The Maui Insider

Everyone has their own idea of the perfect beach day, whether it's much-needed R&R, playing all day, a little exercise, or adventure and exploration. Listed here are twelve favorite Maui beaches, popular for their clear water, nice sandy shores, gentle conditions, available facilities, and great snorkeling areas. In short, of Maui's 120 miles of coastline, these spots are sure to please.

Common sense reminders: always heed all warning signs and wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A UV-protective shirt can be useful, especially when snorkeling. Beach hazard forecasts and updates are available courtesy of Hawaii's lifeguards.

West Side:

D.T. Fleming Beach Park

This beautiful, secluded beach park in the northwest corner of Maui offers lush, shady grounds and great facilities, however conditions here are more erratic due to its exposure to prevailing weather. When it is calm, take advantage of great swimming and snorkeling (head for the rocky points to the north and south), but if the surf is up, a boogie board may be more appropriate (if you are experienced.) The steep sloping beach drops off quickly in the water and strong currents can be present even in calm conditions. Be cautious and feel free to check in with local lifeguards who are on patrol seven days a week. Weather changes quickly this far north, so if it is drizzling when you arrive, do not dismay. The sun could be shining in a few short minutes!

Kapalua Bay

A small, protected bay on the north end of Maui's west side, the beach here features calm water, white sand, and two reefs to explore. Its gently lolling surf break makes it especially kid friendly. Snorkelers will want to explore the rocky outcroppings at the top and bottom of the bay. A chorus line of swaying palm trees will mesmerize those left ashore. There is a small beach parking lot, and public bathrooms and showers are available, but there is no lifeguard on duty.

Kahekili Beach Park

Kahekili is a long, broad, sandy beach with a nicely maintained park featuring great facilities: ample parking, public restrooms, showers, picnic pavilion, and barbecues. The water here is generally calm, however, since it is on the windward side of Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) it can get windy, especially in the afternoon. Do watch for posted warnings, there are no lifeguards on duty at this beach park. After a short swim, snorkelers will find great areas to explore in the stretches of reef that parallel to the shore. Or, with a longer swim, they can explore the backside of Black Rock. Access beach park from Puukolii Road in North Kaanapali.

Kaanapali Beach at Puu Kekaa (Black Rock)

There's a reason some of Maui's most well known resorts are situated on Kaanapali Beach-it's a gorgeous 3-mile stretch of white sand perfection. Set up camp near Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) and it offers the full package: great snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming and a scene-to-be-seen (after all, this area is colloquially known as "Dig Me Beach.") Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) is a prominent outcropping with mature coral colonies and ocean life. The adventurous can swim along its wall out to the tip and around to its deeper backside. Those more comfortable on land will enjoy lots to see as well; this popular beach is always abuzz with hard-bodies, surfers and skim boarders, and activities galore. Small beach access parking lots up and down Kaanapali Parkway offer free parking (the one near the Sheraton is closest to Black Rock) or park at Whaler's Village (3 hours free with validation). There are plenty of showers, restrooms, and restaurants available along the beach. Occasionally an ocean swell will create a larger shore break, so look for warning signs, as there are no lifeguards on duty.

South Side:

Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III

Situated on the bustling strip of South Kihei Road, three adjoining bays separated by rocky outcroppings front the beach parks known as Kamaole I, II, and III. More protected from prevailing weather than the west side beaches, these generally boast calm water and gentle surf breaks. The beaches are smaller and usually quite busy, but keen-eyed lifeguards, ample parking, and clean facilities (bathrooms and showers) are a big attraction for residents and visitors alike. As are the parks' volleyball courts and grassy picnic areas. Snorkelers will want to beeline for the rocky tips of each bay to find interesting areas to explore. If the water is murky at first, swim out past the shore break and it should clear quickly.

Ulua & Mokapu Beaches

The Wailea shoreline is dotted with charming sandy beaches separated by lava rock points, which is exactly the case with these two beaches: Mokapu and Ulua. It doesn't matter which side you are on, the best snorkeling is at the point in between. Usually protected from the wind, both offer calm, clear water, in addition to standard facilities: bathrooms and showers. The public beach access parking lots are small, so arrive early to get a spot. Even though there are no lifeguards on duty, the conditions here are almost always family-friendly.

