MauiGuidebook.com Rating: 
In a nutshell: A dramatically beautiful beach, not just for kids. Protected lagoon for swimming.
Minuses: Can get very windy in the afternoons.
Sound-bite: “E hau`oli e nâ `ôpio o Hawai`i nei.”
Baby Beach (North Shore)
Note: There is also a beach called “Baby Beach” in Lahaina.
DETAILS:
Baby Beach is a beautiful beach and protected lagoon just before Paia on the North Shore of Maui. An exposed stretch of reef, connected to a rocky red-dirt point on the west end of the beach creates a calm lagoon protected from the ocean. This lagoon is perfect for young keiki and parents. It is also a great place to swim laps, explore, or just and hang out on the beach soaking in the scenery.
Backing the beach are large sand dunes and a wooded area, forming a buffer between the beach, some beach homes and the Maui Country Club. This area is a favorite for kids (and adults) to explore. There are also impressive views all the way down the coastline.
Cultural Factoid
The dunes all along this area are an ancient Hawaiian burial site.
Baby Beach is at the Western end of a one-mile long stretch of uninterrupted beach which includes Baldwin Beach Park and Baldwin Cove. Since the larger beach is long it is popular with runners, walkers and dog owners. (Runners: It is possible to continue on past the cove, a well-worn trail runs along a sea-wall, past a clothing-optional beach and further on to Paia Bay. This extends the end-to-end distance to just over 1.5 miles each way.)
If the tradewinds are blowing strong, a pleasant afternoon at Baby Beach can shift into an irritating sandblasting. Escape into the water, or head to the other end of Baldwin Beach (Baldwin Cove) which is sheltered from the wind.
Key Info:
Mile Marker: #5 (Hwy 36 aka Hana Hwy)
GPS Coordinates: 20.912665,-156.402724
Facilities: There are no lifeguards, showers or facilities at this end, however Baldwin Beach Park has full facilities.
Get directions
View Baby Beach in a larger map
concerned mom says:
i am a overly concerned mother with two 6 year olds and one 4 year old. I don’t want to leave them with the mother inlaw because i have trust issues. I think someone will drown. my husband is saying to let them be with grandma, they have floaties. to those who have been there is that reasonable or should i cancel my activity with my husband and be with my kids
James Moorman says:
Couple years late but I would say it’s reasonable to leave the kids with your Mother in-law. I wonder what you ended up doing?
Tiffany says:
If it’s any consolation, I would have been worried too. 3 small children who can’t swim well, or at all, is too many for a single person to supervise safely.
tina says:
what is/was the Hawaiian language name of this beach before it was taken over by white men..?? thanks
Dana says:
I think it’s Pu’unoa Beach.
Becky says:
What type of fish/sea life do see at baby beach?
Robert says:
Gorgeous as predicted, but definitely a sand-blasting in the afternoon… and the water was way too cold after getting spoiled in Napili Bay. Very pretty! Note that as with so many places we have found on Maui, there are no signs to get here! It is about a 1/2 mile out of Paia towards Kuhului., turn right on Nonohe Pl, then right on Paani Pl, then left on Keahalai Pl.. As is with so many beautiful stops in Maui, the locals are VERY courteous to the onslaught of visitors. They wave and smile, and I really respect that, given they are being invaded by foreigners! Please be respectful, drive slow, and wave and smile back!!!! This is their home afterall.
kealei and kathleen says:
Our family lives on Maui. Your website helps islanders learn more about what is in your own back yard. This website is an asset to the community and to tourists.
Thank you for your beautiful pictures and clear cut information.
This is a great website for informational purposes and a place to turn to when you want to do something on a weekend day.
This website rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kealei and kathleen
Dawn Caldwell says:
I’ve been to Maui all my life, and just found you! Thank you for your wonderful information. My fiance and I will be married in mid-December, and I’m looking at my favorite beaches in South Maui/Wailea area. I also like the northern beaches.
Would you have any tips for a good area that time of year?
Thanks so much!
Heather Johnson says:
What a beautiful and clearly written web site! Thank you for your detailed description of Baby Beach. A friend once gave me a necklace she made from shells found on baby Beach as a symbol of fertility, and I wore it until I conceived my own baby! I will be delighted to bring my now 17 mo. “baby” to this special stretch of coast line this summer!
Rona says:
That is the coolest story. Congratulations mama❤️❤️