Maui’s shorelines offer some of the most delightful beachcombing opportunities in Hawaii. I’ve spent many mornings walking along the sandy beaches, searching for colorful sea glass, unique shells, and pieces of coral that wash ashore. The best beaches for beachcombing on Maui are often those less traveled by tourists, where natural treasures accumulate undisturbed.
When planning a beachcombing adventure on Maui, timing matters just as much as location. I’ve found that early morning visits after high tide provide the best chances of discovering new items that have washed up overnight. Many locals and visitors alike enjoy this peaceful activity as a way to connect with nature while collecting memorable souvenirs from Maui’s beautiful beaches.
Keawakapu Beach
Keawakapu Beach is a hidden gem I discovered while exploring South Maui. This tranquil stretch of coastline offers nearly half a mile of soft sand and crystal-clear waters. When I visited, I was amazed by how peaceful it felt compared to some of the more crowded beaches in the area.
I spent hours beachcombing along the shoreline, finding unique shells and sea glass. The early morning is my favorite time to visit for beachcombing, as the overnight tide often brings in new treasures. The beach faces west, which means you can continue your search while enjoying spectacular sunset views.
What makes Keawakapu special for beachcombers is the variety of marine life. I spotted sea turtles swimming near the shore, which was an incredible sight! The beach has excellent snorkeling opportunities if you want to take a break from beachcombing and explore underwater.
The beach has convenient amenities including a shower to rinse off after your treasure hunt. I recommend parking across the street on Kilohana Drive, as spaces fill up quickly during peak hours.
Rating: 4.8 (954 reviews)
Location: South Kihei Road & Kilohana Dr, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 891-4956
Website: Visit Website
Kahekili Beach Park
I recently visited Kahekili Beach Park, and it’s truly a beachcomber’s paradise! This stunning beach offers plenty of treasures along its shoreline. During my morning walk, I found several unique shells and pieces of sea glass that had washed up overnight.
The boardwalk makes it easy to access the beach without disturbing the natural environment. I love how this beach isn’t overcrowded, giving me plenty of space to search for treasures at my own pace. The clear waters also make it possible to spot interesting items just below the surface.
After beachcombing, I enjoyed using the convenient facilities like showers to rinse off. The covered picnic pavilion provided a perfect spot to sit and examine my finds while enjoying a snack. The BBQ grills are also great if you’re planning to make a day of your beachcombing adventure.
I found the best time for beachcombing here is early morning when the tide has just receded. The beach’s location on the western side of Maui means you can also enjoy spectacular sunset views if you time your beachcombing for late afternoon.
Rating: 4.7 (1138 reviews)
Location: 65 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 270-7230
Website: Visit Website
Ho’okipa Beach Park
When I visited Ho’okipa Beach Park, I was amazed by its breathtaking white sand beach and incredible ocean views. This 8.4-square-mile park is widely known as a top spot for ocean sports on Maui, especially surfing and windsurfing.
I spent hours watching skilled surfers ride the waves. The beach has been a surfing mecca since the 1930s and hosts famous competitions like the Aloha Classic. If you’re into beachcombing, the shoreline offers plenty of interesting finds after high tide.
The park has great facilities that made my visit comfortable. I found three pavilions with BBQ grills, permanent tables, and restrooms. There’s also fresh water from taps, fountains, and outdoor showers to rinse off after exploring the beach.
I appreciated the ample parking options with more than 170 spaces across three lots. Lifeguards are on duty from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, which made me feel safe while enjoying this beautiful spot.
Rating: 4.8 (6074 reviews)
Location: 179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Contact: (808) 572-8122
Website: Visit Website
Oneuli Beach
Oneuli Beach is a hidden gem I discovered while exploring Maui’s southern coast. This picturesque black sand beach offers a completely different beachcombing experience than the typical golden shores found elsewhere on the island. The dark volcanic sand creates a striking contrast with the blue ocean waters.
What makes this beach special for beachcombing is the diverse marine life. During my visit, I spotted colorful fish while snorkeling near the shore. The beach isn’t usually crowded, which gave me plenty of space to search for unique shells and sea glass along the shoreline.
The currents can be strong here, so I’d recommend being careful if you’re planning to swim. Morning visits are best for beachcombing, as the tide often brings in new treasures overnight. I found several unique lava rock formations that had been smoothed by the ocean.
Unlike more developed beaches, Oneuli has a wild, natural feel that I found refreshing. The surrounding landscape is rugged and showcases Hawaii’s volcanic origins. This makes it perfect for finding unusual items you won’t see on more manicured beaches.
