Ready for paradise? When I lived on Maui, I woke up every day just steps from some of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever seen. I spent my mornings walking alongside sea turtles, dove into calm, clear waters perfect for snorkeling, and watched sunsets that painted the sky in colors I still dream about. If you’re heading to the island, know this: the beaches in Kihei, Maui offer golden sand, sparkling waters, and sunsets that will stop you in your tracks—whether you’re looking to chill or dive into island adventure.
Highlights:
Best Beaches in Kihei, Maui:
Kalepolepo Beach Park - 25 minutes from Kahului Airport
Kalepolepo felt like a quiet breath. It wasn’t the flashiest beach in Kihei, but it had that familiar, local rhythm. Families unwrapped snacks under the shade trees, and the calm water inside the ancient Hawaiian fishpond shimmered like glass. I walked along the shore barefoot, passing the crumbling rock walls and thinking, "This place remembers things." The tide moved gently, the way memories do — always there, just below the surface.
Kamaole Beaches (I, II, and III) - 30 minutes from Kahului
The Kamaole beaches are the kind that sneak up on you. At first, they seem like any other lovely beach — soft sand, blue water, families with boogie boards and coolers. But I kept coming back, and each time I noticed more: the way the sun slips behind the West Maui Mountains, how the water changes color with the hour, and the joy on every kid’s face when they catch a wave. Kamaole III, with its little hill, became my favorite for sunset. I sat in the grass and thought, "This is what golden light feels like."
Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia‘u Beach Park - 10 minutes south of Kihei
This beach’s name means “Never Forget Me,” and I didn’t. The wind came in strong that afternoon, tossing my hair and pushing the sea into steady waves. It’s a spot windsurfers love, but I just walked the long stretch of sand, watching the ocean do its wild dance. There was something untamed about it, something that made me feel small in the right way. No crowds. Just wind and water and sky stretching wide.
Waiohuli Beach - Centrally located in Kihei
Waiohuli felt like the beach locals go to when they want to be alone — no fanfare, no big signs. Just a short walk past some condos and suddenly you're there. I loved how easy it was to lose track of time. I sat on the sand and watched the palms sway while the sun softened the horizon. "Nobody’s rushing here," I thought. And neither was I.
Sugar Beach - 25 minutes from Kahului
Sugar Beach goes on and on — one of the longest stretches of sand on Maui. I started walking with no goal, just letting my feet carry me. The beach curved gently out of sight, and the gentle surf kept time like a drumbeat. It felt like I could’ve walked forever. There’s something meditative about Sugar Beach — less about swimming, more about thinking. I kicked off my flip-flops, walked barefoot until the sand got hot, and turned around only when I felt like it.
Charley Young Beach - Located in northern Kihei
Charley Young Beach was where I went when I wanted a little of everything: good sand, calm water, and that low-key energy that Kihei does best. Early morning was my favorite — locals walking their dogs, the waves still sleepy, the world not quite awake. I stood at the shoreline and whispered to myself, "This is where the day begins." By mid-morning, beach towels were sprinkled across the sand, but it never felt crowded, only shared.
Beaches in Kihei, Maui At a Glance
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and fewer crowds
- Vibe: Laid-back, family-friendly, with just enough breeze to keep things moving
- What to Bring: Snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and your slowest pace
- Parking: Varies — most have small lots or street parking, but arrive early
- Food Nearby: Plenty along South Kihei Road, but many beaches don’t have concessions
Jump to a Spot...
- • Kalepolepo Beach Park - 25 minutes from Kahului Airport
- • Kamaole Beaches (I, II, and III) - 30 minutes from Kahului
- • Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia‘u Beach Park - 10 minutes south of Kihei
- • Waiohuli Beach - Centrally located in Kihei
- • Sugar Beach - 25 minutes from Kahului
- • Charley Young Beach - Located in northern Kihei
- • Beaches in Kihei, Maui At a Glance