Which side of the island is best in Maui?

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.



People Also Ask

Maui's beach parks are spectacular on any side of the island, but the beaches on the leeward side are generally considered to be the most beautiful. To save you a Google search, “leeward” is a term that refers to the side sheltered from the wind.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Weather On Maui There is a wet and a dry side to the Island. 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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Both areas have their own unique charm and attractions. West Maui is known for its historical landmarks, cultural entertainment and surf, while South Maui offers a more transient casual vibe, both with luxury resorts and pristine beaches. Each area also has its own distinct weather patterns and natural scenery.

MORE DETAILS

Visit Maui's Best Beaches
  • Makena Beach State Park.
  • Honomanu Bay.
  • La Perouse Bay.
  • Koki Beach.
  • Charley Young Beach.
  • Oneuli Beach.
  • Ho'okipa Beach Park.
  • Olowalu.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Maui's North Shore beaches are at their prime in July and August when the waves are swimmer-friendly and much smaller than during the island's renowned winter swells.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Great Maui beaches to watch the sunset But 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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Featured Walkable Areas of Maui As an added bonus, the North Shore bike path runs to the West of town, through Spreckelsville and into Kahului. Paia is the one area of the island where you really could go for longer stretches without driving. Walkable Wailuku : Downtown Wailuku is the seat of Maui County Government.

MORE DETAILS

The Road to Hana is by far the most famous scenic drive on Maui! The route takes you along gorgeous spots on the island, including Paia Town, the impressive Twin Falls, Keanae, and Huelo Point Lookout.

MORE DETAILS

Second only to the south shore, west Maui has many of the best beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and just about anything else you could want. And the crown jewel among them has to be the three-mile stretch of white shore and shimmering blue water at Ka'anapali Beach.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Hamoa Beach You 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.

MORE DETAILS

Without a doubt, the Island of Maui definitely doesn't have a lack of luxurious vacation accommodations! From stunning resort properties in Wailea to private luxury vacation estates in Kapalua, Maui's got a little bit of opulence for everyone.

MORE DETAILS

Lahaina is a census-designated place in Maui County, Hawaii, United States. On the northwest coast of the island of Maui, it encompasses Lahaina town and the Kaanapali and Kapalua beach resorts. As of the 2020 census, Lahaina had a resident population of 12,702.



MORE DETAILS