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Location: Northeast Maui
Getting ever so closer to Hana Town we have one last major stop at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. On the makai side of the highway you should see a gravel road leading down to Wai‘anapanapa State Wayside Park. There should also be a road sign informing you of the location. Head down the road and look for the main parking area (to the left), near the cabins. From here a trail will lead you down to Honokalani black sand beach, located in Pa‘iloa Bay. Swimming is dangerous and should be avoided here. The beach is open to the ocean with no outside reef to break the force of the waves and current. You will see many warning signs in place because of this. Once you’re on the beach, you might be interested in exploring the cave opening off to your right. Though narrow at the entrance, it widens inside and takes you an open view of the ocean at the other end.
Getting ever so closer to Hana Town we have one last major stop at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. On the makai side of the highway you should see a gravel road leading down to Wai‘anapanapa State Wayside Park. There should also be a road sign informing you of the location. Head down the road and look for the main parking area (to the left), near the cabins. From here a trail will lead you down to Honokalani black sand beach, located in Pa‘iloa Bay. Swimming is dangerous and should be avoided here. The beach is open to the ocean with no outside reef to break the force of the waves and current. You will see many warning signs in place because of this. Once you’re on the beach, you might be interested in exploring the cave opening off to your right. Though narrow at the entrance, it widens inside and takes you an open view of the ocean at the other end.
Location: Northeast Maui
A more popular beach in Hana town is just on the other side of Ka‘uiki hill at Hana Bay. This beach is known as Kaihalulu (Red Sand) beach. The beach gets its red sand from lava cinders off Ka‘uiki. The quickest way to access this beach is to take Ua‘kea road past Hana Bay to where it dead ends at Hauoli Road. Make sure you park your car in the right direction (depending on which side of the road you’re on - Hana police will ticket you otherwise).
A more popular beach in Hana town is just on the other side of Ka‘uiki hill at Hana Bay. This beach is known as Kaihalulu (Red Sand) beach. The beach gets its red sand from lava cinders off Ka‘uiki. The quickest way to access this beach is to take Ua‘kea road past Hana Bay to where it dead ends at Hauoli Road. Make sure you park your car in the right direction (depending on which side of the road you’re on - Hana police will ticket you otherwise).
Location: Southeast Maui
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele).
Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top.
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele).
Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top.
Location: Southeast Maui
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele). Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top. You'll pass by Koki Beach on your left, and it's worth a stop if you have the time. Heading farther down the road beyond Koki Beach you’ll discover one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawai‘i - the world famous Hamoa Beach.
After parking in the lot at the beach, proceed down the stairs to the shoreline. The surrounding grounds are nearly as captivating as the beach itself. Hamoa is about 1,000 feet long and about 100 feet wide with sea cliffs surrounding it. Lush vegetation cradles the beach in stunning beauty.
Off shore there is decent snorkeling and scuba diving, good swimming, and just as in ancient times, excellent body surfing too (mostly in the winter). If you can wrestle a kayak down to the beach, launching is relatively easy when the surf is down. Hamoa is unprotected by fringing reefs, so big surf hits the beach unimpeded in the winter months. The beach is surrounded by private property owned by the Hotel Hana Maui. Most of the facilities are for the guests of the resort, but the Hotel Hana Maui is gracious enough to allow the use of some of the facilities. There are rest rooms, showers, and picnic tables available.
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele). Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top. You'll pass by Koki Beach on your left, and it's worth a stop if you have the time. Heading farther down the road beyond Koki Beach you’ll discover one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawai‘i - the world famous Hamoa Beach.
After parking in the lot at the beach, proceed down the stairs to the shoreline. The surrounding grounds are nearly as captivating as the beach itself. Hamoa is about 1,000 feet long and about 100 feet wide with sea cliffs surrounding it. Lush vegetation cradles the beach in stunning beauty.
Off shore there is decent snorkeling and scuba diving, good swimming, and just as in ancient times, excellent body surfing too (mostly in the winter). If you can wrestle a kayak down to the beach, launching is relatively easy when the surf is down. Hamoa is unprotected by fringing reefs, so big surf hits the beach unimpeded in the winter months. The beach is surrounded by private property owned by the Hotel Hana Maui. Most of the facilities are for the guests of the resort, but the Hotel Hana Maui is gracious enough to allow the use of some of the facilities. There are rest rooms, showers, and picnic tables available.
Location: South Maui
It's rare to find an unoccupied beach in south Maui, but that's just what is likely to happen when you visit Po'olenalena (also known as Paipu Beach, Pepeiaolepo Beach, Love Beach, Keauhou Beach or Makena Surf Beach). Po'olenalena is excellent for swimming since its sandy shores slope gently into the water. The lava rocks at each end of the beach make for great snorkeling - but please remember, do not touch or step on the coral or feed the fish. These things disrupt the natural balance of this delicate habitat.
