The Best, Nicest Beaches on Maui
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You really can't go wrong in Maui when searching for a beach. The entire West and south shorelines of the island are just covered. If you don't like the beach you are on, move a 1/2 mile down the road and try out that one. I've found the easiest way to determine which beaches you want to visit, keep track of them, and get exact directions is by utilizing the beaches section in the Maui Revealed guide.
Maui is second in popularity and visitors only to Oahu, and for good reason. Maui has a little of something for everyone and the vast stretches of white sandy beaches will especially appeal to visitors looking for sun, sand and water. The is the best island for seeing whales (they apparantly like Maui best) and it has spectacular snorkeling. Here is a list of the best beaches to pick from if you have limited time to spend on the island.
Kapalua Beach
Kapalua beach has repeatedly been on the best beaches of America and the world lists. This year I thing it holds a number one slot on one such list. It is an incredibly safe, protected, and calm swimming area protected by coral reefs and long peninsulas. Molokai can easily be seen from shore on clear days and during whale season, it's not uncommon to see a few of them from shore too. The beach is off Highway 30 about 10 miles north of Lahaina.
Napili Bay Beach
Napili beach is a very pretty white sand beach surrounded by palm trees for shade and beauty. During the summer the swimming and snorkeling is very good. It's protected from most of the afternoon winds, so fun all day long. The beach is off Highway 30 about 9 miles north of Lahaina.
Kama'ole beach parks
There are actually three beach parks in the same area here called Kama'ole I, Kama'ole II, and Kama'ole III. There are many family type activities available at these parks, like kayaking, volleyball, waterskiing, snorkeling, and diving and all 3 parks have lifeguards and showers. Plus, just offshore, Molokini island is easily seen. The beaches are at the Southern end of South Kihei Road.
Makena Beach
At Makena there is a big beach and a little beach separated by a large cinder cone (a volcanic byproduct). The snorkeling and swimming and sunbathing are excellent with white, white sand and the prettiest shade of blue-green water you have ever seen. The beach is at the end of Makena Ala Nui road off Highway 31.
Hana Beach Park
If you make it to Hana you may not want to spend the day on the beach - but if you do this is an excellent one. There is a lighthouse, a red cinder cone, a wharf, and the ruins of a landing. The water is calm, the sand is brown, and the beach is normally not even close to full due to the isolation of Hana.
Kanaha Beach Park
The best thing about Kanaha is the winds. You can windsurf here - even if you are a beginner. The area is good for all skill levels and there are many instructors around to teach you and schools to rent your equipment from. Close by is also Kanaha Lake - a bird sanctuary. The beach is on Amala street in Kahalui just west of the airport.
Maui has many choices of things to do, from hiking and biking Haleakala Volcano to the winding, weaving road to the isolated Hawaiian town of Hana - but the best draw has always been the long stretches of gorgeous, easily accessible white sand beaches, the abundance of easily seen whales from shore, and the many choices of water sports for your enjoyment.
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