You Don’t Want To Miss These Five Beaches On Your Trip To South Maui!
When you think of a Maui vacation, what comes to mind first and foremost?… THE BEACH! Nothing says vacation like lying out on warm sand as the sun shines down and ocean waves crash upon the shore.
Can’t you almost smell the salty sea air, hear young children giggling as they build sandcastles nearby, and feel the stress melting out of your body? Maui offers 120 miles of coastline, including 30 miles of Maui beaches. Unless you plan to stay with us for a couple of months, you won’t have time to try them all. That’s why we have put together a list of our five favorite beaches of South Maui. Put every single one of these beaches on your schedule, and let the relaxation begin!
Ulua Beach
For those of you staying at the beautifully landscaped Wailea Elua Village, you’re already beachfront on one of the best beaches on the entire island: Ulua Beach. This beautiful sandy beach often has calm waters, plenty of sun, and relief from the crowds. With bathrooms and showers, and easy access to the neighboring beach Mokapu, we find ourselves at Ulua more than most beaches. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling and scuba. Some of the scuba schools will teach small groups along the outcropping of reef between Ulua and Mokapu. The snorkeling is outstanding, and for those that can free-dive, there’s a turtle cleaning station once you get to the 2nd cropping of reef. Make sure to bring a partner and know your limits.
Charley Young Beach & Kam 1
Charley Young Beach is a great option for visitors staying in Kihei. This large and beautiful beach promises soft, pristine sand and crystal-clear water. Even in the crowded season, there is plenty of room for all. Charley Young is a good swimming beach, so if you want to get wet on your beach trip or even burn some calories, take advantage of the warm, inviting water to do some real ocean swimming. Just be aware that no lifeguards are on duty, so be safe! The biggest drawback to Charley Young Beach is finding parking. Your best bet is to park on the side of South Kihei Road or to walk if you are staying close enough. If you want more parking and lifeguards, head south on the same beach to Kamaole Beach Park 1. Those staying at the Kamaole Nalu Resort will love the easy access of this beautiful, long Maui beach, along with the convenience of shopping and restaurants in walking distance.
Keawakapu Beach
If you want Maui beaches with breathtaking views, then you must visit Keawakapu Beach (pronounce the “w” like a “v”. Feel the stress melt away as you wander along this beautiful beach or meditate on its soft white sands. We know that Maui beaches are known for their pristine beauty, but Keawakapu takes the cake. Bring your camera and take plenty of pictures so everyone at home knows how good you’ve got it! Keawakapu is smaller than most beaches in Maui, which is why it often gets overlooked by tourists. In peak season when the other beaches are swarming, little Keawakapu can be a calm paradise. Just in front of the Mana Kai Resort, the reef on the right side of the beach also makes for some great snorkeling sights.
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach sits right in front of the elegant Four Seasons Resort and the amazing Grand Wailea Resort (you just have to see it to believe it). As a result, Wailea Beach can sometimes get thick with tourists, especially during peak season, but it is still well worth your time for a visit. The golden sand cushions each step as you walk along this crescent-shaped beach. The waves are gentle, warm, and refreshing. You’ll probably see lots of children and adults bodyboarding on the swells. Stand-up paddle boarding is also a popular pastime from this beach and in south maui in general). Look out from shore, and you’ll be able to see Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokini, and – if the season is right – even some whales in the distance. Wailea Beach is close to many great restaurants, bars, and shops, so you can make a whole day out of your trip to this beach.
Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach in North Kihei, Maui is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Located just to the north of Wailea, this white sand paradise stretches for miles and provides a stunning backdrop for swimming, walking, and other beach activities where you wouldn’t want a crowd. The warm waters of Sugar Beach are ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing – there’s something for everyone! The waves here are often very calm due to its location near the sheltered southern shores of Maui, but it can sometimes get some waves from south swells. If you’re looking for a spot to relax and soak up some sun or enjoy a long stroll, Sugar Beach is definitely worth a visit. Those staying at the Sugar Beach Resort are in the prime location to take advantage of this long stretch of quiet beach.
BONUS: Makena Beach (Big Beach)
Makena Beach State Park, also known as Big Beach, offers up a mile of soft, orange, and white sand and dazzling, blue-green ocean water. Big Beach is absolutely the tropical paradise you envision when you close your eyes and think about Hawaii. Big Beach is great for skimboarding, body boarding, and body surfing. CAUTION: Makena beach is known for its heavy shorebreak. The waves are big and powerful, which can make for lots of fun for experienced ocean swimmers only. Parents, keep a close eye on your little one! The deceptive waves on this beach are BIG. Makena Beach also includes picnic areas and shady patches under the trees for lunchtime or a bit of cooling off. Enjoy the beautiful cliffs in the distance and make sure to take plenty of pictures.
BONUS: Little Beach
For adults with an adventurous spirit, let your hair down and make your way from Big Beach around the corner and over the hill to Little Beach. This South Maui beach is beautiful and clean and offers great waves for body boarding. You might even find some surfers giving these waves a shot on the right day. But clear waters and an endless skyline aren’t the only interesting views to be seen. Little Beach is also a popular nudist beach. Though nude beaches are illegal in Maui, that doesn’t stop some of the island’s more relaxed tourists and locals from enjoying Little Beach in the buff. If you really want a show, visit Little Beach on a Sunday night before sunset, where large crowds come to beat on drums, dance, and have a great time. Let yourself go as the drum circle chants, fire twirlers juggle, and everyone around you sways to the beat. Clothes tend to be optional apparel for these celebrations, so only attend if you are comfortable with entertaining a lot of diverse experiences.
Other Maui Beaches
South Maui is known for its beaches, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the island isn’t worth exploring. From Baby Beach in Lahaina to the Black Sand Beach of Wai’anapanapa on the way to Hana Town, It’s worth spending a day exploring other areas.
Experience the best Maui has to offer, but please know your limits and always use caution before entering the water. Want even more guidance on the best beaches in South Maui? Give Ali’i Resorts a call toll-free at (855) 627-9527, and we can help you plan the Maui trip of a lifetime!