Both entrances to the beach have paved parking lots. The first is just past Wailea Gold Club Drive on Makena Alanui south of Wailea. The second entrance is less than a mile down the road and is much smaller but has showers. There is no lifeguard on duty.
It's rare to find an unoccupied beach in south Maui, but that's just what is likely to happen when you visit Po'olenalena (also known as Paipu Beach, Pepeiaolepo Beach, Love Beach, Keauhou Beach or Makena Surf Beach). Po'olenalena is excellent for swimming since its sandy shores slope gently into the water. The lava rocks at each end of the beach make for great snorkeling - but please remember, do not touch or step on the coral or feed the fish. These things disrupt the natural balance of this delicate habitat.
Both entrances to the beach have paved parking lots. The first is just past Wailea Gold Club Drive on Makena Alanui south of Wailea. The second entrance is less than a mile down the road and is much smaller but has showers. There is no lifeguard on duty.
Location: South Maui
Also known as Oneloa Beach (its true Hawaiian name) or Makena Beach*, Big Beach is probably one of the prettiest beaches on Mau‘i, certainly south Mau‘i. It is nearly 2/3 mile long and over 100 feet wide. The gorgeous sand and pristine waters attract snorkelers, swimmers and sunbathers. As with most beaches on Mau‘i, pay attention to the rip tides. Enter the water where the locals are; they know what they are doing. You can also get great views of Molokini and Kaho‘olawe.
If you look to your right you will notice a large hill. This is 360-foot Pu’u Ola’i, the legendary spot of a violent eruption before the one in 1790. Because of its location near the ocean, the pressure from the cool water and hot flowing lava built up massive pressure, resulting in a powerful explosion that propelled lava high into the air. The lava eventually fell and formed Pu’u Ola’i. Porta potties and picnic tables are available. Makena Beach is accessible via a short road at mile marker 4 on Makena Alanui Road and another access just past mile marker 4 in South Maui. Big Beach is connected on the right by a small path over the hill and lava to Little Beach which is a favorite spot for nude sunbathers.
*Makena Beach is actually just north of Oneloa (Big) Beach, but the name has seemingly stuck and the beach is often referred to by this name as well.
Also known as Oneloa Beach (its true Hawaiian name) or Makena Beach*, Big Beach is probably one of the prettiest beaches on Mau‘i, certainly south Mau‘i. It is nearly 2/3 mile long and over 100 feet wide. The gorgeous sand and pristine waters attract snorkelers, swimmers and sunbathers. As with most beaches on Mau‘i, pay attention to the rip tides. Enter the water where the locals are; they know what they are doing. You can also get great views of Molokini and Kaho‘olawe.
If you look to your right you will notice a large hill. This is 360-foot Pu’u Ola’i, the legendary spot of a violent eruption before the one in 1790. Because of its location near the ocean, the pressure from the cool water and hot flowing lava built up massive pressure, resulting in a powerful explosion that propelled lava high into the air. The lava eventually fell and formed Pu’u Ola’i. Porta potties and picnic tables are available. Makena Beach is accessible via a short road at mile marker 4 on Makena Alanui Road and another access just past mile marker 4 in South Maui. Big Beach is connected on the right by a small path over the hill and lava to Little Beach which is a favorite spot for nude sunbathers.
*Makena Beach is actually just north of Oneloa (Big) Beach, but the name has seemingly stuck and the beach is often referred to by this name as well.
Location: Northeast Maui
Between mile markers 13 and 14 on the Hana Highway you will have a chance to visit Honomanu Bay. There are two roads that lead to the beach. The first is about a half-mile beyond the 13 mile marker - but this dirt road brings you out on the wrong side of the beach (the stream will cut you off from the remainder of the shoreline). The other access road is available just beyond the 14 mile marker. This route is much muddier, steeper, and 4x4 may be required at times so you might have to walk to the beach instead. Taking your car off-road is a violation of your rental agreement anyway.
Like many beaches in Hawai‘i, the amount of sand can vary from the winter to summer months. In the winter months the beach can be mostly small rocks and boulders. Whereas, in the summer the sand will return. The beach is frequented by surfers, especially in the winter months. Swimming is ill-advised due to rough surf. In our opinion, the best way to view this bay is from above (at mile marker 13 or one of the upcoming lookouts).
