Maui Guidebook

Ocean Conditions

Last updated 04. Aug, 2010 by Mark.

In normal conditions, on beaches where there are lifeguards, the ocean is relatively safe to play. But conditions can change, and the surf can get big, rip currents form, and swimming can become dangerous at even what appear to be the tamest of beaches.

At beaches with lifeguards, look out for orange high-surf flags in the sand. If they are present, visit the lifeguard stand to read or talk to a lifeguard about the conditions.

Keep in mind that the county almost never closes beaches during dangerous conditions. Flags and …

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Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach)

Last updated 08. Dec, 2011 by lilikoi.

Red Sand Beach is a dramatically beautiful place.

Rating:

In a nutshell: A dramatic and beautiful hidden cove unlike any other.
Minuses: The short hike to the beach is hazardous.
Sound-bite: “Has the Mothership departed without me?”

WARNINGS:
Part of the trail has become blocked by a landslied and is also more dangerous than it once was. This is not a safe hike for anyone unaccustomed to navigating cliff-edges with slippery/unsound footing.

DETAILS:
Red Sand Beach is a dramatic and beautiful hidden cove unlike any other. The ocean is almost …

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Baldwin Cove

Last updated 16. May, 2009 by lilikoi.

Baldwin Cove

Rating:

In a nutshell: Beautiful sand beach in season. Out of season it is also dramatic to behold. Frequented by many free-spirits; ladies can go topless here.
Minuses: Parking can be tough on weekends. Parts of the year the beach vanishes.
Sound-bite: “…every little thing, gonna be alright.”

DETAILS:
A large jetty of boulders at the cove’s edge, combined with an offshore reef forms a protected sandy cove. This beach is subject to extreme seasonal erosion, usually culminating the the entire beach disappearing. In fact, I can’t even …

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Kama’ole Beach Park (I, II, III & Charley Young)

Last updated 11. Jun, 2009 by Mark.

Kama'ole Beach views are outstanding

Rating:

In a nutshell: Kama’ole is a very popular set of beaches for locals and visitors. Beautiful, long, 1.5 mile sandy beaches with incredible views of Molokini, Kaho’olawe and Lana’i islands. Kam III has one of the most regular South Maui shorebreaks for boogie-boarding. Snorkeling opportunities are plentiful. Full facilities and family friendly.
Minuses: Kam III is crowded on weekends and holidays and sometimes less-than-desirable types make the grassy areas a drinking hangout.
Sound-bite: “The best beaches in Kihei, hands-down.”

DETAILS:
Kama’ole Beach Park is …

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Makena Little Beach

Last updated 20. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Little Beach

Rating:

In a nutshell: Little Beach is where you go if you want to get nude with a bunch of other people. A beautiful beach, but gets crowded.
Minuses: Gawkers and creepy perverts are also attracted to this beach.
Sound-bite: “oowwwww…I forgot to apply sunscreen there!”

DETAILS:
The draw for most visitors here is nudity. While public nudity is technically illegal in Hawaii, it has been generally accepted that this is a nude beach, and the law is not enforced here.

There is also a drum-circle and …

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‘Ahihi Bay & Waiala Cove

Last updated 20. Jul, 2010 by Mark.

‘Ahihi Bay meets the road

Rating:

In a nutshell: ‘Ahihi Bay’s Waiala Cove is an excellent place for beginner to intermediate snorkelers, SCUBA and kayaking.
Minuses: Rocky & no sand.
Sound-bite: “Please don’t stand up!”

DETAILS:
Typically called ‘Ahihi Bay (or even Ahi Bay by mistaken visitors), Waiala Cove is a small semi-protected cove of the overall much larger ‘Ahihi Bay. It is popular since it’s a convenient place for snorkelers to get in the water without hiking or swimming. For folks venturing away from the immediate entry area of …

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Napili Bay

Last updated 07. Oct, 2010 by Mark.

Napili Beach is postcard perfect

Rating:

In a nutshell: A less crowded, low-key resort beach with a much more family feel than many in West Maui.
Minuses: Parking can be difficult.
Sound-bite: “What is the definition of resort, anyway?”

DETAILS:
Napili Bay has a sandy cove nestled in mid-range resort which is itself nestled in a residential neighborhood.

This “resort” is reminiscent of an older mainland beach town; multiple low-rise condos make up the resort area. Much more basic than the high-end Ka’anapali resorts, and also less expensive and less …

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Polo Beach

Last updated 16. Jun, 2011 by Mark.

Polo Beach

Rating:

In a nutshell: A pair of beautiful sandy crescents fronting the Polo Beach Club and the Fairmont Kea Lani.
Minuses: Can get crowded with resort guests & cabanas.
Sound-bite: “Where are the horses?”

Details:
A pair of beautiful sandy crescents join to form this beach. The south end fronts the Polo Beach Club and the north side the Fairmont Kea Lani hotel. At times, the north end becomes crowded with Kea Lani guests, cabanas and lounge chairs; the south end is usually uncrowded.

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Baldwin Beach Park

Last updated 12. Sep, 2011 by lilikoi.

Baldwin Beach

Rating:

In a nutshell: Baldwin Beach Park is a beautiful, long white-sand beach on Maui’s North Shore. A favorite with local families.
Minuses: Surf in the middle area can be rough.
Sound-bite: “Gnarly wipeout, brah…I know a good chiropractor in Paia!”

DETAILS:
Baldwin Beach is a wonderful, long, wide, sandy beach park just outside of Paia. Fully equipped with lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, barbecues, picnic tables and a covered pavilion.

During winter months, the main stretch of beach can have fairly large and regular shorebreak, so it becomes a …

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Oneloa Beach (aka Ironwoods Beach)

Last updated 03. May, 2012 by Mark.

Oneloa Beach

Rating:

In a nutshell: 1/4 Mile long, sandy and uncrowded beach next to Kapalua resort.
Minuses: Can become very windy in afternoons.
Sound-bite: “Where is everyone?”

QUICK SUMMARY:
This is a beautiful 1/4 Mile long, sandy and uncrowded beach next to the Ritz Carlton and Kapalua Resort. It lies roughly midway along a 1.76 mile boardwalk/trail called the Kapalua Coastal Trail that starts at D.T. Fleming Beach and continues to Kapalua Bay. Oneloa means…

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