9 Best Beaches in Lahaina and West Maui (maps and details!)

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Looking for a beach close to where you’re staying in Lahaina or Ka’anapali? We have you covered with the 9 best beaches in Lahaina and West Maui.

The Lahaina zip code covers most of West Maui, from Olowalu to Kapalua. Technically, we are correct to include West Maui beaches in the best Lahaina beaches list.

Lahaina Town proper has two beaches. Lahaina Baby Beach and Kamehameha Iki Beach Park. Lahaina Baby Beach is open for visitors, but access to Kamehameha Iki and Breakwall surf spot is restricted while Lahaina rebuilds after the devastating fire of August 8th, 2023.

Does Lahaina Have Good Beaches?

West Maui has most of our favorite beaches on Maui! This is one of the main reasons why we always stay on this side of Maui. Lahaina was our home for three years, so the local Lahaina beaches were where you would find us.

Lahaina Baby Beach and Kamehemeha Iki Beach Park are amazing beaches and both are located in downtown Lahaina.

Kamehemeha Iki Beach Park is just south of Lahaina Harbor. You can access it through the park on Front Street. We will update this article when the roads reopen and access to this beach park is allowed.

Lahaina Baby Beach is the place to go with kids! We share details below on visiting the calm, shallow waters of this beach.

There are more beaches south of Lahaina and along Front Street. Shark Pit and Puamana beaches are lovely, but more popular with the local communities. Puamana Beach is great for surfing, but it doesn’t always have sand.

Lahaina was the major visitor destination on Maui before fire claimed the town. Restaurants are opening up, and so are parts of the town. Lahaina will always be a central part of West Maui, and a great jumping-off point to West Maui beaches.

Let’s get into the best beaches in Lahaina and seven that are a short drive from Lahaina Town! 

If you’re looking for the best beaches on Maui, regardless of the drive, check out our list of the 17 best beaches on Maui. We include tips, directions, and more to make your beach experience even better. 

Map of the Best Beaches Near Lahaina

Zoom in on the map below and click the icons for information on the nine beaches we share in this article. You can find Google Review rankings and Google Map driving directions.

9 Best Beaches in Lahaina and West Maui

Ready to hit the beach? We have the nine best beaches in Lahaina and West Maui listed here from north to south. 

For details on our favorite beaches, look for the links to full articles on the beaches.

1. DT Fleming Beach

A popular surfing and bodyboarding destination, this beach, near the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, is long and hardly ever busy. Because you’re getting to the northwest side of Maui at this point, you’ll notice that the weather conditions, trees, and surf begin to change. 

D.T. Fleming can have a powerful shore break that should keep swimmers out of the water. Make sure to take into consideration any lifeguard flags and warnings before you enter the water. 

This is a lifeguarded beach with shower and restroom facilities. Parking is available in a large lot. Parking is $29 plus fees for a full-day parking pass. The swimming area is on the south end, in front of the Burger Shack restaurant.

Details on Best Beaches in Lahaina: DT Fleming Beach

Distance from Lahaina: 10 miles

2. Kapalua Bay

Named the best beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2018, Kapalua Bay is a crescent-shaped beach that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The bay offers a mostly protected area from strong ocean currents and is a favorite spot for spotting turtles and spending the day.

The beach has restrooms and a parking lot, but as it’s so popular, plan on getting there early to snag a parking spot. Parking is $29 per day plus fees.

Details on Best Beaches in Lahaina: Kapalua Bay

Distance from Lahaina: 9 miles

The Montage Resort sits above Kapalua Bay. You can stay nearby in vacation rentals, like Kapalua Golf Villas or Kapalua Ridge Villas.

Are you heading to Kapalua and Napili? See our guides here!

• Things to Do in Kapalua and Napili
• Wailea vs Kapalua: Compare Luxury Maui!
• What to Do in Hawaii When it Rains (it does rain a bit more up here!)

3. Napili Bay

Just south of Kapalua is another gem, Napili Bay. A little larger than its neighbor, Kapalua Bay, Napili offers much of the same: a protected bay, stunningly clear water, soft sand, and excellent snorkeling.

You’ll also find two great restaurants at either end of the bay: The Gazebo and The Sea House. Some of our favorite Lahaina-area accommodations are also on Napili Bay, such as the Napili Kai Beach Resort and Napili Shores.

Details on Best Beaches in Lahaina: Napili Bay

Distance from Lahaina: 9 miles

4. Pohaku Park

This is a small, pretty beach that isn’t necessarily worth the drive, but if you’re staying nearby, it’s a great place to spend time.

