The 8 Best Beaches for Kids in Maui: Chosen by Kids for Kids!
The beaches in Maui are world class and each one is unique! When visiting this magical Hawaiian Island with kids, of course the first thing you need to know is which Maui beaches to visit to experience the beauty of the pacific ocean off Maui's coast. My kids and I put together a list of our favorite family beaches to share with you!
Maui's weather is pretty consistent all year round. It gets a bit hotter in the summer months, but the winter months also offer perfect beach weather. The bigger changes throughout the year are the ocean conditions, with the northern ocean swells rolling in consistently during the winter months, and the southern swells rolling in more consistently during the summer months. This affects the best swimming beaches during a given season. When considering the best beaches for kids, you always have to consider the weather and ocean conditions because things do change day to day. However, a few of the beaches on this list offer consistent conditions due to the protection of rock and coral reef walls that prevent a strong shore break on the beach. These are the best beaches for parents with younger kids and toddlers.
Parents with older children who want water activities like boogie boarding can consider some of beaches lower down on this list. There are days that the unprotected beaches are calm like a swimming pool (what I like to call Lake Pacific!) and other days that I wouldn't even consider heading into the water. If you're not sure just ask a lifeguard!
The rule of thumb for beach safety is to always sit on the beach and watch the water for at least 15 minutes before you head out for a swim. There can often be a long period of calm between large sets of waves. Watch the other swimmers and see how they manage the waves, and listen to the lifeguards announcements (you can learn a lot!). Don't swim in brown water or murky water (caused by runoff after heavy rains), use PFD's for children who are not confident swimmers and adults too for that matter, and understand basic ocean safety (i.e. like what to do if caught in a rip tide).
As the Maui lifeguards love to proclaim, the OCEAN IS ALIVE. Mahalo for respecting it and your own life!
The ocean is amazing and a wonderful family experience to enjoy together!
Here are our favorite family beaches with kids on Maui!
Lahaina Baby Beach
Excellent Beach for families with little kids and toddlers. The calm waters are perfect for young kids. Older kids may be bored here since there are no waves to play in, but if you have an older child you wants to practice snorkeling for the first time, this is a good spot! Lahaina baby beach is a local favorite for families and visitors alike. The beach is not that wide, but it is quite along and curves around towards the south so there is a ample room to spread out if you are willing to walk a bit.
If you have a beach cart or a wagon, it will make your beach visits that much easier with young kids! You can rent all your beach essentials with Maui Vacation Equipment.
If you want a full list of my recommended beach essentials, check out this article.
What's nearby: Front Street, no restaurants or food options within walking distance. Pack a cooler of snacks and bring all of your beach gear because there is no where to rent beach essentials nearby
Beach Quality: Very shallow sandy beach with coral reef about 2-3ft from shore. Gradual entry. A nice place for parents to sit in the water while kids play. This beach is perfect for beginner snorkeling. Be careful to protect the reef by not standing on it! We often see Honu (Hawaiin for Green Sea Turtle) while swimming at this beach. The huge Hawaiian Green Sea turtles love to come to eat the seaweed off the reef, and the kids and I will float a good distance away to give the Honu space, while we get to observe and admire their beauty!
The biggest considerations for this beach is the lack of facilities. There are no restrooms or outdoor showers (so expect sandy feet in the car). There is also no where to buy food or snacks within walking distance, so come prepared with your cooler!
Restroom Facilities: No
Outdoor shower: No
Lifeguard Station: No
Parking: There is lots of free public parking at the end of the road by the Monastery. There are no signs for the beach and it's not well marked off the road, but google maps is accurate and will navigate to the right place.
Location on Island: West Maui near Lahaina
2. Paia Baby Beach:
Paia Baby Beach has a long swimming area offering calmer waters right next to the open ocean of the pacific of Maui's North Shore. There is a rock wall about 20 ft from shore. It is spectacular to watch the huge waves on the north shore of Maui crashing so close, but being able to swim in a protected zone. A few fish and occasionally a sea turtle come beyond the wall, but not a whole lot of sea life or coral so it's not good for snorkeling because there is nothing to see but sand! The beach itself is long and white. There is usually a current in the swimming area, so many people come to swim laps here. It is a great place for the kids to play while the adults enjoy the view! This beach is ideal for younger children because it is so shallow. An adult can touch the bottom throughout the swimming area (perhaps chest deep, although water levels do vary quite a bit). There are also some tide pools to the left of the swimming area when facing the ocean, so kids can look for marine life and play around on the rocks. Water shoes are always a good idea in tide pools!
This is another amazing beach for kids, but there are no restrooms or outdoor showers. If you feel like going for a walk on the beach past the rock wall, we often see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles on the beach as we walk.
What's nearby: Paia town, but there is no where to purchase food within walking distance. This is a bring your own refreshments beach!
Beach Quality: Sandy with rocks along the edges.
