Our Top 10 Favorite Kid-Friendly Beaches on Maui

Maui holds a special place in our hearts as one of the most magical destinations we’ve traveled to as a family. Having visited the island multiple times—and taken our kids along twice—we’ve come to appreciate how many incredible beaches cater perfectly to families.

The first time we took our kids to Maui was in July 2018, before Covid and the Lahaina fires. Our hearts go out to the people in Lahaina who lost their homes and loved ones in the 2023 fire. Such a devastating tragedy! We love Maui and the Hawaiian people and feel that people continuing to visit will support them and help them rebuild. The state of Hawaii is actually encouraging people to visit, support local businesses, and volunteer where you can. We finally had a chance to go back in January 2025 and it was amazing to see how resilient and welcoming the people of Maui are!

So, let me share some of our favorite spots that made our family adventures truly unforgettable. Maui has some incredible and unique beaches. You can find a little bit of everything on the island – calm, shallow waters for little ones to splash around in, wide sandy stretches for building the ultimate sandcastle, gentle waves for learning to surf, protected bays for snorkeling easily from the shore, and even black sand beaches.

West Maui Beaches

Baby Beach in Lahaina

Baby Beach in Lahaina is a real hidden gem, mainly frequented by locals. As of 2025, unfortunately this beach was still closed as part of the Lahaina fires cleanup and reconstruction. We hope it reopens soon.

As parents of small children, finding a beach where they can play safely is a top priority, so Baby Beach in Lahaina was a dream come true. As the name implies, it’s perfect for babies and toddlers.

The shallow, crystal-clear water is protected by an offshore reef, which keeps the waves calm and makes it perfect for toddlers to splash and explore without worry. Our kids enjoyed walking out really far into the ocean because they could easily reach the ocean floor. We visited this one in 2018 and it was one of our favorites, considering we had three kids ages six and under at the time. We even spotted a rainbow, which is always a treat in Hawaii.

Kapalua Bay Beach

Kapalua Bay is known as one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. This crescent-shaped bay is protected by natural lava rock formations, giving calm, clear waters perfect for spotting those colorful fish everyone loves.

We visited this one to do some family photos at golden hour and didn’t have a chance to snorkel. But it is a beautiful sandy beach with some grassy areas on either side that make a perfect backdrop for a Hawaiian photo shoot. It’s right next to some luxury 5-star hotels and upscale restaurants, so you know it’s a nice area.

It’s also home to the Kapalua Coastal Trail, which great for jogging or walking along the coast. Part of it is paved as it goes along the beach, then it becomes more of a dirt “hiking” trail that takes you along some of the more rugged coastline. I did a quick jog in the morning over there to check out the Cliff House – hard to believe but someone actually lives there! Reminded me of the house in Harry Potter where he finally meets Hagrid for the first time.

Kaanapali Beach

Ka‘anapali Beach is one of Maui’s most iconic destinations, stretching over three miles of golden sand with breathtaking views of the Pacific and neighboring islands like Lanai and Molokai. Beyond the beach’s beauty and activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and cliff jumping at Black Rock, the surrounding area offers a wealth of attractions to explore.

We visited in the winter, which is prime whale watching season. These humpback whales are actually native to Hawaii. The mama whales come here in the winter to give birth in the warm water and then head back to Alaska in spring and summer to feed on the krill up there. We saw whales spouting and breaching all the time at probably all the beaches we went to. But at Kaanapali, a mama whale and her calf gave us a real show! They were playfully jumping and slapping their tails so much that the crowd at the beach was cheering and clapping. Instant core memory.

Our kids loved playing in the waves there, too. The shore break was surprisingly intense. What looked like calm waves would suddenly become 4-5 footers right as they broke on the sand, strong enough to knock you off your feet and pull you back down the hill into the water. Luckily there was no riptide, just a strong undertow. Like Finding Dory, we were jokingly singing, “When we see the undertow, we say ‘let’s go!'” Normally bad advice, but we took precautions and had the kids in life vests just in case. When they weren’t getting put through the laundry machine, they had a blast laughing at all the older teenagers jumping over and doing flips into the waves and watching all the boogie boarders and skim boarders.

We also tried snorkeling near Black Rock. We had heard it was one of the best spots on the island for it but were less than impressed. We saw some colorful fish but not a lot – we had seen much more out at Molokini Crater. But it might have been the time of day. We arrived late afternoon and supposedly the snorkeling is best in the morning.

