Handy Beach Suggestions
For those new to the island, or who are considering scheduling a shoot outside of your general area of expertise in South or West Maui, the images and descriptions below are meant as a general guide to help you browse through some of the amazing beaches Maui has to offer.
You can use this page as a convenient tool to help you schedule a shoot at the location that best suits your style, geographic location and sense of adventure. South Maui beaches are indicated in Yellow, West Maui beaches in Blue.
Po'olenalena Beach
Located in South Maui at the southern end of Wailea, this beach boasts a beautiful lava cap, palm trees and a spectacular view of Molokini & Kaho'olawe on the horizon.
Secret Beach
In Wailea, this northern neighbor to Po'olenalena Beach, joined by a short dirt trail over a lava cap is hidden away from those who may not know the treasure just on the other side of the rocks.
Palauea (White Rock) Beach
Most popular with locals for its easy access and tucked away location this Wailea gem is a small cove shaped beach with lava caps on each end lined with palms offering a great view of both Molokini & Kaho'olawe.
Ulua Beach
This beach is very easily accessible, with a public parking lot, paved walking trail and is nestled next door to the also very lovely Makapu Beach in Northern Wailea.
Polo Beach
Polo Beach has ample parking in an easy to find paved lot and is accessible by a short flight of stairs. It sits directly behind the Fairmont Kea Lani resort and you'll find white sand here as well as lovely greenery and palms.
Charlie Young Beach
Located in Central Kihei and very easy to access this beach is at the northern end of the popular Kamaole 1 beach. It has an array of unique lava formations and shallow tidepools which lend to a true island feel.
Mokapu Beach
A gem of a beach, it sits just to the north of the more widely known Ulua Beach. It is also easily accessible, with wonderful lava cap features and palms which make for great scenic backdrop.
Maluaka Beach
Located in Makena, this beach boasts fantastic views of the outer islands and has nice variation of lava formations and sand to lend to dramatic photo ops.
Big Beach
In Southern Makena, Big Beach is known for its large shore break. The beach has a large red and black lava cap to the north giving for some beautiful contrast with the vibrant teal waters.
Wedding Beach
Just a tad south of Big Beach lies a tiny little cove surrounded by lava with two sandy entrances to the ocean. The access to the beach can be very limited, but the scenery more than makes up for it.
Wailea Beach
Located behind the Four Seasons & Grand Wailea resorts this beach offers a long sandy stretch of sand with minimal shorebreak and pretty rocky outcroppings. It can be very crowded depending on the season & time of day.
Sugar Beach
Found at the very north end of Kihei, this 6 mile long beach connects Ma'alaea Harbor with North Kihei and gives beautiful views of both Haleakala Crater and the West Maui Mountains.
Haycraft Park
Found at the very north end of Sugar Beach, this quaint beach park and gives beautiful views of Haleakala Crater and a couple accent palm trees.
Baby Beach
Conveniently situated in central Lahaina, this beach can't be beat for the flat, white sandy shoreline and gentle shorebreak. The perfect place for small kids who like to dip their toes in the sand. Also a favorite for gorgeous late afternoon light!
Papalaua Beach Park
Very easily accessible and conveniently located along the highway between Kihei and Lahaina, this long sandy stretch of beach offers great mountain and ocean views and unique accent trees.
Ukumehame Beach Park
A great location just 10 minutes South of Lahaina this beach offers clean, white sand with lots of artistically appealing trees, Maui Mountain views and vibrant blue waters.
Wahikuli Beach Park
Just outside the heart of Lahaina town, this cozy beach is close to both Lahaina & Ka'anapali. It offers easy parking, views of Mala Harbor & Molokai on clear days and a great palm lined, grass area for additional scenery.
DT Flemming Beach
To the far north end of West Maui lies this white sand cove shaped beach, lined on either side with dramatic rock outcroppings and pine trees. Although weather can be a bit unpredictable, when it's dry, it can't be beat.
Oneloa Beach
Just a tad south of DT Flemming Beach you'll find Oneloa or Ironwoods Beach. It has a wonderful beachy boardwalk, dramatic rocky overlooks and a long white sand beach. Weather can be a challenge, but it's gorgeous.