Explore Big Beach, Po‘olenalena near Makena Surf, Our Favorite Hidden Beach, and more
Find the Best Beaches On the Island of Maui
Maui is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and our Makena Surf C-107 condo places you right in the heart of it all. Whether you’re soaking in the sun at the expansive Big Beach, just a short drive away, or unwinding at Po‘olenalena Beach, only steps from our condo, each beach offers a unique experience.
For those ready to find our favorite hidden spot in Maui, Secret Beach is right nearby. This is an off-the-beaten-path cove that allows you to step onto golden sand and take in a scene that you won’t forget for a long time.
If you’re up for adventure, head to Ho‘okipa Beach, known for its world-class windsurfing and sea turtles basking on the sand. At Heritage Vacation Homes, we ensure that your stay is more than just a visit—it’s a chance to experience the best of Maui’s coastline.
Ready to dive deeper? Keep reading for an insider’s guide to these incredible beaches—where to find them, what makes them special, and tips to make the most of your visit.
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Po’olenalena Beach
Po’olenalena Beach, also known as Paipu Beach, stretches out in front of the Makena Surf Resort and provides our guests with a wonderful place to sunbathe, build sand castles, boogie board and snorkel.
The beach is a 2-minute walk from the door of our condo. You will quickly be drawn in by the soft sand on your toes, the gentle and melodic crashing of small waves, and the view of blue water fading into the silhouettes of other islands, with a sailboat or two in between. What you don’t immediately realize is that just off the shore is one of the best snorkeling areas in the area, fondly known as Turtle Town. These beautiful sea creatures can always be found swimming around the point and sometimes even surprising you with a visit right by the shore! While the turtles steal the show, other beautiful sea creatures are also tucked into the coral.
Dennis and Lara Insider Tip: In the winter and early spring, be sure to pay attention when your head is underwater- you just might be treated to the sound of a whale singing as they swim by in deeper waters.
Po‘olenalena Beach at Sunset
Big Beach, Maui
Dennis and Lara Insider Tip: While the beach is tempting, the waves here can get massive, so always heed lifeguard warnings. On calmer days, it’s great for body surfing, but keep an eye on the strong undertow. If you’re with kids, stick closer to the shore for safety.
Bring water and shade, and plan a picnic lunch with an unbeatable view. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Big Beach won’t disappoint!
Secret Beach, Maui
In our opinion, Secret Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Maui! Its hidden location, very limited parking, and narrow entrance makes it hard to find unless you know what you’re looking for. In keeping with the name, we won’t reveal it online but feel free to reach out and we’ll give you a pointer or two on how to find this spectacular spot!
At midday, the trees offer perfect shade for a relaxing break, and by sunset, the beach transforms into a breathtaking spot for dinner with a view. Order some pizza and enjoy dinner with your toes in the sand. Even the best restaurants in Maui can’t offer the view this beach has to offer.
The waves crash dramatically against lava rocks, especially on the left-hand side where the sun reflects off the water. You might even catch a wedding ceremony—this beach is a favorite for special moments!
We’re so captivated by Secret Beach that we’ve collected artwork from local artist Curtis Wilson Cost, featuring this stunning spot. His painting is displayed in Makena Surf C-107, so even when we’re not at the beach, we can admire its beauty.
“There is no fairer beach on the island of Maui than Secret Beach, in my humble opinion, because it is a steady reminder of life’s first principles. While much about life is impermanent, beauty is everlasting.”
– Curtis Wilson Cost
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Ka’anapali Beach, Maui
Ka’anapali Beach is a 3-mile stretch of Maui bliss! Named the #1 beach in the USA by TripAdvisor in 2024 it’s easy to see why people flock to its sandy edge. Lined with resorts and a high-end shopping center, Ka’anapali is a fun mix of beach, food, and shopping.
You’ll want to show up early, as paid parking is limited and goes quickly. And be sure to throw an umbrella in the car as it’s the only shade you will have on the beach!
If you stay until sunset, be sure to catch the nightly tradition at Black Rock of a cliff diver who lights the tiki torches on the point before diving into the ocean below.
As with any beach on Maui, be sure to know the conditions of the water before jumping in!
Add to Your Beach Day
Honolua Bay
A trip to Honolua Bay combines driving along Maui’s beautiful Honoapiilani Highway that follows the coastline with a trek through Hawaiian forest, followed by snorkeling in a protected bay teeming with fish.
The short walk under the canopy of Hawaiian trees gives you a true sense of the wild side of Maui foliage, with Banyan trees, taro, and many other plants lining the way. The small bay is sheltered by the cliffs that surround it, providing typically calm waters and fun underwater viewings of fish, sea turtles, octopus, etc. And located only 10 miles from Ka’anapali, it’s a good place to spend an afternoon before heading into town for dinner.
Know before you go:
• There are only two small parking lots for visitors to the bay, located between mile markers 32 and 33. Low-clearance vehicles sometimes have a hard time clearing the drop between the highway and the gravel parking lot.
• There are outhouses positioned at the trailhead, but no facilities once you are at the bay.
• The beach itself has very little sand, instead being covered with smooth rocks that can make it difficult to walk along the bay or to find a comfortable spot to spend time out of the water.
If snorkeling is your goal, we highly recommend visiting this bay! If you prefer laying out while enjoying the view of the water, this probably isn’t the experience for you.
Ho’okipa Beach, Maui
Located beyond Paia at mile marker #9 of Hana Highway, Ho’okipa Beach Park was named the 5th most beautiful beach in the United States by Trip Advisor in 2023.
Since it is known as one of the best wind-surfing and board surfing beaches on Maui, tourists stop at the overlook to watch the surfing below, then traipse down to the beach to view the turtles that obliviously bask in the sun while water sports take place in the waves behind them.
Dennis and Lara Insider Tip: Look carefully at the base of the cliffs- what you believe are many scattered boulders in the sand are typically a mix of boulders and sleeping turtles!
