Maui is a paddleboarding paradise with crystal-clear waters and stunning views. I’ve spent countless hours exploring the island’s shores on my board, and I’m excited to share my favorite spots with you.
From calm bays perfect for beginners to more challenging areas for experienced paddlers, Maui has something for everyone.
The best beaches for paddleboarding on Maui include protected bays with gentle waves, clear visibility for marine life viewing, and convenient entry points. Many of these locations offer rental equipment nearby, making it easy to try this fun water activity even if you didn’t bring your own gear.
Whether you’re looking to paddle alongside sea turtles in calm waters or challenge yourself in more open conditions, you’ll find the perfect spot on this beautiful Hawaiian island.
Kahekili Beach Park
Kahekili Beach Park is one of my favorite spots for paddleboarding on Maui. The water here is typically calm, especially in the morning, making it perfect for paddleboarders of all skill levels.
I love how the crystal-clear water lets you see tropical fish and coral formations below. The beach has a convenient boardwalk that makes it easy to carry your paddleboard to the water.
When I visited last week, I appreciated the clean facilities, including showers to rinse off after my session. The covered picnic pavilion is great for taking a break and enjoying some shade.
What makes Kahekili special for paddleboarding is the protected reef area just offshore. I’ve spotted turtles, colorful fish, and even the occasional eagle ray while gliding across the surface.
The beach is less crowded than some of Maui’s more famous spots, giving you plenty of space to enjoy your paddleboarding adventure. If you get hungry after paddleboarding, there are barbecue grills available for a post-paddle cookout.
The beach also offers stunning views of neighboring islands Lanai and Molokai on clear days, adding to the magical experience.
Rating: 4.7 (1138 reviews)
Location: 65 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 270-7230
Website: Visit Website
Ulua Beach Park
Ulua Beach Park is a hidden gem for paddleboarding on Maui’s south shore. I found the waters here to be calm and crystal clear, especially during morning hours when the winds are gentler.
The sandy entry makes it super easy to launch my paddleboard without any rocky obstacles. The beach has a perfect balance of local charm and visitor amenities.
I love that it’s not as crowded as some of the more famous Maui beaches, giving me plenty of space to paddle around. From my board, I spotted colorful fish and even a few sea turtles swimming beneath me!
When I needed a break from paddling, the beach facilities came in handy. There are showers to rinse off, restrooms, and enough parking if you arrive early.
The palm-fringed shoreline created some nice shady spots for my gear while I was out on the water. I recommend paddleboarding along the reef that connects Ulua to neighboring Mokapu Beach.
The water conditions were perfect for beginners and intermediate paddleboarders like me, with gentle waves and beautiful views of West Maui mountains in the distance.
Rating: 4.8 (352 reviews)
Location: Ulua Beach Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 879-4364
Website: Visit Website
Maluaka Beach
Maluaka Beach is a hidden gem for paddleboarding on Maui. I recently visited this stunning location and was impressed by its calm, clear waters which make it perfect for paddleboarding adventures.
The soft sandy beach provides an easy entry point for launching your paddleboard. I found the morning hours best for paddleboarding here, as the waters tend to be calmer and the winds lighter.
While paddling at Maluaka, I spotted sea turtles swimming below my board! This beach is known as “Turtle Town” by locals because of the abundant sea life. The reef areas offer amazing views when paddling over them.
The beach has restrooms and enough parking if you arrive early. I recommend bringing your own shade as there aren’t many trees on the beach itself. The stunning views of neighboring islands while paddling make this spot truly special.
Rating: 4.7 (1689 reviews)
Location: 5400 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Ho’okipa Beach Park
I recently visited Ho’okipa Beach Park and it’s a paddleboarder’s paradise when conditions are right. The crystal clear waters and stunning views make it a top spot on Maui’s north shore.
Morning sessions offer the calmest conditions before the trade winds pick up. What makes Ho’okipa special is the marine life you’ll encounter.
I was thrilled to paddle alongside sea turtles who regularly visit the eastern end of the beach. Just be mindful that afternoon winds can create challenging conditions for beginners. The beach park has great facilities including picnic areas and pavilions where you can relax after your paddleboarding session.
