Baldwin Beach Park

The North Shore's most popular 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, …

Baby Beach (N Shore)

Dramatic protected lagoon beach

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 …

Twin Falls

Many falls/pools, snacks, closer 2.1

Rating: In a nutshell: Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It also has one of the better snack stands on the journey. Twin falls is typically underrated by guidebooks, and is a worthy stop. Minuses: You must budget your time properly here if you are cramming the Road to …

Baldwin Cove

Protected cove, free spirits, facilities

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 …

Ho’okipa Beach Park

Surfing, watching surfers, sea turtles

Rating: In a nutshell: Ho’okipa Beach is a world-renowned windsurfing destination with often dramatic and impressive surf for sightseers as well. Minuses: Marginal for swimming. Sound-bite: “Epic day brah!” Surf Sports Ho’okipa is Mecca to the windsurfing world (and no slouch for board surfing, either.) There are professional windsurfing competitions held here, and on just about any day with wind …

Kuau Cove (Mama’s)

Great for kids, tidepools

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 …

Paia Secret Beach

Secluded clothing optional beach

Rating: In a nutshell: If you like to get naked on the beach without a ton of company, this is a good place to go. Relatively private and out of the main-flow of people, rarely anyone but folks who live here end up at this beach. Minuses: Parking; better beaches adjacent. Sound-bite: “Hey Moonbow, can I borrow your organic hemp …

Paia Bay

Bodyboarding, surfing, bathrooms, showers

Rating: In a nutshell: Paia Bay is a destination if you are an accomplished bodyboarder. A long, nice beach with an excellent near-shore surf break. Minuses: The park and bathroom areas can be dirty, and sometimes attract vagrant types. Sound-bite: “Shreddin’ `em!” DETAILS: Paia Bay is a favorite for bodyboarders and bodysurfers. The break is generally just a bit off …

Pa’ia Town

Shopping, restaurants and Mana Foods!

Rating: In a nutshell: An unassuming hub of the North Shore community, Paia Town has great restaurants, interesting shops, and the best natural food store on the island. Minuses: Parking can be difficult if you don’t know where to look (pssst..we have a map with parking below the article :)) Sound-bite: “Woah, did that sign really say “Don’t feed the …

Tavares Beach

Mellow cove, good for kids, surfing

Rating: In a nutshell: Tavares Beach is a medium sized crescent shaped sandy white beach with easy access and ample parking. Minuses: Crowded on weekends and holidays. Some rocks in water. Occasionally swells bring massive influx of seaweed. Sound-bite: “Blink and you’ll miss it.” SUMMARY: Tavares Beach is a medium sized crescent shaped sandy white beach in the area adjacent …

When the North Shore surf is big, Jaws is gigantic.

Jaws Surf Break (aka Pe’ahi)

XXL waves at right time 13½

Rating: In a nutshell: The biggest wave surfed in the world each year has been at Pe’ahi more than any other place. Minuses: The access road can be 4WD Sound-bite: [crashing waves, cheers and helicopters] Disclaimer on the rating: Pe’ahi is only “must-see spectacular” when the North Shore is having monster surf (look for high surf warnings.) Key Info: Mile …

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