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Location: Southwest Maui
Nearly all of the seaside resorts in this area back up to Ka'anapali Beach, a three mile stretch of sand suitable for frolicking with a sidewalk that runs the entire length by the hotels to Black Rock. Black Rock slices across the beach and is a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Those in search of their scuba certification on this part of the island will likely do your first dive at Black Rock. There are also plenty more opportunities to whet your appetite for water sports such as parasailing, wind surfing and jet skis.
Nearly all of the seaside resorts in this area back up to Ka'anapali Beach, a three mile stretch of sand suitable for frolicking with a sidewalk that runs the entire length by the hotels to Black Rock. Black Rock slices across the beach and is a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Those in search of their scuba certification on this part of the island will likely do your first dive at Black Rock. There are also plenty more opportunities to whet your appetite for water sports such as parasailing, wind surfing and jet skis.
Location: South Maui
This protected bay makes it a haven for fish of all kinds and an excellent spot for snorkeling, but the area has become another victim of popular guidebooks.
Ahihi Kina'u is actually a natural area reserve, not a recreational park. Many of the hikes are over treacherous, barren, hot and remote a'a lava and through sensitive land of historical and ecological nature. As a result there has been a lot of damage to archaeological sites. The fragile anchialine pools, home to unique species of brine shrimp endemic to Maui, have been threatened by visitors who have actually swam in them, leaving behind their sunscreen on the water.
The bay is relatively shallow, less than 15 feet, or about 100 feet from shore. The bay gradually gets deeper, but not more than about 25 or 35 feet. Snorkeling off to the left (east) shows off the extensive coral formations. There are sand trenches and shallow caves in convoluted canyons near the shore. A little further out, where the coral has fewer deep cuts, are numerous Hawaiian Green Sea turtles. Please do NOT touch any of the turtles, as you can deliver infections to them through human-touch. Large tarpon have been seen, often being mistaken for a small shark.
When the waves come directly into the bay it is too dangerous to snorkel. The bay is very shallow and there are large rocks all over the place. The current isn't too bad until you get way outside the bay. Parking is a bit far away from the bay, so do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended.
That all said, we advise people show some aloha and skip this location.
This protected bay makes it a haven for fish of all kinds and an excellent spot for snorkeling, but the area has become another victim of popular guidebooks.
Ahihi Kina'u is actually a natural area reserve, not a recreational park. Many of the hikes are over treacherous, barren, hot and remote a'a lava and through sensitive land of historical and ecological nature. As a result there has been a lot of damage to archaeological sites. The fragile anchialine pools, home to unique species of brine shrimp endemic to Maui, have been threatened by visitors who have actually swam in them, leaving behind their sunscreen on the water.
The bay is relatively shallow, less than 15 feet, or about 100 feet from shore. The bay gradually gets deeper, but not more than about 25 or 35 feet. Snorkeling off to the left (east) shows off the extensive coral formations. There are sand trenches and shallow caves in convoluted canyons near the shore. A little further out, where the coral has fewer deep cuts, are numerous Hawaiian Green Sea turtles. Please do NOT touch any of the turtles, as you can deliver infections to them through human-touch. Large tarpon have been seen, often being mistaken for a small shark.
When the waves come directly into the bay it is too dangerous to snorkel. The bay is very shallow and there are large rocks all over the place. The current isn't too bad until you get way outside the bay. Parking is a bit far away from the bay, so do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended.
That all said, we advise people show some aloha and skip this location.
Location: Northwest Maui
Oneloa or Ironwoods beach is a quiet stretch of shoreline located in the northern portion of West Maui between Kapalua and Napili.
Public parking and beach access is present but hard to find, most folks don't realize there is a beach. That makes this beach nice, quiet and uncrowded.
The beach is surrounded by private property so it is near several private residences. Please don't block any access, and respect the privacy of the residents.
This is a quiet, romantic beach. Afternoon and evening walks are wonderful along this beach. There is plenty of room to play and a great view of Molokai.
The beach itself is wide and sandy. It is bordered on the north by 20 foot lava cliffs that are a portion of the natural water hazard for the golf course above the beach. If you decide to 'beach' at the north end, be careful of golf balls occasionally coming down around you.
Oneloa or Ironwoods beach is a quiet stretch of shoreline located in the northern portion of West Maui between Kapalua and Napili.
