The 5 Best Maui Beaches in 2024
It’s hard to name the best beach on Maui where there are so many—but here are the ones that topped the list in our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Maui has some of the best beaches in Hawaiʻi—maybe even the world—from the golden coastline of Kāʻanapali Bay to the sunset shores of Mākena Beach. In fact, the island boasts more than 30 miles of beautiful beaches. Ranking them, though, is the challenge. Luckily, we left that up to you! Here are the Top 5 Maui beaches you loved in 2024.
1. Kāʻanapali Beach
Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui.
Photo: Getty Images/RASimon
It’s no surprise Kāʻanapali Beach tops this list in 2024. This idyllic coastline has it all: crystal-clear waters, luxe resorts, great restaurants, world-class shopping and one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset. The beach runs for more than 1 mile, with a walkway that meanders along the shoreline. It was Hawaiʻi’s first planned resort and became the model for other oceanfront resorts around the world. One of the most famous attractions here is the daily cliff-diving ceremony off the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as Puʻu Kekaʻa, or Black Rock. Held every evening at sunset, a cliff diver lights the torches along the cliff and dives off.
2. Mākena Beach (aka Big Beach)
Mākena Beach, Maui.
Photo: Getty Images/Valentina Khalimon
Stretching a mile-and-a-half-long, Mākena Beach has earned the moniker of Big Beach. Its golden sands and warm waters have made this one of the most popular beaches on Maui. When the waves are big, bodysurfers charge the heavy shorebreak; when they’re small, it’s a great spot for swimming. If you’re looking for something a big more private, trek over to Little Beach on the northern end of the state park. Also known as Puʻu Olaʻi Beach, this cozy strand is hidden by a rocky outcrop. Its quiet vibe and sandy cove make this a nice escape. (Note: Clothing here is optional, though nudity is officially illegal.)
3. Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach, Maui.
Photo: Getty Images/M.M. Sweet
The crescent-shaped Wailea Beach offers great snorkeling and swimming—and it’s within walking distance from some of the island’s best resorts, including the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and the Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. The beach attracts hotel guests and local families, with its golden sands, calm waters and views of Kahoʻolawe, Molokini and Lānaʻi. Don’t miss sunsets here.
4. Nāpili Bay
Nāpili Bay, Maui.
Photo: Getty Images/Mlenny
When conditions are calm, Nāpili Bay, just south of Kapalua Bay in West Maui, is a great spot for snorkeling. The reef here is teeming with tropical fish and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), and you can spot North Pacific humpback whales here in the winter months. Although the bay is situated in a resort area, it never feels crowded, especially compared to the busier Kāʻanapali and Wailea beaches.
5. Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay, Maui.
Photo: Getty Images/Rob DeCamp Photography
There’s lots to love about Kapalua Bay. Its gentle waves (even during huge winter swells), vibrant marine life and proximity to Kapalua Resort and other amenities (like showers and restrooms), this pristine bay is a great option for families. It’s often crowded, but finding a spot to lay your beach mat and relax shouldn’t be too hard. Stay for sunset—because it’s stunning.
See all of the winners of our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.
