Maui’s beautiful coastline offers perfect spots for bodyboarding adventures. With warm waters and consistent waves, the island is a paradise for water enthusiasts of all skill levels. The best beaches for bodyboarding on Maui can be found on both the west and south shores, each offering unique wave conditions depending on the season and weather patterns.
When planning a bodyboarding trip to Maui, I always recommend checking local conditions and beach safety information. The island’s beaches vary from gentle shore breaks ideal for beginners to more powerful waves that experienced bodyboarders will love. Nothing beats the thrill of riding a perfect wave while taking in the stunning Hawaiian scenery.
Keawakapu Beach
I recently visited Keawakapu Beach and found it to be a hidden gem for bodyboarding enthusiasts. The waves here are consistently good for riders of all skill levels, making it a perfect spot to catch some thrilling rides.
The beach stretches for about half a mile along South Maui’s coastline, giving boarders plenty of space to spread out. I noticed several locals bringing their bodyboards here, which is always a good sign when you’re looking for quality waves.
What makes Keawakapu special for bodyboarding is the combination of gentle shore break and occasional larger swells. I particularly enjoyed the clearer waters here compared to some other Maui beaches, letting me spot sea turtles swimming below while waiting for the next perfect wave.
The beach has basic amenities including a shower to rinse off after your session. I recommend parking across the street on Kilohana Drive since it’s usually easier to find a spot there than at the beach itself.
Rating: 4.8 (954 reviews)
Location: South Kihei Road & Kilohana Dr, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 891-4956
Website: Visit Website
Slaughterhouse Beach
I recently visited Slaughterhouse Beach, also known as Mokulē’ia Bay, and it’s easily one of Maui’s hidden gems for bodyboarding. The beach is accessible via a stairway down the cliffs, which adds to its secluded charm.
The waves here are perfect for bodyboarding, especially during the calmer months. When I visited, I found the right side of the bay offered the best breaks for riding. The water clarity was amazing, allowing me to spot colorful fish between sets.
I recommend arriving early in the morning to secure parking along the highway. The beach isn’t very large, but it’s rarely crowded. Just be cautious during winter months when the surf can get quite intense for bodyboarding.
The bay features a sandy bottom that’s ideal for wipeouts, making it somewhat forgiving for beginners. I noticed many bodyboarders enjoying the consistent waves that form along the points on either side of the beach.
Rating: 4.8 (634 reviews)
Location: 6501 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 243-5294
Website: Visit Website
Makena Beach
Makena Beach is one of my favorite spots for bodyboarding on Maui. The waves here are consistently good for riders of all skill levels. I love the way the surf breaks cleanly, making it perfect for catching rides back to shore.
The beach itself is spacious and scenic, giving bodyboarders plenty of room to spread out. When I visited, I noticed the water clarity was exceptional, allowing me to spot fish beneath me while waiting for the next set of waves.
The beach has convenient amenities like picnic tables for resting between sessions. After working up an appetite from bodyboarding, I enjoyed grabbing a quick bite from the food truck nearby. The south side of the beach typically has gentler waves that are great for beginners.
I found the best bodyboarding conditions in the morning before the trade winds pick up. The sandy bottom makes for safer wipeouts, though I always keep an eye out for the occasional rocky patch when the tide is low.
Rating: 4.7 (1961 reviews)
Location: 6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (800) 464-2924
Website: Visit Website
Hamoa Beach
I recently visited Hamoa Beach on my Maui bodyboarding trip, and it was absolutely incredible! The clear waters and sizable waves make it a perfect spot for bodyboarding enthusiasts like us.
The beach has striking beauty with some strong currents to be aware of. When I was there, I noticed many experienced bodyboarders taking advantage of the consistent waves. The beach isn’t usually overcrowded, which gives you plenty of space to ride the waves.
I found the best time for bodyboarding was during the morning hours. The waves were perfect – not too overwhelming for intermediate riders but still exciting enough for more advanced boarders. Just remember to be careful of the strong currents, especially if you’re not an experienced swimmer.
The surroundings are breathtaking too! The crescent-shaped beach is nestled between lush greenery, giving it a secluded paradise feel. It’s definitely worth the drive to Hana to experience this bodyboarding gem.
