Maui’s Beaches | North Shore
360° video of Maui’s North Shore Beaches
Location
Location: Hana Highway, Paia
Ho’okipa Beach
Learn More About Ho’okipa Beach Park
Ho’okipa Beach Park on the north shore is a watersports mecca. It is one of the most consistent surf breaks on Maui and offers up powerful, challenging surf during the winter. It also boasts world renowned windsurfing. Calm conditions prevail in the morning, but strong winds are common most afternoons. Surf is smallest during the summer, although it is rare to see empty waves. The real excitement happens in the winter months when large, North Pacific storms generate massive waves that literally implode along the north shore’s coastline. During the biggest swells, waves at Ho’okipa can push 20 feet.
There is an upper parking lot that offers incredible, scenic views of winter waves. This is a great spot to stop and stretch your legs while taking in some of nature’s most powerful moments. The sandy beach can be good for sunbathing and people watching, but the shallow reef and strong currents make Ho’okipa less than ideal for swimming. The easternmost end of the beach is a haulout area for green sea turtles. Note that Ho’okipa can get quite crowded when the surfing and/or windsurfing is good. Throughout the year, world-class windsurfing competitions are held at Ho’okipa, in addition to a number of surfing competitions.
Kanaha Beach
Learn More About Kanaha Beach Park
Kanaha is the closest beach park to the city of Kahului, Maui’s main hub and the gateway for traveling to and from the island. This beach is a magnet for windsurfing and kiteboarding, both of which capitalize on Kanaha’s steady, consistent tradewinds. The 40 acre beach park also boasts Outrigger Canoeing, volleyball courts, and sectioned swim areas. During winter months, large swells can create a series of surf breaks offshore. There are picnic tables and barbeques, although these fill up quickly during weekends and holidays.
The beach itself is split into four main areas, each marked by small, rock jetties. Windsurfers and kiteboarders tend to stick to the west end of the beach, while swimming and canoeing occupy the beaches to the east. Heavy winds are the norm at Kanaha, and can be particularly strong during the summer. While this doesn’t always present optimal conditions for sunbathing, it does create the perfect conditions for windsports. Early mornings tend to have the least wind and calmest conditions. Only a short walk from Kahului Airport, Kanaha is also a great place to sneak in your last little bit of Maui beach time.
Paia Bay Beach
Learn More About Paia Bay
Just east of Baldwin Beach park is Paia Bay (pronounced Pa-ee-ah). This small cove gets busy on the weekends and when the surf’s up. It is generally quiet throughout the week and can provide a nice spot for sunbathing. Waves are typically smallest during the summer months, although heavy winds can affect ocean conditions by early afternoon.
From November through March, waves can get very large and dangerous rip currents can form. There are a handful of fun surf breaks that also form during the winter, but be cautious of the water conditions and remember that when in doubt, don’t go out! Paia Bay connects to Baldwin Beach via a coastal trail located to the west end of the bay. Runners and walkers will appreciate this scenic stroll, which is nearly 3 miles round-trip if traveling from Paia Bay to Baldwin’s westernmost “Baby Beach”.
Baldwin Beach
Baldwin Beach
Location: Hana Highway, Paia
Facilities: Restrooms, outdoor shower, water fountains, barbeques, picnic tables, covered pavilion
Lifeguard: Yes
Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Bodyboarding, Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, Fishing
Must Do: Sunrise beach walk
A gorgeous wide, sandy beach, Baldwin is the epitome of Hawaiian perfection. It’s a favorite weekend hangout for families, and a great spot for visitors looking to enjoy a slice of Maui paradise. The white-sand is postcard quality and the backdrop is stunning. The beach itself stretches nearly a mile from end-to-end and offers an excellent beach walk. At the west end of Baldwin is “Baby Beach”, a great place to bring the kids and aptly named for its protected swimming area. Furthest to the east is “Baldwin Cove”, a small, sandy enclave that can all but disappear during the winter months. The parking lot at Baldwin can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. The beach is so large, however, that it’s rarely an issue finding your own slice of sand. Ocean conditions are typically calm during the summer. Exercise caution during winter months, though, when large swells can kick up heavy shore break. As with most beaches on Maui’s north shore, heavy winds can affect beachgoing by early afternoon. Go early (before 11 am) to enjoy the calmest conditions. During the right conditions, kiteboarders also launch from the west end of the beach.