Polo Beach

Further south, Polo Beach offers a snapshot of five-star Wailea scenery: crystal clear blue water, waves that gently lap the shore, and signature craggy lava outcroppings framing each bay. Usually this beach is very calm, making for very good visibility in the water and conditions especially appropriate for young children. The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui runs along the shoreline, but there is a generous public parking lot and beach access to the south on Kaukahi Road. There are clean restrooms and showers, but no lifeguards. The best snorkeling here is on the north end, along the rocky point. Watch for the resident Hawaiian sailing canoe to breeze in and out throughout the day.

Maluaka Beach

Past Wailea is Makena, with its slightly more rustic coastline. Maluaka is a small gently sloping sandy beach that dips into Makena Bay. Bordered by Makena Beach & Golf Resort (formerly the Maui Prince), and framed by the majestic silhouette of Puu Olai to the south, this beach is usually much less crowded than other resort areas. Public parking lots are available at both ends of the beach, however the south end offers a grassy bluff with picnic tables, restrooms and showers. Snorkelers can just meander offshore to explore the many coral heads dotting the ocean floor. Rich with marine life, this area has affectionately been dubbed "Turtle Town." There are no lifeguards, so do keep a close eye on ocean conditions. Be mindful of rock hazards when entering and exiting the ocean, and of seasonal high surf and strong currents.

Oneloa Beach at Makena State Park

Given that oneloa translates to "long stretch of sand", it is easy to understand why this spot became known as "Big Beach." It is debatable whether there is a more breathtaking beach in the world; a long, broad white sandy shoreline, turquoise waters, and peaceful feeling of undeveloped wilderness make it a hands-down favorite for residents and visitors. But that beauty belies a power to be reckoned with: its steep slope creates a forceful shore break. On calm days, snorkelers should hit the clear water around the lava point at the base of Puu Olai, the volcanic cider cone that frames Oneloa to the north. On days when the surf is up, sit back and enjoy the derring-do of experienced skim and body boarders. Highly trained lifeguards are on duty daily. Two gated lots offer plenty of parking, but beyond a few portable toilets, you are roughing it. Keep an eye out for park hours or risk getting locked in for the night.

From natural ingredients to natural beauty, Maui spas have a repertoire at their fingertips like nowhere else on Earth. Relax with facials of pineapple or papaya enzymes; exfoliating scrubs of coffee, sea salt, or raw cane sugar; moisturizing treatments with kukui, coconut, or macadamia nut oils; body wraps with seaweed and ti leaves; aromatic treatments with fragrant pikake; or muscle-melting massages with hot rocks or lomi-lomi techniques. The options don't end there! Add an extra helping of ocean breezes or warm open air to your treatment. And if you so desire, the soothing sounds of real waterfalls or gently rolling surf. Make a date at one of these nine spas for a true serving of paradise.

Heavenly Spa The Westin Maui 2365 Kaanapali Parkway, Kaanapali Phone: (808) 667-2525 Honua Spa Hotel Hana-Maui 5031 Hana Highway, Hana Phone: (808) 248-8211 Mandara Spa Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa 3700 Wailea Alanui, Wailea Phone: (808) 891-8774 Spa at Black Rock Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 2605 Kaanapali Parkway, Kaanapali Phone: (808) 667-9577 Spa Grande 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea Phone: (808) 875-1234 extension 4949

Spa Kea Lani The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui 4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea Phone: (808) 875-4100 Spa Moana Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa 200 Nohea Kai Drive, Kaanapali Phone: (808) 667-4725 The Spa Four Seasons Resort Maui At Wailea 3900 Wailea Alanui, Wailea Phone: (808) 874-2925 The Spa at Kapalua The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay One Bay Drive, Kapalua Phone: (800) 281.9440 Waihua Spa The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Kapalua Phone: (808) 669-6200

Mele (song) and hula (dance) are facets of Hawaiian culture that have carried the history, folklore, and traditions of the people through the generations. Add a feast fit for the alii (royalty) and it's the makings of a night to remember. By enriching your understanding of island culture-and offer good ol' fashioned entertainment-taking in a professional luau is a highlight of any Maui vacation. Read on to discover which is the perfect luau for your next visit.

Westside:

Drums of the Pacific

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
200 Nohea Kai Drive,Kaanapali (808) 667-4727

This thunderous show is featured at the permanent luau grounds at the Hyatt, just off famed Kaanapali beach. Thrilling entertainment takes a whirlwind tour of the Pacific, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and Maori culture. Drums of the Pacific caters to families by offering a discount for both kids and teenagers. This is a very large venue with long rows of tables, so you may want to consider paying a little more for premium seating closer to the stage. A large buffet and open bar offer treats for the whole family. The show runs every night, but Sunday. Last minute reservations can usually be accommodated.

