The Most Magnificent Beaches in Maui

The stunningly beautiful beaches of the Hawaiian Island of Maui offer an abundance of soft sand, gentle surf, clear water, swaying palm trees and perfect weather. A number of the island's stretches of sand truly stand out, offering the very best swimming and snorkeling conditions, the most spectacular sunsets and island atmosphere. These are the most magnificent beaches in Maui.

Wailea Beach in South Maui is considered among many beach connoisseurs worldwide to be the best beach in America. Certainly it is one of the most magnificent beaches in Hawaii. A third of a mile long, this crescent of soft, fine-grained sand boasts calm, crystal-clear waters and sunsets to make the heart stop. With little wind and a gentle surf, the Pacific invites swimmers and snorkelers alike.

Black Sand Beach, otherwise known as Oneuli Beach, is located in Makena just north of a large mound of lava cinders called Pu'u Ola'i. The Pacific's waves have pounded the cinders into the stunning black sand that makes up Oneuli. Calm waters transform Black Sand Beach into a terrific place for swimming and snorkeling. The black sand itself is an attraction; alongside the fish, sea turtles and living coral, it becomes a unique island treasure.

If avoiding crowds is a priority, discover Po'olenalena Beach in South Maui. This half-mile stretch of sand offers exceptional swimming and unbelievable snorkeling among the sea turtles, schools of tropical fish, and dazzling coral. A disposable underwater camera is essential to capture this untouched paradise hidden below the ocean's surface.

Once a haven for hippies, Big Beach is now a breathtaking state park. This very popular beach is only two-thirds of a mile long, but over one hundred feet wide. The ocean here offers excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. On the right side of Big Beach, you can take a short trail to a lava promontory (an area of high land jutting out into the sea), and enjoy the magnificent view. On the other side, you'll find Little Beach, which offers more golden sand and occasionally nudists. Although nudity is unlawful in Hawaii, this small stretch of sand can't be seen from the road and is, therefore, the beach of choice for those uncomfortable in their swimsuits.

In West Maui you will find a picturesque and protected bay at the foot of Kapalua Beach. The hours will wink away as you page through a paperback novel while the gentle breeze ruffles the overhead palms. Kapalua Beach is the perfect spot on Maui to kick back and relax.

Another West Maui beach where the water is spectacular is Kahekili Beach Park. The ocean here has a superb sandy bottom. A popular place for scuba divers, some companies hold introductory shore dives here. If you're traveling here from another part of the island, you may wish to make use of this park's terrific facilities: covered tables, showers, and plenty of parking.

Much of the action in West Maui can be found in front of the Ka'anapali resorts on Ka'anapali Beach. This is a fabulous place to be while the sun sets. Whether you're walking along the beach or dining at one of the happening beachside restaurants, you'll experience a sight you'll take with you forever. There's little more spectacular than a genuine Maui sunset.

A large black lava rock, called Black Rock, separates the two halves of Ka'anapali Beach. This is one magnificent spot to go snorkeling. Begin at the Sheraton side and swim around the black lava rock. You'll see plenty of beautiful fish and living coral. The beach itself is often busy, but not busy enough that it should deter you from visiting.

For the best views of the island of Molokai, spend the morning at Slaughterhouse Beach. Sure, it sounds like the title of a bad horror movie, but it's actually a picture postcard stretch of sand. Slaughterhouse Beach, which gets its name from a slaughterhouse that is long-gone, is located north of the 32 mile marker on Highway 30. Take the concrete stairway located about a hundred feet below the road.

The beaches of Maui are truly some of the most magnificent in the world. The Pacific here is friendlier than it is on some of the other isles, and the setting is nothing short of sensational. An hour on a Maui beach can fill you with a lifetime of aloha.