I think Baldwin Beach in Paia on the east side of the island is one of the best, cleanest beaches on Maui. On the west side, Lahaina beaches are famously blue and beautiful. In comparison, Many beaches in south Maui are a bit sandy or rough. I think it has to do with the way the waves hit the island. However, that being said, here are few of our favorite beaches for our south Maui visitors.
Wailea Beach
Showers, restrooms, grass. Hard to find because it has a TINY sign off the street. But it’s right after the Wailea hotel.
Mana Kai Beach
Popular beach, showers, no public restrooms, grass, shade
Makena Beach Park
Porta potties, some shade, beautiful but typically hot. There is more than one entrance and I am not super familiar with this beach, so explore a bit, before parking.
Sugar Beach
A little sandy strip along the highway. It goes a long way around the coast. If you follow it northwest to Maalaea, Lahaina, there are NO bathrooms or showers.
In the opposite direction (toward Kihei town), there is an area with grass, bathrooms and showers, and it’s small.
I recall that if you drive down Ohukai from the highway, turn LEFT, and you should see this strip of grass like a small park with bathrooms and showers. Popular with families and small children.
Kalepolepo Park
Turtles can be seen in the restored fish pond. Good for little ones.
It is within walking distance of the Hawaii Humpback Whale Museum. Restrooms are at the museum. The museum is only open M-F. Showers. Grass. Shade.