Maui Guidebook

Baby Beach (North Shore)

Last updated 12. Oct, 2010 by lilikoi.

Baby Beach (North Shore)

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.”

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 …

Continue Reading

Nakalele Blowhole

Last updated 13. Jul, 2011 by Mark.

A tall blast at high tide.

Rating:

In a nutshell: Blowhole and scenic rugged coastline hike.
Minuses: If you’re not sure-footed parts of the trail can be challenging.
Sound-bite: [hssssst....BLAST!]

If you’re looking at the map below, first thing you’ll notice are two parking areas with trails to the blowhole. If you’re less mobile or traveling with little ones, the closer area at the 38.5mm would probably be your best choice. This area is also overlooking the blowhole so those who prefer can view it from a distance without having …

Continue Reading

Ho’okipa Beach Park

Last updated 28. Oct, 2010 by Mark.

The Mecca of windsurfing: Ho’okipa

Rating:

In a nutshell: Ho’okipa Beach is a world-renowned windsurfing spot with often dramatic and impressive surf.
Minuses: Marginal for swimming.
Sound-bite: “Epic day bro!”

Ho’okipa is Mecca to the windsurfing world, and is also a top-notch board surfing destination. There are professional windsurfing competitions held here, and on just about any day with wind (which are most days) you can watch pros doing absolutely amazing things with sailboards. Ho’okipa provides visitors a stunning backdrop where you can watch the best effortlessly play with the …

Continue Reading

Koki Beach Park

Last updated 10. Aug, 2010 by Mark.

Koki Beach with ‘Alau Island in background.

Rating:

In a nutshell: Scenic beach park with much cultural significance. Sand and ocean conditions vary greatly depending on season.
Minuses: Currents become dangerously strong and the beach deteriorates for many months of the year.
Sound-bite: “Is that Oprah?”

Koki Beach changes radically throughout the year. In the summer months, a wide sandy beach is deposited, and surf and currents often mellow out to allow safe water use. In the winter, much of the sand is taken away by the ocean, leaving a …

Continue Reading

Keawakapu Beach

Last updated 08. May, 2011 by Mark.

Keawakapu Beach

Rating:

In a nutshell: Long sandy beach at the end of S. Kihei Rd.
Minuses: On very windy days can get sandblasting in the afternoons.
Sound-bite: “Beware the forbidden cove!”

Summary:
Half-mile long sandy beach, runs to the end of Kihei, where the road departs from the shoreline. Good for swimming, laying out, boogie boarding, snorkeling or just lazing in the sun.

Details:
The shoreline is fully developed here, including impressive beach houses, hotels, condos and restaurants. Much of the development has been kept a tasteful distance from …

Continue Reading

Olivine Pools

Last updated 15. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

Olivine Pools later in the day

Rating:

In a nutshell: The Olivine Pools are several tidepools located on barren lava along the ocean’s edge on the back-side of West Maui.
Minuses: Terrain on the short hike is unforgiving to those who are not sure-footed.
Sound-bite: “Olivine?”

DETAILS:
Olivine pools is located on a stretch of remote area that has no sandy beaches or easy water access. Take a steady stream of rental cars passing through, along with ample parking, and this site became much more of an attraction of wide-appeal …

Continue Reading

Kuau Cove – (Beach at Mama’s Fish House)

Last updated 03. Jun, 2011 by lilikoi.

Kuau Cove at high tide

Rating:

In a nutshell: Kuau cove is perfect for little ones and anyone that loves to explore tidepool sealife.
Minuses: Fully-clothed Mama’s patrons might make shy folks uncomfortable in their itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny-polkadot-bikini.
Sound-bite: “Honey, how much should we tip the valet?”

DETAILS:
A wonderfully scenic small white sand cove beach just past Paia, bordered by a coconut grove and chock full of tidepools.

Kuau Cove, which is commonly also called Mama’s Fish House Beach since most visitors experience this beach as a photo op prior to …

Continue Reading

Spreckelsville Beach

Last updated 16. Dec, 2010 by lilikoi.

Windsurfer launching at Euro Beach

Rating:

In a nutshell: Two mile stretch of rough/raw beaches and tidepools. Frequently used by fishermen and windsurfers.
Minuses: Directly in flight path of Kahului Airport. Attracts some “iffy-characters.”
Sound-bite: [Roar of jet engines]

DETAILS:
Actually more than one beach, “Spreckelsville Beach” is the historic name for a two mile stretch of beaches from Baby Beach in Spreckelsville to Kanaha Beach in Kahului. Most of these beaches have been left to the windsurfers, fishermen, and Maui’s well-hidden homeless population. With recent development in the area, …

Continue Reading