Maui's leeward side inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.
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The south and west side of the island are known as sunny and dry areas while the north and east coast are much more wet and lush. Having said that, we should point out that even in the wettest locations on Maui, the rain is a hit or miss.
For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.
Initially developed in the 1960s, West Maui remains one of the most popular destinations to stay and play on the island of Maui. Here you'll now find the resort area of Ka'anapali stretches along the coastline here. Ka'anapali also hosts most accommodations and eateries on the island's west side.
What is Maui's South Side like? Maui's South Side is known for some of the island's most expensive real estate and its ultra high-end Wailea resorts. Nearby Kihei, just north of Wailea, is known for its relaxed beach town vibe and long stretch of sand. Both tourists and locals intermingle in Kihei.
There's plenty of gorgeous water to be found at Maui's beach parks, but the clearest is in Honolua Bay, especially during the summer. Honolua is Hawaiian for “two harbors,” and the bay was originally used to receive ships and unload supplies.
Hamoa BeachYou might see this scenic spot if you take the popular Road to Hana drive, or if you're looking for a place to get in some snorkeling. The bright blue water draws surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers to its crystalline expanse. There's still plenty of sunbathing and camping to be done on shore, though.
The south side of Maui, including the areas of Kihei, Wailea and Makena, is typically warm and dry, receiving less then 10 inches of rain per year. The west side, including Lahaina, Ka'anapali and Kapalua, receives more rain—nearly triple the amount.
Wailuku: The Cheapest Place to Live on MauiLocated in central Maui, Wailuku offers a lower cost of living compared to other areas on the island. In fact, according to the website Numbeo, the cost of living in Wailuku is 14% lower than in Lahaina, a popular tourist destination on the west side of the island.
Great Maui beaches to watch the sunsetBut for some of the most spectacular views, the west and south shores of the island are where it's at. On the west side, Ka?anapali Beach is one of the island's jewels, with 3 miles of white sand and aquamarine water. As the sun sets, the colorful sky isn't the only spectacle.
Like anywhere, the more time you spend on Maui, the more you can see. I recommend at least one week in order to experience all that Maui has to offer. You can still get a flavor of Maui even if you just visit for one day. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 to 5 days in Maui.
Both South Maui and West Maui are located on the leeward side of the island, where you'll experience more sun, typically calmer water, and you'll have a number of beautiful beaches to visit.
Kaihalulu Beach is accessible via the Hana Highway. There's minimal parking on this part of the road, so we suggest parking by the Hana Ballpark and walking.
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.
Maui's North Shore is less developed, less crowded, has cooler days, and is in a more natural state than the popular resort areas of South and West Maui.
Welcome to Maui, the second-largest Hawaiian island and a paradise known for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture. Maui is a multi-million dollar tourist attraction that has been voted “best island in the world” by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
Baby Beach (Lahaina)Baby Beach is a unique treasure for families because there are reliably fewer waves here compared with other beaches, and because Lahaina—which literally means relentless sun—is balmy and beautiful most days of the year.
That said, Honolulu, on Oahu, is significantly cheaper than Maui. How significant? In December 2022, the average nightly rate for a hotel in Oahu was $202. In Maui, the average rate for a hotel was $410.
North Kihei is a hidden gem. Not only does this area have a string of affordable beachside condos, but North Kihei is central to some of Maui's best and most kid-friendly activities.