It’s a laid-back spot to enjoy the sand and take a quick dip, but be aware that it does get runoff, so it’s best to avoid this area after it rains. Bring some chairs, sit back, and relax here during whale season, and watch them breaching offshore. 

Distance from Lahaina: 6.5 miles

5. Honokowai Beach

A stellar spot for the kids, this beach is great for anyone staying in the area who wants to enjoy a little beach time without the threat of big waves. There is a reef that creates a very small, shallow swimming area.

During low tide, there can be just enough water for kids to splash around and look at the small fish. During high tide, the water in the protected area is deep enough for young kids to enjoy wading and swimming in. The beach isn’t huge, but it’s big enough to make it a delightful stop for families. 

There’s also a park and playground, as well as a coffee shop and grocery store across the street. 

Distance from Lahaina: 6 miles

6. Kahekili Beach Park (Airport Beach)

Located in north Ka’anapali, Kahekili Beach Park(also known as Airport Beach) offers a slightly quieter beachgoing experience than the main Ka’anapali beach.

You won’t find solitude here, but you’ll find plenty of space to stretch out on the soft sand, take a walk, and swim. There’s also a large parking lot, a grassy area, and restrooms to make your stay more enjoyable. 

We enjoy this beach for snorkeling! You will find a lively reef just offshore. The depth drops gradually. Many SCUBA tours depart from this beach.

When heading to Ka’anapali, we often head straight for Kahekili Beach because it’s just as beautiful as Ka’anapali Beach but with a fraction of the crowds. 

Details on the Best Beaches in Lahaina: Airport Beach

Distance from Lahaina: 4 miles

7. Black Rock Beach and Ka’anapali Beach

Ka’anapali Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Hawaii. And for good reason. With an endless sandy beach (ok, well it feels endless when you’re walking it), unbelievably blue water, and a fantastic snorkeling spot, this beach is what your Maui dreams are made of.

Ka’anapali is a resort development built on one of the island’s most beautiful stretches of beach. This is by no means a remote or deserted beach, but if you can get past the crowds and the parking challenges, you’ll find a perfect beach for your beach day. Plus, you have plenty of restaurants and shopping within walking distance. 

Ka’anapali Beach is the main stretch of beach from the Grand Hyatt up to about the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort. Black Rock Beach is the beach directly in front of Black Rock, the famous cliff diving spot.

Details on the Best Beaches in Lahaina:

• Black Rock Beach Guide
• Ka’anapali Beach Guide

Distance from Lahaina: 3.3 miles

We are your resource for staying in Ka’anapali! See our articles for details.

• Kaanapali Travel Guide
• 19+ Things to Do in Kaanapali
• Sheraton Maui Review + Luau
• Westin Maui Resort Review
• Kaanapali Snorkeling Tours: beach loading
• Kaanapali Sunset Dinner Cruises: beach loading

8. Baby Beach Lahaina

Another spot that is perfect for the kids is Baby Beach in Lahaina. While the town of Lahaina doesn’t have as many great beaches as you’ll find just a short car trip away, Baby Beach offers something special for families.

Right in town, you’ll find this beach, which offers very calm water and protection from waves thanks to a reef that is well offshore. You can walk out very far from shore and never be more than waist-deep. Plus, you might just get lucky and see a passing turtle or monk seal here (remember to give animals plenty of space!). 

An Important Note: Baby Beach Lahaina was in the fire zone. Most of the houses were destroyed in the fire, so please respect local signs and parking restrictions. I recommend parking on the north end of the beach. Click for directions.

Details on Best Beaches in Lahaina: Baby Beach Lahaina

Distance from Lahaina: 0.5 miles

9. Kamehameha Iki Beach Park

Kamehamea Iki Beach Park is closed until further notice due to the Lahaina Fire in August 2023. Access to this part of Lahaina Town is restricted during rebuilding.

Also in the heart of Lahaina, this beach is popular with surfers and surf schools. In fact, if you take a surf lesson in Lahaina, chances are you’ll end up surfing here.

The beach isn’t huge, but it’s large enough to stretch out and enjoy the view. On most days, you’ll be able to watch the surfers, gaze out over Lana’i, and enjoy a swim. There is parking in a small lot in front of the beach, with additional street parking. 

You might also hear this area referred to as Breakwall or the Beach at 505.

While you’re in the Lahaina area, you won’t want to miss out on the best restaurants, snorkeling spots, and activities. We’ve got you covered with these complete guides:

• The best snorkeling spots in Lahaina and West Maui
• Where to see turtles on west Maui (there are so many spots)
• Our full Maui Guide to help you plan your perfect vacation