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Maui Surfing beaches

Here are some beaches that we visited in our time in Maui. There are many beautiful beaches and parks, usually within a short drive of any accommodations either for swimming or surfing. I have tried to group the beaches into those best for swimming or surfing. Areas that are best for snorkeling on Maui are listed separately. A few of these parks are near large hotels and parking is limited. Also, certain things offered at the beach (lounge chairs, etc.) may be only available for hotel guests. We probably enjoyed Wailea beach the most and went there a few times during our stay. Please remember that offshore winds and currents can be powerful and they can change suddenly, especially if a storm is approaching or offshore.

Maui Surfing beaches

Ka‘anapali

Black Rock - northernmost section of Ka‘anapali Beach. Easy access to beachfront hotels, shopping and restaurants via a walkway. As is typical with the beaches around hotels, parking for beach access is minimal but is available. We once had to pay for valet parking to get to the beach. There can sometimes be strong currents around the rock itself. Amenities: none.

Kahului

Kanaha Beach Park - close to the largest city on Maui, this beach offers excellent windsurfing conditions offshore and decent swimming. Amenities: picnic area, BBQ grills, volleyball courts (bring your own net and balls), restrooms, showers, phones.

Kapalua

D. T. Fleming Beach Park- primarily for body and board surfing. Amenities: picnic tables (12), BBQ grills (6), restrooms, phone.

Kehei

Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia‘u Beach Park - excellent place for sunbathing or swimming. Good windsurfing at the south end of the beach. If the wind is up and you want to get away from the crowd go to the north end of the beach. Amenities: picnic area, restrooms, showers (south end of beach).

Hana

Hamoa beach - adjacent to the Hotel Hana Maui. Nice beach surrounded by vegetation, but a bit of a hike from parking on the road (none near the beach). One caution is that there are NO protecting reefs here and the surf can get pretty high. Caution is advised. Amenities: restrooms, picnic facilities.

Lahaina.

Puamana Beach County Park - Besides swimming the waves are excellent for beginning and intermediate surfers. Waves here are very regular and consistant, making it great for someone just learning. Amenities: picnic tables, BBQ grills (2), portable toilets, showers (outdoor).

Wahikuli State Park - calm water conditions for swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding (but not enough for surfing). Amenities: restrooms, phones, picnic tables, BBQ grills.

Makena

Little Beach - adjacent to big beach is an informal (and nominally illegal) clothing optional beach. Decent body surfing or boogie boarding. Amenities: portable toilets, picnic tables, hiking trails

Paia

H. A. Baldwin Beach Park Paia - features a "baby beach" with a protected lagoon. Outside of this surf can get pretty rough. Decent body surfing or boogie boarding for the brave. Not as rough surf as at Ho‘okipa Beach. Amenities: restrooms, showers, sports fields, picnic areas and pavilion.

Ho‘okipa Beach Park - world-famous venue for windsurfing and board surfing as the wind is compressed by Maui's volcanic formations. Excellent place to picnic and watch the wind surfers if you can take the buffeting. See picture right. Amenities: restrooms, picnic facilities, showers.

Paia

Waihe‘e

Waihe‘e Beach - a popular surfing spot with the locals. Amenities: none.


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