Public parking and beach access is present but hard to find, most folks don't realize there is a beach. That makes this beach nice, quiet and uncrowded.
The beach is surrounded by private property so it is near several private residences. Please don't block any access, and respect the privacy of the residents.
This is a quiet, romantic beach. Afternoon and evening walks are wonderful along this beach. There is plenty of room to play and a great view of Molokai.
The beach itself is wide and sandy. It is bordered on the north by 20 foot lava cliffs that are a portion of the natural water hazard for the golf course above the beach. If you decide to 'beach' at the north end, be careful of golf balls occasionally coming down around you.
Location: South Maui
Palauea, means "lazy" which is exactly how you'll want to be once you reach this lovely south Maui beach. Located off Makena Road, this medium sized beach is underused. The snorkeling and scuba are excellent here. Rock formations on either side of the beach are good snorkeling spots while the south end of the beach with all its rock formations is best for diving. Since Palauea is a recessed bay, it does not get as windy as some other south Maui beaches.
There are no facilities or life guard at this beach. If the waves are pounding, stay out of the bay. Never leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach.
Palauea, means "lazy" which is exactly how you'll want to be once you reach this lovely south Maui beach. Located off Makena Road, this medium sized beach is underused. The snorkeling and scuba are excellent here. Rock formations on either side of the beach are good snorkeling spots while the south end of the beach with all its rock formations is best for diving. Since Palauea is a recessed bay, it does not get as windy as some other south Maui beaches.
There are no facilities or life guard at this beach. If the waves are pounding, stay out of the bay. Never leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach.
Location: Northeast Maui
While you’re in Hana make sure to take a moment to stop by Hana Bay where you’ll find a large black sand beach. The black sand was formed as lava eroded slowly over time, eventually washing up around the bay. Swimming is usually pretty good, but be sure to check with a local resident before jumping in.
The Hana pier is located on the right side of the bay and offers a unique view of Hana town if you have a chance to walk out on it. The large hill at the far right end of the bay is Ka‘uiki Hill. If you walk to the end of the road where the pier begins, you should be able to find a trail heading up and around the hill. If you follow it a while you can get some nice views of the Hana coastline, Hana town, and even visit a small red sand pocket beach about 200 yards into the hike. Sand can vary at the beach throughout the year, so don’t expect much. The best treat along this hike is the view of Hana town with Haleakala in the background.
While you’re in Hana make sure to take a moment to stop by Hana Bay where you’ll find a large black sand beach. The black sand was formed as lava eroded slowly over time, eventually washing up around the bay. Swimming is usually pretty good, but be sure to check with a local resident before jumping in.
The Hana pier is located on the right side of the bay and offers a unique view of Hana town if you have a chance to walk out on it. The large hill at the far right end of the bay is Ka‘uiki Hill. If you walk to the end of the road where the pier begins, you should be able to find a trail heading up and around the hill. If you follow it a while you can get some nice views of the Hana coastline, Hana town, and even visit a small red sand pocket beach about 200 yards into the hike. Sand can vary at the beach throughout the year, so don’t expect much. The best treat along this hike is the view of Hana town with Haleakala in the background.
Location: Northeast Maui
H. A. Baldwin Park, a tribute to Harry A. Baldwin for his contributions to Maui, is more than just a beach. There are fields for soccer and softball as well as several picnic pavilions and barbecues. The beach is lovely for swimming, but can get a bit windy in the afternoons for sunbathers. This is a family beach which is popular with the locals in Paia, so try to steer clear on the weekends.
While the area is lovely for beach goers, it is also popular for thieves as the parking lot is obscured by sand dunes and sea grass. Don't leave valuables in your car or on the beach while you swim. Also, use common caution.
Baldwin offers restrooms, showers, drinking water, pay phones and an on-duty lifeguard.
H. A. Baldwin Park, a tribute to Harry A. Baldwin for his contributions to Maui, is more than just a beach. There are fields for soccer and softball as well as several picnic pavilions and barbecues. The beach is lovely for swimming, but can get a bit windy in the afternoons for sunbathers. This is a family beach which is popular with the locals in Paia, so try to steer clear on the weekends.
While the area is lovely for beach goers, it is also popular for thieves as the parking lot is obscured by sand dunes and sea grass. Don't leave valuables in your car or on the beach while you swim. Also, use common caution.