In addition to being a popular spot for snorkeling and cliff jumping, Black Rock, or Pu‘u Keka‘a, has significant cultural and historical importance in Hawaiian traditions. In Hawaiian mythology, Pu‘u Keka‘a is considered a sacred spot where souls would leap into the afterlife. It was believed to be one of the leina a ka ‘uhane, or “leaping places of the soul,” where spirits would transition to join their ancestors. Pretty cool!

Kaanapali Beach is probably the busiest beach on Maui, especially in the summer. Think toned-down Waikiki. But the advantage to that is the proximity to Whaler’s Village, where you can find an open-air shopping and dining complex that caters to families and beachgoers. And there’s the Kaanapali Beachwalk, which is a scenic pathway runs along the beach, connecting resorts, restaurants, and activities. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family-friendly bike ride, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the views.

Favorite memory: while we were there, H (age 8) turned to us and said matter-of-factly, “This is my heaven – sitting in a Tommy Bahama chair on the beach, eating my triple-stuffed Oreo.” She had smashed three Oreos together and was living her best life.

South Maui Beaches

Kamaole Beach Park

Kamaole Beach Park, often called “Kam” by locals and visitors, is a family-friendly gem located in sunny Kihei, South Maui. It is divided into three distinct sections: Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III, each offering unique features but all sharing the same golden sand, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere.

In 2018, we stayed at the Worldmark which was about a quarter mile from ‘Kam 1’, so that’s where we set up shop most days. It was an ideal beach for families. It has a wide, open stretch of sand with plenty of space to spread out and play in the soft sand. The waves are relatively mild and there are lifeguards stationed there, unlike many of Maui’s beaches. We rented paddleboards and loved taking turns with the kids on the board. The waves were enough to give them a little thrill but also calm enough to not tip you over all the time.

You’re also walking distance from food trucks, shave ice, the ABC store, shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it convenient to grab snacks or lunch. One of our favorite things to do was build sand volcanoes, then head on over to the ABC Store for Diet Coke and Mentos to make our volcano erupt.

The best part is it’s not an overly busy beach and somehow still maintains a super laid back vibe. But don’t get too relaxed and sleep in too late — we recommend hanging out in the morning at the beach before the tradewinds pickup, as afternoons generally get gusty.

Kalama Park Surfer’s Bay

This section of the coastline in between Kalama Park and Cove Beach Park is known for its small, gentle waves, making it a favorite spot for beginner surfers. Surf schools and instructors frequently bring students here to learn in the forgiving conditions. Really, there is no better spot on the island for beginner surfers than this beach in Kihei.

We used to live in California so we knew how to surf and teach the kids ourselves, so we opted to not do the lessons. We just rented a surf board for $30 a day from Maui Waveriders (one of the few places on the island that hasn’t raised their prices post-Covid, so we highly recommend it). We loved it so much in 2018, we came back for more in 2025. Our three oldest kids have now all learned to surf in Kihei.

And while the kids are out learning to surf, there’s a great little section of sand for the rest of the crew to hang out on as well. It’s hard-packed sand, so it’s good for writing messages or building sand castles. You can see by the impromptu “I LOVE SURFING” message that our 8-year old wrote how the kids felt about it!

Makena Beach

Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, is one of Maui’s most beautiful and expansive beaches, and our favorite spot for boogie boarding. The surf can get a little crazy so be safe – when in doubt, don’t go out – but we had an absolute blast playing in the waves here. If you’re a confident swimmer, you should be fine. The water at Makena Beach is a gorgeous shade of turquoise, so worst case scenario you can just admire the pretty waves from afar.

What makes Makena Beach special is its mile-long stretch of soft, golden sand, making it a great spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and beach games. It’s one of the largest beaches on Maui, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. And there is a lot of natural shade from the big kiawe trees, too.

It’s worth a return trip after the crowds die down to come back and watch the sunset here because the views are gorgeous. The beach is framed by lush green hills and rocky outcroppings, with views of Molokini Crater and Kaho‘olawe island off in the distance. Instead of sand castles, we built a sand Molokini and had fun taking pictures at golden hour with the beautiful views. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset when the colors of the sky and sea are truly spectacular. This stunning beach is often considered one of the most picturesque on the island.

The beach is less commercialized, which adds to its charm. Unlike some of the more popular beaches in Maui, Big Beach feels spacious, with fewer crowds despite its popularity. The only downside is that there are no facilities directly on Big Beach (like bathrooms or lifeguards). But the plus side is there are no housing developments or resorts next to the beach, so the surrounding scenery feels untouched, offering families a chance to connect with nature in a way that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

TRAVEL TIP: navigate to the “Big Beach third entrance” to avoid paying the state park entrance fee. Street parking is super close to the sand, as long as you can find a spot.

