Editor’s Note: Read on for everything you need to know before you go regarding updates to quarantine requirements for Maui-bound travelers.
Hawaii’s idyllic, sun-soaked beaches beckon visitors from all over the world. And Maui’s are some of the very best. That said, it’s hard to experience each one unless you’re lucky enough to be staying for a month or more.
In honor of Hilton Grand Vacations’ newest Hawaii resort, Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations, we’re sharing our picks for Maui’s best beaches ranked by activity. Whether you’re looking to relax, surf or have fun with the whole ohana, there’s a beach for you.
Best Beaches for Surfing: Cove Park and Ho’okipa Beach
Surfing is the quintessential Hawaiian sport and the best place to catch a wave depends on your skill level. Cove Park on Kalama Beach in southwestern Maui is a great place for beginners. Learn the basics from the surf instructors you’ll find on the beach seven days a week and ride the gentle waves while you finetune your new-found skills.
More experienced surfers will want to hang 10 at Ho’okipa Beach along Maui’s northern shore. This is where the pros practice. It’s also where several high-profile windsurfing competitions take place each year. Just know that the waves can be massive and the rip currents strong. Use extra caution if you see orange flags up.
Best Beach for Snorkeling: Kapalua Beach
With pristine white sand and a view of the island of Molokai, Kapalua Beach in northwest Maui consistently tops lists of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. It’s also one of the best for seeing marine life in full display.
Eels, sea turtles, urchins and a colorful array of tropical fish are just some of the sea life you can spot amid the beach’s abundant coral. Waters are generally calm, thanks to those protective reefs that surround the crescent-shaped beach. For the best conditions and more accessible parking, head over in the early morning.
Walk along the Kapalua Coastal Trail that hugs the beach for a fun land-based activity. This 2.5-mile hike takes you past dramatic shorelines, beaches, lava fields and other picturesque sites.