Between mile markers 13 and 14 on the Hana Highway you will have a chance to visit Honomanu Bay. There are two roads that lead to the beach. The first is about a half-mile beyond the 13 mile marker - but this dirt road brings you out on the wrong side of the beach (the stream will cut you off from the remainder of the shoreline). The other access road is available just beyond the 14 mile marker. This route is much muddier, steeper, and 4x4 may be required at times so you might have to walk to the beach instead. Taking your car off-road is a violation of your rental agreement anyway.
Like many beaches in Hawai‘i, the amount of sand can vary from the winter to summer months. In the winter months the beach can be mostly small rocks and boulders. Whereas, in the summer the sand will return. The beach is frequented by surfers, especially in the winter months. Swimming is ill-advised due to rough surf. In our opinion, the best way to view this bay is from above (at mile marker 13 or one of the upcoming lookouts).
Location: South Maui
This underused but beautiful beach is located on Makena Alanui Road in South Maui right next to Makena Beach. Oneuli means "dark sands" which aptly describes the beach's salt and pepper mixture of black and white sand. After years of abuse from the ocean waves, the nearby Pu'u Ola'i Cinder Cone's deposits were ground into black sand and washed up on the beach. Combine that with crushed seashells and you have a lovely mixture.
One of the highlights of this beach is the snorkeling. A large lava shelf off shore makes swimming conditions not ideal, but the coral-filled bay makes up for it. This is a favorite location for honu (green sea turtles) and occasionally manta rays and small sharks. The best locations for snorkeling and scuba diving are at the north end of the beach following the length of the beach. During calm seas you may be able to snorkel all the way around the cinder cone, but be mindful of currents and come up to check if you are still on track. This is also a good place to launch a kayak.
This underused but beautiful beach is located on Makena Alanui Road in South Maui right next to Makena Beach. Oneuli means "dark sands" which aptly describes the beach's salt and pepper mixture of black and white sand. After years of abuse from the ocean waves, the nearby Pu'u Ola'i Cinder Cone's deposits were ground into black sand and washed up on the beach. Combine that with crushed seashells and you have a lovely mixture.
One of the highlights of this beach is the snorkeling. A large lava shelf off shore makes swimming conditions not ideal, but the coral-filled bay makes up for it. This is a favorite location for honu (green sea turtles) and occasionally manta rays and small sharks. The best locations for snorkeling and scuba diving are at the north end of the beach following the length of the beach. During calm seas you may be able to snorkel all the way around the cinder cone, but be mindful of currents and come up to check if you are still on track. This is also a good place to launch a kayak.
Location: South Maui
Little Beach in South Maui is the unofficial place to relax and bare it all. Even with the clothing-optional reputation, Little Beach, which is adjacent to Makena (Big) Beach, is often as packed as it's larger brother. This is a good spot to body surf as well as swim and snorkel when the surf is calm.
If the surf is high, the waves can really pound you, so stay out of the water. If you do enter, watch where the locals go because they know the terrain. There is a strong off shore current that should be avoided by inexperienced swimmers. Theft is generally not a problem at this beach, but your car parked at Makena Beach is. Don't leave anything valuable in your car (even the trunk). Sometimes long term "campers" in tents set up shop on this beach which can be an unpleasant experience. There are no facilities.
Little Beach in South Maui is the unofficial place to relax and bare it all. Even with the clothing-optional reputation, Little Beach, which is adjacent to Makena (Big) Beach, is often as packed as it's larger brother. This is a good spot to body surf as well as swim and snorkel when the surf is calm.
If the surf is high, the waves can really pound you, so stay out of the water. If you do enter, watch where the locals go because they know the terrain. There is a strong off shore current that should be avoided by inexperienced swimmers. Theft is generally not a problem at this beach, but your car parked at Makena Beach is. Don't leave anything valuable in your car (even the trunk). Sometimes long term "campers" in tents set up shop on this beach which can be an unpleasant experience. There are no facilities.
Location: Southwest Maui
Nearly all of the seaside resorts in this area back up to Ka'anapali Beach, a three mile stretch of sand suitable for frolicking with a sidewalk that runs the entire length by the hotels to Black Rock. Black Rock slices across the beach and is a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Those in search of their scuba certification on this part of the island will likely do your first dive at Black Rock. There are also plenty more opportunities to whet your appetite for water sports such as parasailing, wind surfing and jet skis.
Nearly all of the seaside resorts in this area back up to Ka'anapali Beach, a three mile stretch of sand suitable for frolicking with a sidewalk that runs the entire length by the hotels to Black Rock. Black Rock slices across the beach and is a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Those in search of their scuba certification on this part of the island will likely do your first dive at Black Rock. There are also plenty more opportunities to whet your appetite for water sports such as parasailing, wind surfing and jet skis.
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