Aerial view of Oneuli Beach & Makena Beach

Oneuli Black Sand Beach

If you don’t want to drive the Road to Hana for a black sand beach, there is a hidden gem nestled just north of Makena called Oneuli Beach. We learned about it on a blog back in 2018 and were pleasantly surprised that in 2025 it still remained a hidden gem, untouched as it was back seven years ago. Maybe because most people head to Makena/Big Beach just a minute down the road. Or maybe because it’s a bumpy dirt road that intimidates people. Either way, we’re glad it’s still a hidden gem!

Use a GPS to find ‘Oneuli Beach Access’ and it will take to a sketchy-looking dirt road with a run-down gate. The first time we went, we took our rental scooters out for a joyride and had a grand ol’ adventure navigating them down the dirt path. The beach was quiet in a cove, clean and had sea turtles and other sea life galore. We used scooters to get there and it felt like a grand adventure.

There are no restrooms, food vendors, or shops at Oneuli Beach, which adds to its charm but also means it’s a good idea to bring water, snacks, and anything else you may need for the day. There is, however, limited parking available near the entrance. Maybe enough for 5-6 cars is all. But we didn’t have a problem whenever we went.

Unlike the black sand beach near Hana, which has strikingly dark black pebbles for its beach, this beach has a dazzling mix of black, red, and dark brown sand and specs of white coral that has been ground down to a fine powder. It almost feels like you’re giving yourself an ash skin treatment of some kind. It’s so unique, you’ve got to try it out!

And the backdrop of the beach is what looks like a dramatic red lava cliff but is actually the remnants of a cinder cone, which is only apparent from the air (thank you, drone!). It’s a little surreal and I really am shocked it’s not more well-known. One of the coolest beaches on Maui, in my opinion.

It’s also a great place for snorkeling. When we arrived early one morning, we saw some sea turtles playing in the waves. We didn’t bring our snorkel gear to this one, but we did see a couple divers our in the water.

While Oneuli Beach isn’t as family-oriented as some of Maui’s more popular beaches (due to the lack of amenities), its peaceful environment, distinctive landscape, and relatively calm waters make it an interesting stop for families who enjoy nature and a bit of adventure. The beach is also a great option for those who enjoy a more off-the-beaten-path experience and don’t mind the rough road leading in.

Oneuli Beach offers a unique and tranquil experience that stands out on Maui, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking solitude and an unusual landscape to explore.

Wailea Beach

Wailea Beach is one of Maui’s most famous and picturesque beaches, located in the upscale resort area on the island’s southern coast. It sits right in front of the famous Grand Wailea, where Adam Sandler’s Just Go With It was filmed. And if you’re an Adam Sandler fan, supposedly he comes back here every winter around Christmastime.

Known for its stunning beauty, soft golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious surroundings, Wailea Beach offers a peaceful yet high-end beach experience that appeals to both families and couples alike for its romantic yet adventurous atmosphere.

We stayed next door at Marriott’s Wailea Beach Resort, so the beach was within walking distance of our hotel room, which was spectacular. We loved taking sunrise walks along the Wailea Beach Path, looking for whale spouts on the horizon, and checking out all the fun activities at the beach. The black lava rock outcroppings mixed with the lush green landscaping of the resorts and the sandy Wailea Beach made for an unforgettable sight.

We loved it here because even though it has all the upscale amenities you can think of it also has a very laid-back, uncrowded vibe to it (unlike Kaanapali). Because it’s a resort area, you can find everything from beach lounger and cabana rentals, to scuba lessons, kayak outings, paddleboard rentals and everything in between (except surfing – waves are too small).

The water here is calm and inviting, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s often protected from larger waves by the surrounding rocky points, which helps create a tranquil environment that’s ideal for families with young children or those looking to float and relax.

Additionally, Wailea Beach’s proximity to luxury resorts, restaurants, and the Shops at Wailea makes it convenient for families who want to mix beach time with a little indulgence, whether it’s grabbing a meal at a nearby restaurant, getting some Maui Root Beer from the ABC Store or some shave ice, or shopping for some new island-style clothes.

North Shore Maui Beaches

Ho’Okipa Beach

Ho‘okipa Beach and the Ho‘okipa Lookout are two of the most iconic and scenic spots on Maui’s North Shore, especially famous for their incredible views, great surfing conditions, and natural beauty. Located just off the Hana Highway, Ho‘okipa offers something for everyone—whether you’re a surfer, photographer, nature lover, or just looking to soak in Maui’s unique coastal charm.

