MauiGuidebook.com 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!”
Baldwin Beach
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 popular destination for more experienced boogie-boarders (chiropractor’s tip: don’t try and cut your teeth here!)
There are also protected swimming areas on both the east and west ends that offer calm pools for even the littlest ones. (The west end is know as Baby Beach and the east as Baldwin Cove).
Cultural Factoid
The dunes all along this area are an ancient Hawaiian burial site.
The beach is also a good place for a run and it is possible to continue on past the cove on a well-worn trail along a sea-wall. That will bring you to a clothing-optional beach and further on through a small wooded area that leads to Paia Bay. (End-to-end distance is just over 1.5 miles.)
With all this going for it, Baldwin Beach Park is the most popular beach destination for North Shore families. On weekends and holidays the large parking area can become packed, but have no fear if you like privacy – there are always large empty stretches of beach, and even on the busiest days you can claim a nice secluded swath of sand all for yourself!
If your travels bring you by the North Shore early in the morning, definitely pit-stop here and take a long beach stroll – Baldwin Beach typically has a mystical feel in the early morning that is quite different from the vibe late in the day. This beach also features spectacular sunsets.
Key Info:
Mile Marker: #6 (Hwy 36 aka Hana Hwy)
GPS Coordinates: 20.913502,-156.394544
Facilities: Lifeguards, Showers, Bathrooms, BBQs, Picnic Tables, Covered Pavilion, Electricity.
Get directions
View Baldwin Beach Park in a larger map
Sg says:
Are the showers outdoor rinse areas or actual stall shower?
Mark says:
They are open-air showers without stalls.
Jacki says:
Aloha
Are pro photo sessions allowed at Baldwin Beach? If so, is a permit required? Jacki
Anna says:
Aloha Mark,
I am a Maui resident, how do I reserve the covered pavilion for a family party?
Thank you
Mark says:
Aloha Anna – the pavilion does not require reservations, just come and take up the space you need and be willing to share the rest 🙂
Anthony says:
Can you safely park at Baldwin Park? Planning on starting there on my climb up Haleakala. Thanks.
Malina says:
Ok thanks so much!
Mark says:
Not for a family party. things like the Earth Day celebration or commercial require permits.
Malina says:
Do you need a permit to reserve the tables for a larger party?
beata says:
Is it possible to camp here? any permit is required?
Thanx.Cheers.Bea
Mark says:
Aloha Bea –
You can not legally camp on Baldwin Beach Park. The closest legal campground to there would be Kanaha Beach Park, though I’m not a big fan of that campground as it tends to attract a rougher crowd.
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My favorite campsite is in Kipahulu at the National Park – and that campground is also free and requires no permit.
Have fun!