Restroom Facilities: No
Outdoor Shower: No
Lifeguard Station: No
Parking: There is limited street parking close to the beach. When it is busy you may have to park a bit farther away on another street and do a short walk to the beach. If you park near the country club there are paths through the trees where you can walk to the beach.
Location on Island: Maui's North Shore
3. Honokōwai Beach Park:
Honokowai Beach Park is great stop to put on your beach hopping list! If you are staying in the area, this is a lovely spot with a rock & reef wall that creates a shallow area that is protected from the waves. There are trees and grass growing almost up to the edge of the water, so it's one of the few places that you can sit on the grass while the kids are playing in the water! This beach is quite shallow, but because of the rocks, and one area on the far right side of the beach when facing the water that gets some waves, it offers hours of fun for the kids. There are restrooms here and a play structure! There is also a nice little restaurant to get sandwiches across the road. There is free parking, and picnic tables. This beach has a lot going for it!
Restroom Facilities: Yes!
Outdoor Shower: Yes
Lifeguard Station: No
What's nearby: Restaurant across the street
Beach Quality: Sand beach that is very shallow. There is grass up to the beach, and lots of rocks and sticks in the water.
Parking: Yes, big parking lot with free public parking.
Location on Island: Honokowai is past Kaanapali (farther north). Check out the map at the top of the article!
4. Kalepolepo Beach Park
Kalepolepo Beach Park is also known as the "fish pond". It is a very shallow sandy beach that is perfect for babies and toddlers to play in the ocean water, without the large waves! You can often see green sea turtles on the beach and in the water. The shallow water makes this beach one of the best places for parents with young children who want to experience the ocean without so much stress.
This is an ancient Hawaiian fishpond that is historically significant. It is usually uncrowded and a beautiful place to relax with the family. There are a few picnic tables.
Restroom Facilities: There is sometimes a portable toilet
Outdoor Shower: No
Lifeguard Station: No
What's nearby: There are quite a few restaurants nearby, as well as Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice just done the street. Check out my article on the best ice cream on Maui for more details on that!!
Beach Quality: Sandy and shallow!
Parking: Yes! There is free public parking in a small lot.
Location on Island: The north end of Kihei, parking lot is right beside the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center.
5. Ulua Beach
Ulua Beach is the kind of beach that has something for everyone. It is a popular spot for snorkeling from shore to see tropical fish and coral reef. It also has a nice shallow entry for younger children to play in the sand and water. It is located in a cove so the waves tend to be a bit smaller because of the protection offered by the rocky outcroppings on either end of the beach. Body surfing and boogie boarding is definitely possible at this beach. It is also one of the best spots to snorkel in the early morning. You can head out from shore on either end of the beach where you see the rocky outcropping. The reef is beautiful and there are so many fish to see. As you get out to the end of the rocky outcropping you can see how the ocean floor gets deeper and the coral is absolutely magnificent. You will see some scuba divers at this beach since it's such a great spot.
I have had a turtle literally run into me at this beach while I was standing in the water! He just bumped into me on his way by, but the visibility close to shore isn't great because of all the sand that is kicked up by the waves. We are very careful to give the wildlife their space, but sometimes collisions can happen! This is a favorite beach for us when we have kids of multiple ages hanging out together since it's a good place to play in the sand, sit in the shallow water, but also fun for older kids who want to snorkel and body surf!
Restroom Facilities: Yes
Lifeguard Station: No
What's nearby: Andaz Resort
Beach Quality: Some debris farther up the beach, but the sand is soft and golden as you get closer to the water.
Parking: There is free public parking. Turn right off of South Kihei Road when you are driving from Kihei. You will see the road and the sign for Ulua and Mokapu beach directly after the Andaz Resort.
Location on Island: South Maui, Wailea
6. Kamaole Beaches
The Kamaole beaches are some of the best on the whole island. They are divided into Kam 1, Kam 2, and Kam 3. Each is a great beach with soft sand that is golden. Each beach has it's own lifeguard tower, and although they are very close together (it takes me 15- 20 minutes to walk from Kam 3 to Kam 1) they are each unique. Kam 3 is the smallest beach, but it has the biggest parking lot, best grassy park, swing set, picnic tables, and walking path over to Kam 2 and also a path that leads the other direction to the Kihei boat launch. Kamaole 3 is best known for it's large grassy area which is one of our favorite places to watch the sunset on Maui.
Kam 2 is bigger than Kam 3 and has some rocky sections on one end, and nothing but beautiful soft sand for most of the beach.
Kam 1 is a very long beach that turns into Charley-Young Beach toward the north end. The waves and shore break tend to be gentler on this beach. Kam 3 is our "home" beach and the shore break can be pretty brutal!
Remember to never turn your back on the ocean. Always watch for the waves that are coming and it is better to dive through/ go under a wave than try to jump over it. If you are trying to jump and it knocks you over, that's when you can get spinal injuries!