We are not great surfers, by any means. Anything bigger than a couple feet is beyond our skill level. So, while Ho’Okipa is known for world-class surfing and windsurfing, we did not partake. The waves get pretty huge in the winter.

We just went to watch and stand in awe of other people’s athletic abilities. Ho’Okipa Lookout is the perfect spot to do it, too. You can stand on top of a small cliff, elevated and closer to the action. And there’s a guardrail to keep the littles safe as well. Watching the surfers there was pretty awe-inspiring.

And bonus! On top of going to watch the pro surfers out in the waves, take a few steps down the hill to the sand and you can see dozens of sea turtles gathered to sunbathe on the beach. Both times we visited (summer and winter) we saw a ton. More than I’ve seen anywhere else. This most recent trip we counted over 45, though I’m not entirely positive one or two weren’t just big lava rocks because they blend in really well.

Top: Hookipa in 2018, Bottom: Back in Hookipa in 2025 with the same color shirts, not on purpose

TRAVEL TIP: This is much easier to get to than Jaws, and just as good. A few miles down the road is the famous Peahi surfbreak (aka Jaws), where storm swells can sometimes case 100-foot waves and surfers go to set big wave records. The only problem is, you need a 4WD vehicle to get to the beach where you can see those guys, or be willing to hike 3 miles down a dirt road. The swell at Ho’Okipa is similar and most of the times you’re just as entertained going to Ho’Okipa.

Whether you’re an avid water sports enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone who just wants to relax and take in the views, Ho‘okipa Beach and the Ho‘okipa Lookout are must-see stops during your Maui adventure.

Baby Beach in Paia

Baby Beach in Paia is a charming and family-friendly beach located on the north shore of Maui, near the town of Paia. After watching the surfers and sea turtles at Ho’Okipa we headed to Paia to grab some shave ice and then to Baby Beach to relax away from the big waves.

It’s a little different from Baby Beach in Lahaina. Here, there’s a large rocky area just offshore that has created a natural pool area to swim in. Most of the waves crash onto the rocks, leaving this sandy little pool area calm enough to chill in.

It’s also located on some sand dunes, making it a fun area for the kids to run up and down the hills and around the trees to explore. It’s tucked away in a residential neighborhood, so parking is limited to what you can find on the street. But that makes it really tranquil – the perfect environment for a relaxing beach day, far from the crowds of the more tourist-heavy areas.

And after seeing 40+ sea turtles sleeping on the beach at Ho’Okipa, we were pleasantly surprised to see one al by himself here at Baby Beach. As the sun set his sunbathing spot got too shady, and we watched him slowly scoot back into to the sea.

Road to Hana

Wai’anapanapa State Park black sand beach

Wai’anapanapa State Park is home to one of Maui’s most stunning and unique beaches—the black sand beach – if you can reach it, that is. It takes almost two hours to drive there from Paia, traveling along a two-lane highway, taking its many twists and turns and 20 mph. But the experience is worth it, if you can stomach the drive (pun intended). We went once in 2018 and that was enough. Some of us are prone to car sickness so we didn’t venture back in 2025. But we still recommend it if you’re planning on driving the iconic Road to Hana!

Located towards the end of the Hana Highway near the town of Hana, this state park offers visitors a chance to experience one of Maui’s most dramatic and beautiful coastal landscapes. The black sand is the result of volcanic activity, as lava that met the ocean cooled and shattered into tiny fragments, creating the distinctive dark sands that cover the beach.

The most defining feature of this beach is its striking black sand, which contrasts beautifully with the turquoise blue of the ocean. The color is a result of volcanic lava being crushed by the waves over centuries, giving the beach a unique and almost mystical appearance. It’s a rare and stunning sight on Maui, as most of the island’s beaches have golden sand.

This typically isn’t somewhere you go to swim. If you’re lucky, you can get catch good conditions. But we made the drive on a rainy day, when the water falls were raging and the seas were angry. We didn’t dare get in the water but it sure was beautiful to look at. And we had fun exploring the sea caves, lava tubes, tide pools and rocky outcroppings.

For many visitors, experiencing a black sand beach like this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Certainly worthy of your bucket list! It’s part of Maui’s magic.

Mahalo for reading and aloha! 🤙🏻

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Our family is on a mission to experience the best kid-friendly adventures in the US and help other families travel affordably and create lasting memories in the process. You can follow us on Instagram @theminivanbucketlist or check out our Hawaii Bucket List for a list of the top kid-friendly adventures in the Aloha State across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.