Rating: 4.7 (547 reviews)
Location: Hamoa Beach, Hana, HI 96713
Website: Visit Website
Little Beach
Little Beach is a hidden gem for bodyboarding in Maui. I found this secluded stretch of sand to be perfect for catching waves without the crowds. The surrounding gnarled trees create a natural, untouched atmosphere that’s truly special.
When I visited, the waves were ideal for bodyboarding – not too intense for beginners but exciting enough for more experienced riders. The beach isn’t very large, which gives it an intimate feeling compared to some of Maui’s more popular spots.
The water clarity here is amazing! I could see fish swimming beneath me while waiting for the next wave. The protected cove setting means the waves break consistently, making it easier to predict and catch the perfect ride.
I recommend arriving early to secure a good spot. Bringing your own supplies is important as there aren’t vendors nearby. The natural beauty and excellent bodyboarding conditions make this little paradise worth the extra effort to find.
Rating: 4.8 (605 reviews)
Location: Kihei, HI 96753
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach is one of my favorite spots for bodyboarding on Maui. The golden sand stretches for three miles, providing plenty of space to find the perfect spot for catching waves. When I visited last week, the conditions were ideal for beginners and intermediate bodyboarders.
The waves here vary depending on the season and weather conditions. During my visit, I found the northern end near Black Rock offered more consistent waves for bodyboarding. The water is incredibly clear, letting me spot colorful fish even while riding waves.
I love that Kaanapali has good facilities nearby. After a fun bodyboarding session, I was able to rinse off at the beach showers and grab lunch at one of the nearby resorts. The beachwalk makes it easy to access different sections of the beach to find the best waves.
Morning sessions worked best for me as the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon. The waves are typically gentle to moderate here, making it perfect for improving your bodyboarding skills without facing intimidating conditions.
Rating: 4.6 (551 reviews)
Location: Kaanapali, HI 96761
Ulua Beach Park
I recently visited Ulua Beach Park in Kihei, and it’s truly a bodyboarder’s paradise. The sandy shores and consistent waves make it one of my favorite spots on Maui for catching some action. With a stunning 4.8-star rating, it’s clear that other visitors love it too!
The beach offers perfect conditions for bodyboarding, especially in the morning when the waves are gentler. I found the best spots near the south end of the beach where the breaks are more predictable. The palm-fringed shoreline provides nice shady spots to rest between sessions.
What makes Ulua particularly convenient are the amenities. After a fun bodyboarding session, I appreciated the clean showers to rinse off the salt and sand. The restrooms are well-maintained, and finding parking was surprisingly easy compared to other popular Maui beaches.
Rating: 4.8 (352 reviews)
Location: Ulua Beach Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 879-4364
Website: Visit Website
Ho’okipa Beach Park
I visited Ho’okipa Beach Park and was blown away by the breathtaking white sand beach and amazing waves. This beach is famous for surfing, but it’s also great for bodyboarding when conditions are right.
The waves here can be powerful, making it better suited for experienced bodyboarders. The best time for bodyboarding is usually in the morning before the winds pick up. The water is clear, and you might even spot sea turtles resting on the shore!
Ho’okipa offers excellent facilities that made my visit comfortable. There are three pavilions with picnic areas, restrooms, and outdoor showers to rinse off after riding waves. The park spans 8.4 square miles, giving you plenty of space to relax between sessions.
I appreciate that lifeguards are on duty from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, adding an extra layer of safety when tackling these exciting waves. With three parking lots containing over 170 spaces, finding parking wasn’t difficult during my visit.
Rating: 4.8 (6074 reviews)
Location: 179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Contact: (808) 572-8122
Website: Visit Website
Kamaole Beach Park III
I recently visited Kamaole Beach Park III in Kihei, and it’s a fantastic spot for bodyboarding! The waves here are perfect for beginners and intermediate bodyboarders. When I arrived in the morning, I found the conditions ideal with consistent waves that weren’t too overwhelming.
The beach has soft golden sand and a spacious shore area, making it easy to set up before hitting the water. I noticed several locals bodyboarding here, which is always a good sign. The breaks are fairly predictable, giving you plenty of opportunities to catch good rides.