Rating: 4.5 (257 reviews)
Location: 5550 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Kaanapali Beach
I recently visited Kaanapali Beach on Maui, and it’s a fantastic spot for beachcombing. The shoreline stretches for about three miles with soft golden sand that’s perfect for walking barefoot while searching for treasures.
In the early morning, I found the best time for beachcombing here. The crowds are thinner, and the receding tide often reveals small shells, pieces of coral, and occasionally colorful sea glass. The gentle waves had deposited interesting patterns of debris along the waterline.
The beachwalk that runs alongside Kaanapali makes it easy to access different sections of the beach. I noticed that the areas farther from the main resorts tended to have more interesting finds. When I needed a break from beachcombing, I enjoyed snorkeling near Black Rock where tropical fish swim around the coral formations.
While not the best beach on Maui for rare finds, I appreciated how clean Kaanapali Beach was. Resort staff regularly maintains the beach, which means fewer pieces of trash but also fewer natural treasures compared to more remote beaches.
Rating: 4.6 (551 reviews)
Location: Kaanapali, HI 96761
Mākena State Park
I recently visited Mākena State Park on Maui, and it’s a true beachcomber’s paradise. The park features stunning white sand beaches, including the popular Oneloa (Big Beach) and the more secluded Puu Olai (Little Beach). The contrast between the golden sand and the deep blue ocean creates a breathtaking scene.
When beachcombing here, I found the early morning hours best for discovering treasures washed ashore overnight. The park’s relatively undeveloped nature means you can find interesting shells, sea glass, and occasional driftwood pieces scattered along the shoreline. Just be careful of the powerful shore break that can appear suddenly.
What makes this beach special for collectors is the nearby black sand beach (Oneuli) which offers different types of finds compared to the white sand areas. I spotted unique volcanic rocks and occasionally colorful pieces of coral that had washed up. The volcanic cinder cone Pu’u Ola’i provides a dramatic backdrop while you search the shoreline.
The park opens daily at 5:00 am, giving early birds plenty of time to explore before crowds arrive. I recommend bringing water as none is available in the park, and wear good shoes as some areas can be rocky when beachcombing away from the main beach.
Rating: 4.8 (3053 reviews)
Location: 4670 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Website: Visit Website
Maluaka Beach
Maluaka Beach is a hidden gem I recently discovered on Maui’s south shore. The soft, golden sand feels amazing between your toes as you walk along the shoreline. This beach is perfect for beachcombing, with interesting shells and treasures often washing up after high tide.
The water here is crystal clear, making it ideal for spotting sea life. I was lucky enough to see several sea turtles swimming near the reef! Many locals call this “Turtle Town” because of how frequently these magnificent creatures visit the area.
What makes Maluaka special for beachcombing is the relatively low crowd levels compared to other Maui beaches. I had plenty of space to wander and search for treasures without bumping into others. The beach has a peaceful vibe that lets you focus on discovering little ocean gifts.
The surrounding reef creates a protected area where interesting items often collect. During my morning walks, I found beautiful seashells, colorful sea glass, and even some unique coral fragments. Just remember to only take photos of coral and leave it where you found it!
Rating: 4.7 (1689 reviews)
Location: 5400 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Ulua Beach Park
I recently visited Ulua Beach Park in Kihei, and it’s a fantastic spot for beachcombing! This palm-fringed sandy beach offers more than just beautiful views – the shoreline is perfect for finding interesting shells and beach treasures, especially in the early morning.
The beach is well-maintained and spans about half a mile, making it just the right size to explore thoroughly without getting overwhelmed. I found the best beachcombing spots near the rocky areas at either end of the beach, where tiny shells and colorful sea glass tend to wash up after high tide.
What I love about Ulua is the amenities that make a day of beachcombing comfortable. There are showers to rinse off, clean restrooms, and decent parking. The gentle slope of the beach makes it easy to walk along the shoreline while keeping an eye out for treasures.
While known for swimming and bodyboarding, I found the beach relatively uncrowded during weekday mornings – prime time for beachcombers! The water is typically clear, allowing you to spot interesting items in the shallows if you’re willing to wade a bit.
Rating: 4.8 (352 reviews)
Location: Ulua Beach Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 879-4364
Website: Visit Website
Kamaole Beach Park II
I recently visited Kamaole Beach Park II in Kihei and found it to be a fantastic spot for beachcombing! The 2.2-acre beach park offers beautiful sandy shores where I discovered colorful shells and smooth sea glass during my morning walks.
