Best Maui Beaches for Families (2024)

Maui is known for its beaches—some of the best in the world! As a mom of two Maui-born kids, we’ve spent plenty of time with our toes in the sand, and I’m excited to share our favorite family-friendly beaches with you.

Maui can boast some pretty big swells, but if you’re traveling with young children, you’ll probably want to stick to beaches with smaller, calmer waves. These are the best Maui beaches for families, where everyone can relax and play safely.

As always, check conditions and follow the rule: “when in doubt, don’t go out!”

Related: Planning your trip? Don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to Maui with Kids.

South Side

Wailea Beach (Wailea)

Wailea Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the island and is right in front of the Grand Wailea, one of the best family-friendly resorts on Maui. The waves are generally small, the sand is soft, and the views are breathtaking.

If you’re staying in Wailea, you can easily access the first three beaches on this list from the walking path that connects all the luxury resorts. Wailea Beach has a small parking lot if you’re coming from another part of the island. Arriving early is the best way to get a good spot.

Renting a wagon can help tremendously when schleping beach gear with kids in tow!

Restrooms: Yes, near the parking lot

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Parking: Small lot with additional overflow parking

Ulua Beach (Wailea)

Located just south of the Andaz Hotel, Ulua Beach is another stunning South Maui gem with gentle waves perfect for young swimmers. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling, and there are some fun little tide pools that my kids love to explore. There’s a small paved parking lot between Andaz and Wailea Beach Resort.

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Parking: Paved lot (fills up early)

Polo Beach (Wailea)

Polo Beach is the third and final Wailea Beach on this list, and on a good day, its shallow waters are perfect to splash around in.

Located at the southernmost end of the Wailea Beach path and just in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani, this beach tends to be less crowded and can feel like your own little slice of heaven. The snorkeling is decent on both ends of the beach but not as good as Wailea or Ulua Beaches. Instead, this is one of our go-to spots for bodyboarding.

The shore break can be rougher than other nearby beaches, so always avoid Polo Beach when a big swell comes in. Rip currents are common here.

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Parking: Large, paved lot

Keawakapu Beach (Kihei)

Keawakapu is a local favorite in Kihei, known for its long stretch of sand and great boogie boarding. It’s ideal for families, though the water can get a bit rocky in some areas. Just pay attention to where people are getting in and out of the water. There are also fun tide pools to explore, and if it gets windy, you can set up in the grassy area in front of the Mana Kai Hotel.

We’ve seen lucky enough to catch some of the best sunsets of our lives here!

Bathrooms: No (ask for a code at 5 Palms Restaurant in a pinch)

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Parking: Large lot

Kamaole Beach Park (Kihei)

Kamaole Beach Park, or “Kam I, II, and III,” is a collection of three beaches in Kihei. These are some of the best beaches for families on Maui, with small to medium waves and plenty of space for kids to run and play. Kam III even has a playground and a big grassy area, perfect for picnics.

Kam I is super convenient, with nearby shops and eateries just across the street. For bigger kids who want to boogie board, Kam III offers the best waves.

Bathrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: Yes

Parking: Lot and street parking available

Find out: Do You Need a Rental Car on Maui?

Kalama Beach Park (Kihei)

Kalama Park is home to what we refer to as “The Cove.” This is Maui’s top spot for beginner surfers. With its gentle, rolling waves, this small beach offers the perfect conditions for first-timers or kids looking to catch their very first wave.

Located right next to a large grassy park with a playground, skate park, and picnic areas, Kalama Park has everything you need for a fun family day out. The water is generally calm, but it’s rocky under the surface and you’ll need water shoes to surf or swim.

Check out Surf Shack Maui for family surf lessons and then head to South Maui Gardens for a hidden Maui food park gem!

Bathrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Parking: Paved lot and street parking available

Sugar Beach (Kihei)

Sugar Beach is the best place for a long morning walk or run. It stretches for miles, and while the water can sometimes look murky due to the kicked-up sand, it’s still safe for swimming.

