7 Maui Beaches You Didn’t Know Existed

Maui has more miles of swimmable coastline than any other Hawaiian Island, boasting over 80 accessible beaches.

Most visitors gravitate to the same sandy beaches, like Ka’anapali Beach, the Kamaoles, and Ulua Beach. And who can blame them? The beaches in Maui’s sunny tourism areas are some of the best around.

If you want to break away from the trodden tourist path and explore some off-the-beaten-path Maui beaches, check out the list below.

Don’t worry; we won’t send you anywhere you’re not supposed to be. We’ll also give you tips on when to go and how to get there. Let’s dive in! Here are ten Maui beaches you didn’t know existed.

 

7 Maui Beaches You Didn’t Know Existed

 

Oneʻuli Beach

Oneʻuli Beach is the only black sand beach in South Maui. Some may argue that Oneʻuli’s sands are more gray/brown than black, but we say, “Close enough!”

Despite being located within Makena State Park, Oneʻuli is conveniently hidden. Look for a yellow gate on the ocean side of the road between the first entrance to Makena Beach and Makena Keoneoio Road.

You’ll drive down a short dirt road to reach the beach. Two-wheel drive vehicles should work just fine if it’s dry and the road isn’t muddy or washed out. Then voila! You’re there.

The sand can get very hot here on sunny days, so it’s not always the best beach to laze out on. But there is some decent snorkeling here, and Oneʻuli presents some great photo opportunities.

 

Ironwoods Beach (Oneloa Beach)

Ironwoods is an exceptionally pretty beach in Kapalua. It’s popular for small weddings, elopements, and photoshoots. But for the average visitor? Not so much.

While this beach isn’t great for swimming (it’s more of a surfing spot), it’s postcard-perfect.

Green naupaka plants stand out against Ironwoods’ pearly sand, and on clear days, the water is a brilliant crystal blue. You can also clearly see the reef when it’s calm. All in all, it’s stunning.

You can walk to this beach if you’re staying in Kapalua or park in the small parking lot just off Kapalua Place.

 

Waiheʻe Beach Park

Waiheʻe Beach Park is a local hangout that tourists do not usually frequent. It’s not the type of place where you’d snorkel or spend a beach day, but it’s great for picnics — and it gives you a taste of Maui’s more rugged, wild coastlines.

Hang at one of the picnic tables or explore the narrow gray-colored beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, venture to Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes – a stunning preservation site with an easy hiking trail just around the corner from Waiheʻe Beach.

Waiheʻe Beach is a bit secluded, so leave your valuables at home. And watch for wayward golf balls! This park is bordered by a Waiehu Municipal Golf Course.

If you’re in the area, be sure to make a stop at Ula Ula Cafe. Ula Ula is a great little local food truck serving local food with fresh ingredients from their farm.

 

Kanaha Beach Park

Despite being located a stone’s throw from Kahului Airport, few visitors even realize Kanaha Beach Park exists. However, if you visit Maui to windsurf or kitesurf, you may be the exception — because Kanaha is a hub for wind and watersports.

There are a few different beach access points and parking lots at Kanaha, but we recommend the far eastern entrances — where the county park begins. Here, you’ll find a large grassy park on the beach with plenty of shade, lots of parking, restrooms, beach volleyball courts, and lifeguards.

Kanaha presents some stunning views of the West Maui Mountains set against vibrant yellow sand and bright turquoise waters. Kanaha is mostly protected from waves by outer reefs, so it’s a safe place to swim in the shallows when the wind is calm.

 

Tavares Bay (Kuau Beach Park)

Kuau Beach Park – more commonly known as ‘Tavares’ – is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it beach park near Paia. This medium-sized, crescent-shaped beach is very popular among locals.

A semi-exposed reef forms a large tide pool here. In summer, it can be a great spot for a dip. But the currents are too strong to swim safely in winter.

You’ll often see surfers taking to the waves off the eastern point. Sometimes, you’ll also see green sea turtles basking. Please remember to give them at least ten feet of space.

Due to Tavares’ local popularity, the small parking lot can become extremely crowded when the waves are up or on weekends. We recommend visiting early in the morning on weekdays. And watch out for the asphalt ledge in the parking lot! It takes a lot of people by surprise.

 

Slaughterhouse (Mokuleia) Beach

Crystal clear water, rugged cliffs, ironwood trees, and eggshell-colored sand – beaches on Maui don’t get much lovelier than Slaughterhouse.

This beach is tucked in a cove between Honolua Bay and D.T. Fleming Beach, only accessible via a long staircase carved into the cliff. Trust us, the trek is worth it.

Winter swells can cause dangerous shorebreak here, so visit in summer or try to time your beach day with calm conditions.

When the water is clear, you’ll find excellent snorkeling along the eastern side of the bay – it is located in a marine preserve, after all.

Getting here is easy, but it’s easy to miss. Keep your eyes out for parked cars and beach access signs on the ocean side of the road just around the bend from D.T. Fleming Beach. Stay nearby in Napili at an oceanfront cozy condo!

Unfortunately, car break-ins are common here, so be vigilant and don’t leave any valuables in your car.

 

Kaʻehu Beach

Kaʻehu is a long, half-rock, half-black sand bay located near Wailuku. It’s not the type of place you’d go to snorkel or spend a beach day.

However, it’s rugged, remote, and stunning. And it holds a special place in Maui’s history. This area was once filled with taro patches, fishponds, and native trees. There are sacred cultural sites scattered throughout the Kaʻehu area.

Kaʻehu was said to be a playground for the aliʻi (royals), and they would surf the waves that dot this coastline. Monk seals and turtles often haul out here, too.

The only catch: there’s no public beach access for Kaʻehu — unless you want to walk for ages along the shoreline. So how can you visit?

We suggest doing a volunteer day. Regular beach clean-ups and workdays are hosted here. By volunteering, you get to explore Kaʻehu while making a difference. You can learn more about Kaʻehu volunteer opportunities here.

 

We hope this list leads you to your new favorite Maui beach!

Happy travels!