North Shore - Maui Guidebook (2024)

FAQs

What beach do the locals go in Maui? ›

Paako Cove, known as the "Secret Cove" by locals, is a scenic stretch of sand backed by a rock wall and palm trees on the southwestern edge of Maui.

The North Shore of Maui includes miles of spectacular undeveloped beaches, dramatic rugged shoreline, world-class surf breaks, off-the-beaten path vacation rentals and is both the native and adoptive home to a small, exceedingly diverse population.

From Wailea, head south on Wailea Alanui Drive. Follow it as it changes names to Makena Alanui Drive, and then Makena Road. A short distance past the turn-offs for Big Beach, you'll see a pretty stone wall with a door-way sized opening and a blue beach access sign on the south end. This is the entrance to Secret Cove.

Maui: Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach: This exquisite red-sand beach boasts rough waters and unpredictable currents, making swimming highly inadvisable.

Red Sand Beach, Maui

Known as Kaihalulu Beach in Hawaiian, this picturesque location gets its red sand from the nearby red lava cinder cliffs eroding on the shore. However, only experienced hikers should make the hike down to the beach, since part of the trail was lost in a landslide.

The highest point on Maui is atop Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world, which reaches an impressive 10,023 feet and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. While a 2 a.m. wake up call may not sound like most people's idea of a relaxing vacation activity, it's worth it.

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.

Since the 1970s, Paia Town has gotten plenty of recognition as the laid back, surfer hippie town of Maui. While most people breeze by on their early morning drive to explore the Road to Hana, we recommend taking the time to discover one of Hawaii's coolest small towns.

The North Shore is considered to be the surfing mecca of the world. Every December, the area hosts three competitions, which make up the Triple Crown of Surfing.

The northeasterly trade winds are very common on Maui. In fact, northern and eastern facing shores, like Kapalua and Paia, experience higher wind abrasion than south and west facing shores, like Lahaina and Wailea. Maui's nickname is the Valley Isle because it has a low-lying valley between two tall volcanoes.

Which part of Maui is less touristy? ›

Upcountry is the least touristy area. There are few hotels here and most of the shops and restaurants in town cater to local tastes and needs with an excellent farmers' market, a few general stores, and charming little cafes.

While public nudity is technically illegal in Hawaii, it has been generally accepted that this is a nude beach, and the law is not enforced here. There is also a drum-circle and fire dancing on Sunday afternoons into the evening. There is also decent boogie-boarding and surfing from this beach.

Maluʻaka Beach is known as Turtle Beach because of the abundance of sea turtles that can be seen swimming in the area. Maluaka Beach, is located in South Maui and is known for its golden sand, clear blue water, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Turtle Town in Maui

This beautiful snorkel location is found along the southern coast, in the general area between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach. Turtle Town is a unique series of underwater lava formations developed long ago by the eruptions of submarine volcanoes.

The leeward side beaches on Maui are the best for great snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and of course, sunset watching. Some of the best beaches on Maui's south shore include Wailea Beach, the Kama'ole Beach Parks, Keawakapu Beach, and Makena Beach.

After crunching the numbers, the researchers found that Baby Beach in Maui, Hawaii, holds the title for having the calmest water of any beach in the world, with more than 27 percent of reviews mentioning the phrase. “Incredibly calm waters with ample coral areas, perfect for snorkeling in.

Kāʻanapali Beach: West Maui's "signature" beach, Kāʻanapali Beach offers three miles of white sand. Easy walking access from all Kāʻanapali hotels, this was named "America's Best Beach" in 2003.” Puʻu Kekaʻa, also known as Black Rock, on the northernmost section of the beach is excellent for snorkeling.

Maui's North Shore is way less crowded than the touristy spots on the South and West sides. This part of the island is perfect if you're up for some adventure, chilling out, or a mix of both. This area boasts pristine beaches, charming towns, and many outdoor activities, offering something for every type of traveler.