Maui has more than 30 miles of sandy coastline spread across roughly 80 distinct beaches. Coverage is uneven: the west shore from Lahaina to Makena concentrates the most accessible, highest-rated beaches. The road to Hana adds a handful of remote strands that take commitment to reach. Water temperatures run 75-80°F year-round, and the trade winds that cool the island also generate small-to-medium waves along the north and east shores.
This covers the 8 best-reviewed beaches in Maui based on ratings and review counts from BeachCheck, with practical notes on what each one is actually suited for.
Makena Beach
Rating: 4.7 | 2,017 reviews
Makena Beach sits at the end of Makena Alanui Road, past the resort corridor. It is also called Big Beach or Oneloa, and it is the largest undeveloped beach on Maui: about half a mile of coarse white sand with no hotels, no concession stands, and a parking lot that fills by 9 AM on weekends.
The shore break here is steep and powerful. Waves hit the sandbar abruptly, and bodyboarders get launched. That same shore break makes swimming unpredictable for anyone who has not spent time reading the water. On calm days, entry is easy. After a swell, the beach conditions shift quickly. Lifeguards are not on duty year-round.
Little Beach is a short rock scramble around the north point and is clothing-optional. Review counts are separate but it pulls 4.8 stars across 625 reviews on its own profile.
The drive is 10 miles south of Kihei on Makena Alanui Road. No shuttle. Arrive before 8:30 AM or after 3 PM to find parking.
Black Rock Beach (Kaanapali)
Rating: 4.6 | 1,766 reviews
Black Rock Beach is the lava headland at the northern end of Kaanapali Beach, right in front of the Sheraton Maui. The snorkeling draws the review count: green sea turtles, reef fish, and clear water that is accessible from shore. No boat required. Depth increases quickly off the lava rocks, which makes it suitable for reasonably confident swimmers.
The cliff-jumping ledge at 10-15 feet is a crowd draw. Kids and adults use it. Be aware of surge: the lava is slippery when wet, and timing your jump requires watching the water.
Kaanapali Beach itself stretches 3 miles south from Black Rock. The hotels line the beachfront and provide shade, restrooms, and food nearby without requiring you to be a guest. Parking is in the Kaanapali resort complex and costs $5-10 depending on duration.
Keawakapu Beach
Rating: 4.8 | 988 reviews
Keawakapu Beach runs between South Kihei Road and the Wailea resort boundary. It is quieter than the resort beaches to the south and less crowded than Makena to the north, partly because parking requires finding street spots along South Kihei Road rather than using a lot.
The beach is about 0.7 miles long, mostly flat sand, with calm enough conditions most of the year for swimming. Offshore there is a reef system at around 30 feet that snorkelers reach by swimming out 200-300 yards. The morning hours are best: trade winds pick up afternoons and create chop.
There are public access points with outdoor showers at the north and south ends. No lifeguards, no facilities beyond the showers.
Hamoa Beach
Rating: 4.8 | 580 reviews
Hamoa Beach is 52 miles from Lahaina, past the town of Hana on the road to Kipahulu. The drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours each way. The beach is about 100 yards wide at low tide, gray-black sand from volcanic origin, with consistent wave action from the open Pacific.
The Hotel Hana-Maui manages the facilities and access ramp on the beach, but the beach is public. There is a public parking area above the beach with stairs down. The surf is genuine: waves break on the sand with force, and the water is not suitable for young children on most days. But on calm mornings, particularly in summer, swimming is possible in the protected northern corner.
The reason to make this drive is the combination of the beach itself, the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park (7 sacred pools, waterfalls), and the general absence of crowds. If you are already planning a Road to Hana trip, Hamoa is worth the stop. If you are not, the drive alone is unlikely to justify the day.
Makena Cove
Rating: 4.8 | 451 reviews
Makena Cove is a small rocky cove about a mile north of Big Beach, on Makena Alanui Road. It is sometimes called Secret Beach or Paipu Beach. The cove is sheltered by lava rock on three sides and attracts a mostly local crowd of snorkelers.
There is no formal parking lot. Roadside pulloffs along Makena Alanui hold 10-15 cars. The path to the cove is short and requires stepping over rocks. Snorkeling visibility averages 40-60 feet on calm days.
This is not a beach for swimming laps or bodysurfing. It works for reef exploration, photography, and quiet mornings away from the resort areas. Conditions vary significantly between calm and choppy days, more so than larger beaches.
Palauea Beach
Rating: 4.7 | 389 reviews
Palauea Beach runs between the Makena Beach and Golf Resort and the Wailea resort boundary. It is public beach but the access path requires knowing where to look: a short unmarked trail off Makena Alanui Road leads to the sand. No signage, no facilities.
The beach is about 0.4 miles long, white sand, relatively flat. The water is calmer than Makena and has a small reef at the southern end that works for snorkeling. Sea turtles visit the beach regularly and rest on the sand in the afternoon, particularly at the south end.
This is a better option than the resort beaches for anyone willing to walk a few minutes. The review count reflects real use rather than tourist overflow.
Charley Young Beach
Rating: 4.8 | 208 reviews
Charley Young Beach is a small patch of sand in central Kihei between two rock points, accessed via Kaiau Place off South Kihei Road. The beach is narrow, typically 20-30 feet wide at high tide, widening at low tide.
It is calm enough most of the year for children. Snorkeling off the north rocks is productive when conditions are clear. The location inside Kihei means it is close to accommodation, restaurants, and parking along South Kihei Road, which is a meaningful practical advantage over beaches further south.
The beach is not large enough to handle volume. If you arrive with 15 people expecting to set up a full day camp, this is the wrong spot. For a household or small group staying in Kihei, it works as a daily beach without requiring a drive.
Big Beach (Makena State Park)
Rating: 4.7 | 267 reviews
Big Beach, the main section of Makena State Park, is the same beach as the Makena Beach entry above listed under a separate listing in the directory. The two listings reflect the state park designation vs the general beach name. The data overlaps, but the separate profile captures additional reviews from visitors who search by park name.
The practical notes are the same: powerful shore break, no lifeguards on duty most days, parking fills by mid-morning on weekends. First parking lot is on the left past the Makena Surf Resort, and a second overflow lot is further down. Portable restrooms are available.
Practical Notes for Maui Beaches
Best for families with small children: Charley Young Beach in Kihei (calm, central location), or Keawakapu Beach when trade winds are light.
Best snorkeling: Black Rock Beach at Kaanapali, or Makena Cove for a smaller, quieter reef.
Best for experienced swimmers and bodyboarders: Makena Beach (Big Beach). Shore break is real; conditions vary by day.
Furthest from the crowds: Hamoa Beach, 52 miles from Lahaina. Commitment required.
Worst for parking: Makena Beach on weekends. Arrive before 9 AM.
Browse the full list of Hawaii beaches on BeachCheck to compare ratings and plan your visit.