The beach has lifeguards on duty, which made me feel safe while I explored the shoreline. I particularly enjoyed combing the beach during low tide when more treasures were exposed. The water is clear enough to spot interesting items just beneath the surface.
What I love about beachcombing at Kamaole II is the variety of marine items that wash ashore. I found several unique coral fragments and even a few intact sand dollars. The beach isn’t usually crowded in the early morning, giving me plenty of space to search without interruption.
The park offers convenient amenities that made my beachcombing experience more comfortable. I appreciated having access to restrooms, outdoor showers to rinse off my finds, and picnic tables where I could sit to examine my treasures. Street parking is available, though it fills up quickly on busy days.
Rating: 4.7 (899 reviews)
Location: Kamaole Beach Park II, S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 270-7230
Website: Visit Website
Ulua Beach
I recently visited Ulua Beach in Wailea-Makena and was amazed by its beachcombing potential. The golden sand stretches beautifully along the coastline, creating perfect conditions for finding treasures washed up from the ocean.
During my morning walk, I discovered several unique shells and even a piece of sea glass. The rocky outcrops that dot the beach area create little tide pools where interesting marine items often collect. I recommend checking these areas carefully.
What makes Ulua special for beachcombing is the relatively uncrowded shoreline, especially in early mornings. I had plenty of space to myself and could take my time examining the sand for treasures without feeling rushed.
The clear waters also make it easy to spot items just offshore. While primarily known for swimming and snorkeling, I found the beachcombing here to be surprisingly rewarding, especially after high tide when new items wash ashore.
Rating: 4.7 (171 reviews)
Location: Wailea-Makena, HI 96753
Best Time for Beachcombing
Finding the perfect time to search for shells and treasures on Maui’s beaches can make all the difference in your beachcombing success. Timing your beach visits strategically based on tides, seasons, and weather conditions will significantly improve your chances of finding unique treasures.
Seasonal Overview
Winter months (November through March) offer the best beachcombing opportunities on Maui. This is when the big swells and storms bring more treasures to shore. I’ve found that hurricane season can also wash up interesting items.
Early morning is ideal – aim for sunrise if you can! Many experienced beachcombers recommend visiting right after high tide when the water has just receded, leaving behind fresh deposits.
For the truly dedicated, I suggest checking tide charts online before planning your trip. The best finds typically appear just after the tide begins to go out, revealing newly deposited shells and sea glass.
Weather Considerations
Recent storms create prime beachcombing conditions. When large waves churn up the ocean floor, they dislodge shells and other treasures that normally remain underwater. I always try to visit beaches a day or two after big swells.
The surf conditions matter greatly. High surf warnings might keep you out of the water, but they’re excellent for bringing items to shore. Just be careful and never turn your back on the ocean during high surf.
Wind direction can also affect what washes up. Offshore winds tend to bring more items to the beach, while onshore winds can cause items to be pulled back into the water.
Remember to check weather forecasts before heading out. I always bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, as Maui’s sun can be intense even on cloudy days.
Local Wildlife and Conservation
Maui’s beaches are home to amazing wildlife that make beachcombing even more exciting. The island has strong conservation programs to protect these creatures and their habitats.
Common Wildlife
While beachcombing on Maui, I often spot Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) basking on the sand or swimming near shore. These gentle creatures can frequently be seen at Honolua Bay, Black Rock, and Ulua Beach.
Colorful tropical fish dart among the reefs just offshore. If you bring a snorkel mask, you might see Hawaii’s state fish—the humuhumunukunukuapua’a (trigger fish)!
Monk seals occasionally visit Maui’s beaches. These endangered mammals need space, so I always keep a respectful distance when I spot one.
Birds like the Pacific golden plover and wandering tattler often scurry along the shoreline. They hunt for small crustaceans in the sand—just like human beachcombers looking for treasures!
Conservation Efforts
Many Maui beaches have conservation programs to protect the delicate ecosystem. Wai’anapanapa State Park features protected areas where native plants and animals can thrive without human interference.
The Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute works to rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles found on beaches. Their education booths are set up at popular beaches during peak seasons.
Beach cleaning initiatives happen regularly at Kaanapali Beach and other popular locations. I always participate when I can!
Beach Conservation Tips:
- Never touch wildlife (it’s actually illegal to touch sea turtles)
- Pack out all trash
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect corals
- Stay on marked paths to avoid damaging dune ecosystems
