Maui’s Best Beaches: North shore beaches

There are about a half dozen popular North Shore Beaches of Maui. The best snorkeling will normally be found in the summer months, as the north shores of all Hawaiian Islands are famous for High Surf/Big Waves.

Starting at the top of the West Maui Mountains (Mauna Kahalawai):

Mokulei’a Bay is a very pretty beach, that is off the beaten path. There are fabulous views of Moloka’i Island on a clear day. A lot of people mistake Makulei’a Bay for Honolua Bay (which is more popular for snorkelers). Makulei’a Bay and Honolua Bay are out past “civilization”, above Kapalua and the Ritz Carlton. Both bays are gorgeous! You will be driving along when you see cars parked on the side of the Road, there is a sign saying Honolu’a Bay-Makulei’a Bay.  There is a green staircase that goes down to the beach.* Also best in the Summer Months, we locals call it “slaughter house” in the winter months due to the powerful waves that come into this bay. READ MORE

 

Honolua Bay; farther up the coast, past Kapalua. Near the 33 Mile Marker. No Bathrooms, showers or facilities, however Honolua Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Maui. It is also one of the most beautiful. Honolua Bay is a Marine Preserve. There are lots of Honu (Sea Turtles) and tropical fish and live corals. Dolphins are also known to come into the bay in the mornings. READ MORE

 

 

 Kapalua Bay: is almost always at the top of the “Best Beaches on Maui list”. A somewhat quiet sandy beach in the middle of Luxury. There is a small free parking lot close to the beach (go early as it will fill up quickly), as well as public bathrooms and showers. Merriman’s Restaurant (1 of the best restaurants on Maui! L$$$,D $$$$) is located right on the point; a wonderful location to have lunch after an exhilarating morning snorkeling off Maui!! READ MORE

 

 

 

 

 Napili Bay; In Napili, snorkeling is best on hte right side, by the Sea House Restaurant, however on a calm day, you can try on the left side over by  the Gazebo Restaurant (voted #1 hideaway restaurant on Maui; open until 2:PM only serving Breakfast and Lunch). A beautiful Beach, and healthy colorful reef with live corals and tropical fish and even Honu (Hawaiian Sea Turtles) * Best in the Summer Months, as Napili is on Maui’s North Shore; famous for big waves in the winter time. Check omaui.com for the Surf Report and stay away from the big waves…..READ MORE

 

 Black Rock @ Kaanapali Beach: 1 of the most popular beaches on all of Maui, not so much because of the beach itself, which has been eroding for years…. it’s all about Black Rock and all the fun shopping and restaurants  located on this stretch of Kaanapali Beach. Black Rock is also a popular cliff diving beach.