The waves in front of Kihei Canoe Club (across from the ABC store) are small and ideal for kids to play. Take caution further down, as you’ll find many more rocks that are sometimes hard to spot under the surface. It tends to get windy here as the day progresses.

Bathrooms: No

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Parking: Street parking

West Side

Napili Bay (Kapaula)

Napili Bay is one of the best beaches on Maui’s West Side, known for its calm waters, soft sand, and great snorkeling, especially in the summer months. The sunsets here are breathtaking. This is a small bay with tricky parking, but it’s worth the trip.

If you get hungry, check out Sea House Restaurant, which is right on the beach and part of Napili Kai Beach Resort, my favorite spot for a low-key beach retreat. They have a great happy hour!

Restrooms: Yes, located just to the right of the Sea House Restaurant

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Parking: You can access the beach from three spots along Lower Honoapi’ilani Road. You can park on Napili Place right off the side of the road, or find parking on Hui Drive, which dead-ends by the beach. The third option is to park across from Napili Kai on Lower Honoapi’ilani and walk through the resort to the beach.

Kapalua Bay (Kapaula)

Just north of Napili and next to the luxurious Montage Resort, Kapalua Bay is another fantastic family-friendly beach. It’s often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world and has calm waters great for snorkeling and playing with little ones.

Check out the Kapalua Coastal Trail for an easy hike with kids!

Bathrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Parking: Lot that fills up early; come before 9 AM if you can!

Ka’anapali Beach (Ka’anapali)

Ka’anapali the most popular beach on Maui because of its stunning, clear water and proximity to the many resorts located here. On the North end of the beach, you’ll find Black Rock, an excellent place to snorkel and watch those brave enough to jump from cliffs into the sea.

This beach can get crowded, but it’s a beautiful place to spend the day. Just watch your little ones, there tends to be an unexpected drop-off once you enter the water.

Grab dinner at one of the many family-friendly restaurants!

Bathrooms: At Whalers Village Shopping Center

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Parking: Paid parking at Whalers Village or various hotels

North Shore

Baby Beach at Baldwin Beach Park (Paia)

If you’re up for an adventure and looking for calmer waters on the North Shore, head to the eastern end of Baldwin Beach to a local favorite known as Baby Beach. The natural reef creates a peaceful, shallow pool, making it an ideal spot for younger kids. As a bonus, there are some fun sands dunes my kids love to run up and down.

This beach can be hit or miss, but when the weather’s right, you won’t find a better spot for toddlers to splash around. Come early, as the wind picks up in the afternoon. Beach access and street parking are only available through a Spreckelsville neighborhood, so make sure you’re not blocking anyone in and be prepared to walk.

Bathrooms: No

Showers: No

Lifeguard: No

Parking: Residential Street Parking

Ho’okipa Beach Park (Paia)

Ho’okipa is a great place to watch pro surfers and windsurfers take on big waves, especially in the winter when the swell is big. While this beach isn’t ideal for swimming, it’s perfect for families who want to sit on the grassy bluff and enjoy the show.

Depending on the conditions, this beach also has numerous little tide pools to let babies and toddlers splash around and play. Ho’okipa is also notorious for giant green sea turtle visitors (Honu) who love to bask on the sand in the sunshine. Just be sure to be respectful and keep a distance.

Ho’okipa Beach Park is at mile #9 on Hana Highway, just down the way from the iconic Mama’s Fish House.

Bathrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguard: Yes

Parking: Parking lot

Maui Beach to Avoid with Kids

Makena Beach, popularly known as “Big Beach,” is breathtaking and refreshingly underdevelped. However, it’s notorious for its dangerous shore break, even on seemingly calm days. It’s common to hear stories of people getting injured here, so I recommend skipping this beach if you have kids. The risk just isn’t worth it.

Final Tips on Visiting Maui Beaches with Kids

Maui’s beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful, offering everything from gentle shorelines for toddlers to exciting surf spots for teens. Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen, lots of water, and snacks, and keep a gallon of water in your car for rinsing sandy feet before heading off to your next adventure.