Kam 3 is awesome for little ones who want to boogie board. We don't have to go in very far for the kids to ride the wave in since it tends to be pretty strong. We stay shallower than where the wave breaks, and there is lots of power to give them a fun ride onto the beach. This beach has a very gradual entry with soft sand. The rocky areas are clearly visible and are above the water. It's a good place to spend the day, or head down to play on the beach for a few hours before sunset when the crowds tend to disappear.
Restroom Facilities: Yes
Lifeguard Station: Yes
What's nearby: There are plenty of great restaurants and snack shops in walking distance from these Kihei beaches. Fred's Mexican Cafe across from Kam 2 is one of our family favorite restaurants. Dolphin Plaza- the home of Maui Gelato & Waffles is across the street from Kam 1. If you are staying in Kihei, these will be your go-to easy to access beaches.
Beach Quality: Soft sand. If it has been raining or really winding, there can be debris on the beach. Some of the plants are extremely sharp! Keep an eye out for thorns and keep your shoes on until you get past any visible debris in the sand.
Parking: Plenty of parking! Free public parking in the lots at Kam 1 and Kam 3. The small lot at Kam 2 has some space, and also street parking on South Kihei Road.
Location on Island: South Kihei
7. Ka'anapali Beach
This soft white sand beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Maui. This 2 mile long beach stretches in front of the Ka'anapali resort area with a lovely paved beach path running the length of the beach. The sand consistency is more grainy on this beach than the golden sand beaches of south Maui (those are more like soft sand dust....in an effort to describe the consistency of sand!). You can mostly tell the difference in the way it sticks to your legs and how easily it washes off. This sand is more sticky and harder to get off than the south Maui beaches sand.
The south end of Kaanapali beach is my favorite area with small kids. The water is more shallow and the reef is quite close to the shore, so it makes it a great spot for beginner snorkeling on calm days. It is also nice to play in the gentle waves and soak up the sun. As you go farther north on the beach toward Black Rock which is located all the way on the north end of the beach, the reef is farther from shore and there is a sharp drop off so the water gets deep quickly (which is what you will find on all the west Maui beaches, except the baby beach, compared to the gradual entry of the south Maui beaches).
There is a lot of hype about black rock, but unless you have a need to do cliff jumping, there is no need to make that beach a priority. Snorkeling on the south end of Kaanapali is perfect with kids, just make sure not to stand on the coral reef! Everybody keep their feet up until they are back to shore!
There are parts of Kaanapali beach that boats come in to pick up tour groups. Make sure when you are setting up your chairs for the day that you are well away from the tour group signs otherwise you'll be collecting your kids and worrying about the incoming boats all day!
Restroom Facilities: Yes, along the beach walk
Lifeguard Station: No
What's nearby: Plenty of restaurants and hotels
Beach Quality: Soft white sand
Parking: The challenge of enjoying Kaanapali Beach is parking. If you are staying at a hotel that's perfect, but if you are coming to visit the beach for the day it can be quite a problem. As usual, get there early for your best chance to get a spot. Otherwise, you may be sitting and waiting up to an hour for someone to leave. There are public spots scattered throughout the hotels since the beach is public. Watch for signs and park as close as possible to a beach entry. This is another beach that makes the beach wagon so essential!!
Location on Island: West Maui, North of Lahaina
8. Kahekili Beach Park
This is our favorite west Maui beach for older kids who like to swim and snorkel. It is an ideal public beach because there is plenty of parking and good facilities with restrooms and outdoor showers. It is located on the north side of Black Rock and you can walk along the paved beach path for as far as you want to go! The beach itself is quite steep down to the water, but there is lots of space to set up your beach gear and settle in for a lovely family beach day. I find that the trade winds can really affect this beach in the afternoons since it is unprotected from the wind. The morning is typically calmer and less windy on all the beaches. Although Ulua beach in South Maui offers some nice snorkeling from shore, it doesn't even compare (in my opinion anyway) to Kahekili. This is my #1 favorite beach to go snorkeling from shore. It offers clear water on most days and brilliant marine life and coral reefs. You will often see scuba divers at this beach, and they are quite fun to see when you are snorkeling too! You need to be mindful of the currents and the waves as you would at any beach, and always check the conditions before heading into the water. This is a less touristy beach than the others just because it's slightly removed from the resort area. It is a must visit in my opinion! There are also picnic tables if you prefer to eat lunch out of the sand. This is the perfect place to spend the day!
Restroom Facilities: Yes
Lifeguard Station: No
What's nearby: Kaanapali Resort area to the south, Kapalua Resort area to the north.
Beach Quality: Steep beach, with water that is deep and clear. The sandy is coarse and white.
Parking: Large parking lot with free public parking
Location on Island: West Maui on the north side of black rock
If you are interested in exploring more about visiting Maui with Kids, check these out!
7 Days in Maui with Kids: Planning your Ultimate Family Vacation
Packing for your Vacation in Maui
The Best Beaches for Swimming in Maui
The #1 Snorkeling Spot with Kids in Maui
The #1 Hike in Maui with Kids: Pipiwai Trail
15 Best Hikes in Maui near Kaanapali
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