Baldwin offers restrooms, showers, drinking water, pay phones and an on-duty lifeguard.
Location: South Maui
Shady, sandy and safe for the kids - Maluaka seems like the ideal Maui beach. This beach fronts the Maui Prince Hotel off Makena Road in South Maui.
At the south end of the beach, there is excellent snorkeling, and good diving a bit further out. At the north end of the beach there is decent snorkeling, but it is a bit shallow for diving.
As with most beach in the islands, if the surf is crashing, stay out of the water. Rip tides and strong currents pose a genuine threat. There is no full time lifeguard. Parking is just past the Maui Prince Hotel. Do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach. There is a second parking lot near the Keawala'i Church but it is kind of isolated. The showers and restrooms are at the parking lot across the street from the church.
Shady, sandy and safe for the kids - Maluaka seems like the ideal Maui beach. This beach fronts the Maui Prince Hotel off Makena Road in South Maui.
At the south end of the beach, there is excellent snorkeling, and good diving a bit further out. At the north end of the beach there is decent snorkeling, but it is a bit shallow for diving.
As with most beach in the islands, if the surf is crashing, stay out of the water. Rip tides and strong currents pose a genuine threat. There is no full time lifeguard. Parking is just past the Maui Prince Hotel. Do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach. There is a second parking lot near the Keawala'i Church but it is kind of isolated. The showers and restrooms are at the parking lot across the street from the church.
Location: Southwest Maui
In ancient Hawaiian legend this large, black mass of lava was where the souls of the dead leaped into the arms of the gods named Pu'u Keka'a. Now it is a heaven for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore the beauty of the ocean including honu (green sea turtles).
The black rock splits Ka'anapali Beach right near the Sheraton and Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. Sometimes strong currents make it to this area so be careful.
Take Highway 30 toward Ka'anapali and turn left onto Ka'anapali Parkway at mile marker 24. Beach access is between the two hotels.
In ancient Hawaiian legend this large, black mass of lava was where the souls of the dead leaped into the arms of the gods named Pu'u Keka'a. Now it is a heaven for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore the beauty of the ocean including honu (green sea turtles).
The black rock splits Ka'anapali Beach right near the Sheraton and Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. Sometimes strong currents make it to this area so be careful.
Take Highway 30 toward Ka'anapali and turn left onto Ka'anapali Parkway at mile marker 24. Beach access is between the two hotels.
Location: Southeast Maui
Nu'u Bay is a little rocky patch of "beach" in Southeast Maui. When the water is relatively calm and the wind is at a minimum, swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyable. Do not go out too far because the current is strong. The best spot to do this is on the east side of the beach on the rocky peninsula.
This is an isolated location. If the ocean is rough, stay away from the shoreline, the nearest hospital is many bumpy miles away. The nearest phone is at the Kaupo General Store.
The depth of the ocean at this location can surprise you. Only about 100 feet from the shore the bottom begins a gradual plunge. A diver can get to 120 feet pretty easily. The sand and environment are dark, bring a light.
Nu'u Bay is a little rocky patch of "beach" in Southeast Maui. When the water is relatively calm and the wind is at a minimum, swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyable. Do not go out too far because the current is strong. The best spot to do this is on the east side of the beach on the rocky peninsula.
This is an isolated location. If the ocean is rough, stay away from the shoreline, the nearest hospital is many bumpy miles away. The nearest phone is at the Kaupo General Store.
The depth of the ocean at this location can surprise you. Only about 100 feet from the shore the bottom begins a gradual plunge. A diver can get to 120 feet pretty easily. The sand and environment are dark, bring a light.
Location: South Maui
Charley Young Beach is a sheltered 3-mile park at the north end of Kamaole I Beach in Kihei. You can dig your toes into the abundance of soft sand at this beach and enjoy the protection from the wind. There is no lifeguard on duty, but there are portable toilets and showers. Parking can be difficult, but the great swimming and surfing are worth the extra effort.
Located at the north end of Kamaole I Beach on South Kihei Road.
Charley Young Beach is a sheltered 3-mile park at the north end of Kamaole I Beach in Kihei. You can dig your toes into the abundance of soft sand at this beach and enjoy the protection from the wind. There is no lifeguard on duty, but there are portable toilets and showers. Parking can be difficult, but the great swimming and surfing are worth the extra effort.
Located at the north end of Kamaole I Beach on South Kihei Road.
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