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 …
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 …
Rating: In a nutshell: Less touristy extension of beach past Ka’anapali beach. Minuses: Crowded on weekends. Sound-bite: [roar of a jet ski] QUICK SUMMARY: Connected to the south of Ka’anapali Beach. This beach park is where outrigger canoes launch (hence the nickname.) There is good swimming, but poor visibility for snorkeling. This beach park has plenty of parking, covered tables, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Rating: In a nutshell: An old Hawaiian village sits on a dramatic finger of lava. Minuses: No beaches or swimming. Sound-bite: “Is it the third Sunday?” The Ke’anae Peninsula is a dramatic half-mile long massive finger of newer lava sticking out from the cliff line of the Hana Highway. Well before coming to the turnout, you will have ogled at …
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 …
Rating: In a nutshell: A picturesque bay, and your first option for ocean goodness on the Road to Hana since Ho’okipa! Minuses: Poor swimming and rocky beach. Sound-bite: “See, honey, I told you getting a Jeep was going to be a practical necessity!” Description This bay is nestled inside a dramatic, verdant valley that first reveals itself from the road …
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 …
Rating: In a nutshell: Wailua Falls is a stunning side-of-the road ~80′ waterfall and plunge pool. Minuses: Maui’s “most photographed waterfall” is usually crowded. Sound-bite: “Did that car just say something!?!” DETAILS: The stunning Wailua Falls are impossible to miss – right smack next to the road. Don’t worry about consulting the map when you’re close to here – the …
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