Aloha Marci!

Did you know Maui has more than 80 accessible beaches? For a small island, that’s an incredible amount — and certainly more than you'll be able to see on one visit.

Fortunately, we have the scoop on some of the best Maui beaches for every type of traveler. From buzzy beach parks to secluded escapes, here are the top three beaches on Maui.

The Kamaoles

The Kamaoles are actually a collection of three beaches – but who's counting? You won’t want to miss these caramel-colored sandy beaches in South Kihei. 

Dubbed the “Kams,” Kamaole I, II, and III are each county-maintained beach parks. Here, you’ll find amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Kam I also has a beach volleyball court, and Kam III has a swingset for the keiki. 

Anything is possible at the Kams. Come here to swim, snorkel, walk the beach, boogie board, or body surf. The best snorkeling is found along the lava rock points that bookend each beach. 

Conditions here are usually favorable for keiki and watersports, but the Kams can have a dangerous shorebreak when there are waves. Always spend some time observing before attempting to get in the water. Or, better yet, talk to the lifeguards. 

The Kamaole Beaches are located smack dab in central South Kihei, just steps from bars, restaurants, coffee shops, snorkel shops, and more. There are few better places to spend a beach day than at one of the Kamaoles. 

Sugar Beach

Sugar Beach is the longest beach on Maui, stretching from Ma'alaea to North Kihei. In total, it runs about six miles. That’s a lot of sand! 

While this beach isn’t the best for snorkeling, it's great for epic views and long morning walks. An outer reef keeps the waves nice and protected here, so Sugar Beach is an excellent option for little ones and inexperienced swimmers. 

Sugar Beach also borders Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, so most of the beach is free from development. Only the far ends of the beach have condos (and they’re some of the best places to stay on Maui!). But the rest of the beach is a secluded, natural escape. You can even access parts of the wildlife refuge directly from the beach, where you can walk on a boardwalk and watch for endemic birds. 

Sugar Beach is best visited in the morning when the winds are still calm. It can get very windy in this area in the afternoon. Evenings can also yield pleasant conditions — and the sunsets from Sugar Beach are spectacular. 

Keep in mind, because Sugar Beach is not a county beach park, there are no public restrooms, showers, or other facilities.  

Keawakapu Beach

Keawakapu is one of Maui’s most beloved beaches. This postcard-perfect beach stretches almost a mile, straddling the border of Kihei and Wailea. 

Keawakapu is palm-fringed with golden sand and great snorkeling. There are three public access points and plenty of parking – a huge bonus for any Maui beach. 

The most popular section of Keawakapu is the northern side of the beach, just in front of the Mana Kai. Here, you can do just about anything: snorkel, stand-up paddle, swim, boogie board, scuba dive, or explore the tidepools. 

Gear rentals are readily available from the surf shop in the Mana Kai Resort. Plus, parking is easily accessible, and the resort has a small general store and deli for last-minute sunscreen purchases and lunches. The more southerly access points are just as beautiful and usually less crowded – albeit with fewer amenities. 

Where are your favorite beaches on Maui? We can bet that at least one of these is in your top three. And if you’ve never visited any of these beaches before, you’re in for a treat next time you visit Maui. 

Warmest Aloha,

The Ali'i Resorts Ohana