freshwater spring adds a unique natural feature.

Pros:

• Gorgeous secluded setting.
• Excellent snorkeling opportunities.
• Unique freshwater spring near the shore.

Cons:

• Access requires a steep descent, which may be challenging for some visitors.
• Less accessible in terms of facilities and amenities.

Launiupoko Beach

This west Maui beach is a local favorite for family outings and surfing. The park offers a shallow, protected lagoon making it ideal for children or beginner swimmers. Surfers enjoy consistent waves that cater to various skill levels. With ample park amenities including picnic areas, showers, and stunning views of Lanai, Launiupoko is perfect for a full day on the water.

Pros:

• Shallow, protected lagoon ideal for children and beginner swimmers.
• Consistent waves suitable for all levels of surfers.
• Well-equipped with park amenities like picnic areas and showers.

Cons:

• Can be crowded, especially on weekends.
• Limited parking spaces available during peak times.

Baby Beach – Paia

Situated in the charming town of Paia, Baby Beach features calm waters shielded by a natural reef barrier, making it exceptionally safe for young children. The beach is known for its long stretches of soft sand and gentle waters, ideal for sunbathing and leisurely swims.

Pros:

• Protected by a barrier reef, providing calm waters.
• Long stretches of soft sand ideal for sunbathing.
• Generally less crowded than more popular tourist beaches.

Cons:

• Limited facilities such as showers and restrooms.
• Occasionally subject to seaweed wash-up.

Ho’okipa Beach

As the wind surfing capital of the world and a hotspot for big wave surfing, Hookipa Beach offers spectacular water sports opportunities. Located on the North Shore, this beach also provides excellent conditions for seasoned surfers and wind surfers. During quieter summer months, snorkelers can enjoy clear waters and frequent turtle sightings.

Pros:

• Renowned spot for wind surfing and big wave surfing.
• Excellent snorkeling during calmer months.
• Frequent sightings of sea turtles.

Cons:

• Often very windy, which may not suit all beachgoers.
• Strong currents and waves can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.

Ukumehame Beach

Ukumehame Beach, found on the west side of Maui, is beloved for its surf and easy accessibility from Honoapiilani Highway. Known as Thousand Peaks, the area offers numerous breaks suitable for longboarding. The beach is also a popular spot for local campers who enjoy the scenic backdrop and oceanfront camping.

Pros:

• Offers numerous surf breaks, ideal for longboarding.
• Easily accessible, right off the highway.
• Popular local spot for camping.

Cons:

• Limited shade and facilities.
• Can be noisy due to proximity to the highway.

Waianapanapa State Park

Famous for its stunning black sand beach, Waianapanapa State Park near Hana offers much more than just unique sands. The area is rich with history, featuring ancient Hawaiian burial sites, sea caves, and natural stone arches. It’s a wonderful place for exploration, hiking, and soaking in panoramic coastal views.

Pros:

• Features unique black sand and rich cultural sites.
• Diverse activities including hiking, exploring caves, and viewing ancient sites.
• Stunning natural scenery.

Cons:

• Can be very busy during peak tourist season.
• Remote location makes it a longer drive from major tourist areas.

Hamoa Beach

Hamoa Beach, just past Hana, is often listed among the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Surrounded by steep cliffs and dense vegetation, its remote location makes it a peaceful retreat. The beach’s fine gray sand and clear blue waters are ideal for swimming and bodysurfing.

Pros:

• Surrounded by natural beauty and steep cliffs.
• Ideal for swimming and bodysurfing.
• Less crowded due to its remote location.

Cons:

• Access can be difficult, especially during wet conditions.
• Limited facilities and no lifeguards on duty.

  Hamoa Beach, just past Hana, is often listed among the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Surrounded by steep cliffs and dense vegetation, its remote location makes it a peaceful retreat. The beach’s fine gray sand and clear blue waters are ideal for swimming and bodysurfing.

  Pros:

  • Surrounded by natural beauty and steep cliffs.
  • Ideal for swimming and bodysurfing.
  • Less crowded due to its remote location.

  Cons:

  • Access can be difficult, especially during wet conditions.
  • Limited facilities and no lifeguards on duty.

Big Beach

One of Maui’s largest beaches, Big Beach in Makena State Park offers extensive sandy stretches and impressive shore breaks that attract both swimmers and body surfers. The lack of development nearby preserves its natural beauty, making it perfect for those seeking a more untouched beach experience.

Pros:

• Extensive sandy stretches perfect for beach activities.
• Impressive shore breaks for body surfing.
• Relatively unspoiled and less commercialized.

Cons:

• The powerful shore break can be dangerous for the unwary.
• No lifeguards on duty, which increases safety risks.

Little Beach

Adjacent to Big Beach, Little Beach is accessible via a short climb over rocks and is known for its privacy and free-spirited atmosphere. Popular with nudists and those looking for a less conventional beach experience, it also hosts weekly drum circles that add to its unique, communal vibe.

Pros:

• Offers a sense of privacy and a free-spirited atmosphere.
• Weekly drum circles provide a unique cultural experience.
• Good for snorkeling and swimming.

Cons:

• Access requires climbing over rocks, which might be difficult for some.
• The nudist aspect may not appeal to all visitors.

Fleming Beach

Located near Kapalua, Fleming Beach is a hit with bodyboarders and surfers due to its consistent waves. The beach is equipped with lifeguards, making it safer for less experienced swimmers. Nearby amenities and the scenic Mahana Ridge Trail, which offers hiking opportunities, make it a well-rounded beach destination.

Pros:

• Great for bodyboarding and surfing with consistent waves.
• Well-maintained with facilities like restrooms and a lifeguard on duty.
• Nearby hiking opportunities with scenic views.

Cons:

• Sometimes crowded, particularly on weekends.
• The surf can be too challenging for beginners.

Each beach offers its own slice of paradise with distinct characteristics and activities. Whether you’re into active water sports, peaceful retreats, or rich cultural experiences, these local favorites provide a glimpse into Maui’s diverse coastal beauty.