Feast at Lele

505 Front Street, Lahaina, (866) 244-5353

The Feast at Lele is a sophisticated luau geared towards a fine dining experience. At the intimate, ocean side venue each course, delivered tableside, is as much of the journey through Polynesia as the entertainment is. As dancers perform hula from Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Tahiti, and Samoa, Chef James Macdonald sends out delectable dishes to correspond with each country's regional flavors and specialties. Shows offered every night except Sunday. Seating is limited, so advance reservations highly recommended.

Kaanapali Sunset Luau

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
2605 Kaanapali Parkway, (808) 877-HULA

The unmistakable silhouette of Kaanapali's Pu'u Kekaa (Black Rock) frames the grounds for this popular luau at the Sheraton Maui. Dramatically beginning with a sunset torch lighting and cliff diving, the show is held beachfront on a gracious lawn fronting the resort. Similar to other Kaanapali luau, the show offers entertainment from various Polynesian cultures. Dinner is buffet style, though seating is at smaller individual tables. Kaanapali Sunset Luau runs on Mondays and Wednesdays. Availability varies with the season, to be safe, book ahead.

Myths of Maui

Royal Lahaina Resort
2780 Kekaa Drive, Kaanapali, (808) 661-9119

Kaanapali's first and longest running luau offers the experience of a traditional Polynesian luau for the budget-conscious. Families will love the one kid (under 11) free with paying adult, and kids will appreciate familiar foods like macaroni and cheese or hot dogs-in addition to traditional luau buffet fare, of course. The show features song and dance from various Polynesian cultures. Royal Lahaina's Luau Garden is a large venue, so all you last-minute planners are in luck. The show usually runs seven nights a week, depending on the season.

Old Lahaina Luau

1251 Front Street, Lahaina, (808) 667-1998

Consistently top-rated, Old Lahaina Luau has built a reputation on cultural authenticity and gracious hospitality. As the attentive staff caters to your every need, the meticulous luau grounds offer sweeping ocean and sunset views. The show focuses specifically on the journey of early Hawaiians-the migration from distant lands, their ancient myths and legends, then later influences and styles. The generous buffet offers traditional Hawaiian fare and "mixed plate" dishes (cultural specialties of Hawaii's immigrants.) Choose from traditional seating on mats and pillows or conventional table and chairs. The show runs seven nights a week, but make reservations early, it is often booked weeks in advance.

Wailele Polynesian Luau

Westin Maui Resort & Spa
2365 Kaanapali Parkway, Kaanapali, (808) 661-2992

The tropical gardens at the Westin Maui offers a lush backdrop to this fine-dining luau. Skilled performers put on a Polynesian revue that culminates with the crowd-pleasing five-dancer fire knife performance. The meal is served family style (large platters) at each table of eight, perfect for those who don't care to wait in long buffet lines. Dinner courses are timed to corresponding performances. Wailele Polynesian Luau is only offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The venue is small, so plan ahead in making reservations.

Southside:

Grand Luau at Wailea

Grand Wailea
3850 Wailea Alanui, 875.1234 ext.490

A mai-tai and Wailea sunset get things off to a good start, but the evening only gets better. Swaying hula ladies and flame-dancing hard-bodies make for a memorable performance encompassing Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand, and Tonga. A lavish buffet beckons, but save room for the desserts-banana cream pie anyone? The luau grounds front the manicured shoreline, and seating is arranged by price point. Sit front row for a little more. Show dates, prices, menu, and content subject to change, call for details.

Honua'ula, Return to the Sacred Lands

Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
3700 Wailea Alanui, Wailea, (808) 875-7710

An oceanfront stage on a sprawling lawn offers a beautiful setting for this luau in Wailea. Long known for its thrilling fire knife performance (some think it's the best), this luau is unique in incorporating aerial acrobatic numbers in its artistic interpretation of local legends. Seating is at individual tables, and dinner is served buffet style. The show is offered on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Availability depends on the season.

Maui Polynesia Luau

Aston Maui Lu
575 South Kihei Road, Kihei, (808) 879-5881

Maui Polynesia Luau just opened this summer at the Maui Lu in North Kihei. Held in the oldest coconut grove on Maui, the resort's gracious, rolling lawns have the charming feel of old Hawaii. The show offers an entertaining tour of Polynesia with dance from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand and Fiji. The buffet offers typical luau fare, plus options for kids (like chicken nuggets.) Offered on Fridays and Sundays, this is a convenient option for those staying in nearby Kihei condos.