What I really appreciated was the presence of lifeguards on duty. Safety is important when bodyboarding, and having professionals watching over the area gave me peace of mind. After riding waves for a few hours, I enjoyed using the outdoor showers to rinse off.
The park itself is well-maintained with plenty of amenities. I took advantage of the picnic tables for lunch between bodyboarding sessions. There’s also ample parking available, which isn’t always the case at popular Maui beaches.
Rating: 4.7 (3035 reviews)
Location: S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 270-7230
Website: Visit Website
Kamaole Beach Park II
I recently visited Kamaole Beach Park II on my bodyboarding trip to Maui and had an amazing time! The waves here are perfect for bodyboarding, especially for beginners and intermediate riders like me.
The beach has soft golden sand and clear blue waters that make for a great bodyboarding experience. What I love most is that there’s always a lifeguard on duty, which gave me extra peace of mind while riding the waves.
After a fun session in the water, I appreciated the picnic tables and BBQ grills available to use. I brought some snacks and enjoyed lunch with the beautiful ocean view. The beach also has restrooms, showers, and water fountains which were super convenient.
The waves at Kamaole II tend to be moderate and predictable, making it ideal for bodyboarding practice. I found the best conditions in the morning before the trade winds pick up. The ocean floor slopes gently at first, giving beginners a chance to practice in shallow water.
Rating: 4.7 (899 reviews)
Location: Kamaole Beach Park II, S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 270-7230
Website: Visit Website
Understanding Maui’s Wave Conditions
Maui’s waves change throughout the year, making some beaches better for bodyboarding during certain months. Knowing these patterns helps me find the best spots at the right time.
Seasonal Swells and Their Impact
During winter (November to March), North Shore beaches get big swells from North Pacific storms. These create powerful waves that are often too dangerous for beginner bodyboarders. I’ve found the waves can reach 20+ feet on big days!
In summer (May to September), South Maui beaches experience better conditions for bodyboarding due to South swells. Popular spots like Kamaole Beach Park I offer gentler waves perfect for beginners.
West Maui beaches like Kāʻanapali and Lāhainā are more protected and offer consistent conditions throughout much of the year. I prefer these areas when I’m teaching friends how to bodyboard.
Tide Changes and Bodyboarding
Tide levels dramatically affect bodyboarding conditions on Maui. I always check tide charts before heading out!
Low tide: Reveals reef breaks and creates faster, hollower waves. Po’olenalena and White Rock offer exciting shore breaks during low tide, but be careful of exposed rocks and reef.
High tide: Provides deeper water over reefs, making bodyboarding safer but sometimes reducing wave power. I find Kam3 works better during high tide when the shore break isn’t as harsh.
Morning sessions typically offer cleaner conditions before the trade winds pick up. By afternoon, winds often create choppier conditions that are less ideal for bodyboarding, especially on the north and east shores.
Safety Tips for Bodyboarding on Maui
Before hitting the waves, I want to share some essential safety advice that could save your life. Maui’s beautiful beaches can have unpredictable conditions that require proper preparation and knowledge.
Ocean Safety Guidelines
Never turn your back on the ocean while bodyboarding on Maui. Waves can arrive without warning, so I always stay vigilant. The most important rule I follow is if in doubt, don’t go out! This simple guideline has kept me safe countless times.
I always wear proper gear when bodyboarding. This includes fins for better control and a leash to keep my board close. At Maui beaches, I look for and obey all safety signs and flags – they’re there for a reason!
I recommend bodyboarding at beaches with lifeguards whenever possible. They keep an eye on conditions and can help quickly if needed. Kapalua Bay is great for beginners with its gentle waves and protected setting.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t worry! You can still enjoy bodyboarding by wearing a life jacket for extra safety. I never bodyboard alone – having a buddy means someone can get help if needed.
What to Do In Case of Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing away from shore that can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. If you get caught in one while bodyboarding, stay calm and don’t fight against it – this is crucial!
Instead of swimming directly back to shore, swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the current, then make your way in. If you can’t escape, float or tread water and wave for help.
I always check for rip current warnings before entering the water. These dangerous currents often appear as calm patches between breaking waves or areas with different water color.
At beaches like Po’olenalena, conditions can change quickly. So, assess the waves before going in and constantly monitor any changes while in the water.