Sunset Luau

Makena Beach & Golf Resort
5400 Makena Alanui, (808) 874-1111

If you are staying at a Wailea hotel, hop on a free shuttle out to Makena for this luau. The quiet, rustic beauty of Maui's southern most resort provides a romantic backdrop, while the "Drums of Makena" show will get things jumping with festive dances from Tahiti, Hawaii, and, of course, the popular Samoan fire knife dance. You can opt to pay $10 more for front row seats. Buffet dinner and open bar. As this show is only offered on Tuesday evenings, you may want to call early for reservations.

Aloha Maui Insider,

We really like to visit the sunny south side of Maui and we heard there was a new hotel in the Makena area, can you tell us where it is?
Best Regards, Ralph and Sondra

Aloha Ralph and Sondra,
There isn't actually a new hotel in Makena. The Benchmark Hospitality International group now manages what was the Maui Prince Hotel. They are calling it the Makena Beach Hotel and Golf Resort. This lovely resort is secluded on 1800 acres, between a perfect crescent beach and the dramatic slopes of Mount Haleakala. For more information go to: www.makenaresortmaui.com.

Dear Ms. Insider,

I love to listen to the relaxing sound of the slack key guitar when I visit Maui and I heard there is a new slack venue on Maui, can you tell me where it is?
Sincerely, Sally

Aloha Sally,
Maui's awarding winning group the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar has been on a hiatus but they are returning to the Napili Kai Beach Resort on Wednesday, December 30th. You will be able to hear them most Wednesdays thereafter at 7:30PM in the Napili Kai Pavilion. For more information please go to: www.slackkey.com

Greetings from Canada,

We heard there will be some new flights from Canada to Maui can you tell us where these flights will originate?
Canadian Fans

Aloha Canadian Fans,
The new flights this fall will be offered by both Air Canada and WestJet. Air Canada will offer direct service from Calgary to Kahului starting on December 5th. This is a seasonal service with up to three flights weekly for more information to www.AirCanada.com. WestJet will offer Calgary to Kahului and Edmonton to Kahului this for fall, for more information go to: WestJet.com.

A traditional luau is a celebration of island cuisine. Typical dishes include a pig smoked and baked in an imu which is a traditional Hawaiian underground oven, the resulting cooked pork called kalua pork is savory and tender. The Executive Chef, Craig Masuda from the Old Lahaina Luau has graciously supplied a recipe you can make at home. If you don't have access to some of this delicious smoked pork you can substitute barbequed chicken or pork in this dish.

Recipe for Kalua Pork Rolls

Executive Chef, Craig Masuda, Old Lahaina Luau

Some special moments in Maui are so romantic. The quote below is from the couple pictured, he also wrote his prize winning letter which we have also printed. He read the letter to his wife on their first night on Lanai.

"We were there from September 21st-26th and it was wonderful, Great!!. We found the Hotel Lanai very comfy and cozy. The island was quiet and restful. On Maui, the Makena Beach and Golf Resort (just changed form the Maui Prince hotel) was great too!! It was nice to walk around and take short trips around the island. This trip was just what we needed and we cannot wait to go back again."

My wife is my best friend. We met in high school and spent time as girlfriend and boyfriend for 7 years , then we got married and life has been great for the past 21 years, better than I could of dreamed. Sure we have our concerns, financial mostly and we have had our times of stress and family loss, but Faye has been there for my support and I hers. We have two great kids, now 19 and 14. She is the favorite aunt that both sides of the family adore. After twenty some years she still makes me fell so special. She laughs with me and mostly at me, because when I am with her, I fell like I am still eighteen. At her work she is the one who remembers your birthday and makes sure all know to celebrate. She always brings an extra gift to Christmas parties just in case a new guest is there for the first time and she does not want them to feel left out. Fayes concern for others is unmatched, A trip to Maui would be so great to surprise her with. I cannot wait to get home and hug her. She sparks with life and gives us all the love , laughter and caring no man or family should ever be without. If we win this trip It will be for her to enjoy some time away and be an award that only is the tip of what she deserves.

Sincerely,
Joe
Loving and grateful husband and father.

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1727 Wili Pa Loop
Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii 96793
Phone: 800 525 MAUI(6284) · Fax: 800 244-1337
Contact us at info@visitmaui.com