I found the local lifeguards to be friendly and helpful with advice about daily conditions. For paddleboarders looking for versatility, Ho’okipa offers different experiences depending on the time of day and season.
I recommend arriving early to secure parking and enjoy the most tranquil waters before the surf crowds arrive.
Rating: 4.8 (6074 reviews)
Location: 179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779
Contact: (808) 572-8122
Website: Visit Website
Makena Landing Park
Makena Landing Park is a fantastic spot for paddleboarders on Maui. I visited recently and found it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders.
The bay in front of the landing is large and shallow, making it an ideal launching area. The water is usually calm in the morning, which is when I recommend going.
Winds tend to pick up around 11am, so an early start will give you the best experience. I was amazed by how clear the water was – you can see colorful coral and fish below your board!
If you paddle toward Nahuna Point, you might encounter green sea turtles swimming nearby. This area is sometimes called “Turtle Town” for good reason!
Many tour operators launch from here, so arriving early helps avoid crowds. The park has good facilities including restrooms, showers, and a small grassy area.
I appreciated having a paved parking lot right near the launch site, making it easy to transport my paddleboard to the water.
Rating: 4.7 (1785 reviews)
Location: 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 879-4364
Website: Visit Website
Kamaole Beach Park III
I visited Kamaole Beach Park III in Kihei recently and found it to be an excellent spot for paddleboarding. The water conditions are typically calm in the morning, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate paddleboarders alike.
The beach offers a spacious sandy area where you can set up your board before heading into the water. I appreciated having lifeguards on duty, which adds an extra layer of safety when paddleboarding.
The offshore swimming area provides plenty of space to explore on your board. After paddleboarding, I enjoyed using the picnic areas to relax and refuel.
With 22 picnic tables available, it’s easy to find a spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful ocean views. The park itself is quite large at 10 acres, giving visitors plenty of room to spread out.
I found the facilities at Kamaole III to be well-maintained. The outdoor showers were particularly helpful for rinsing off my paddleboard and gear before heading back to my car. The parking area has 82 spaces, though I recommend arriving early during peak season to secure a spot.
Rating: 4.7 (3035 reviews)
Location: S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 270-7230
Website: Visit Website
Maui Stand Up Paddle Adventures
I recently tried out Maui Stand Up Paddle Adventures and was blown away by the experience! They offer private SUP tours along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Maui.
The instructors are super knowledgeable and patient with beginners like me. The paddle route takes you through crystal-clear waters where you can see colorful coral reefs below.
I was lucky enough to spot sea turtles and tropical fish during my tour. The underwater sea caves and rugged lava cliffs make for an incredible backdrop while paddling.
What makes this place special is the personalized attention. Since they focus on private tours, I felt like I got a custom experience tailored to my skill level.
The equipment was top-notch and well-maintained, which made learning much easier. I’d recommend booking in advance as they’re quite popular, especially during peak tourist season.
The South Kihei location is convenient and puts you right where the action is for some of the best paddleboarding conditions on the island.
Rating: 5 (180 reviews)
Location: 1254 S Kihei Rd #686, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 866-4484
Website: Visit Website)
Hanakaoʻo Park
Hanakaoʻo Park is one of my favorite spots for paddleboarding on Maui. This 4.8-acre waterfront park offers calm waters that are perfect for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike. I love launching my board from the sandy beach area where the gentle waves make for an easy entry.
The park is also known as Canoe Beach to locals because of the canoe clubhouse located there. When I visited, I saw several outrigger canoe teams practicing, which added to the authentic Hawaiian experience. The waters here tend to be calmer in the morning, making it ideal for a peaceful paddleboarding session.
What makes this spot special is the beautiful view of neighboring islands Lanai and Molokai that you can enjoy while paddleboarding. I found the facilities here to be well-maintained, with picnic areas and BBQ grills available if you want to make a day of it. There are also lifeguards on duty, which adds an extra layer of safety.
The beach isn’t as crowded as some of Maui’s more famous spots, giving you plenty of space to enjoy your paddleboard adventure. I recommend bringing water shoes as parts of the beach can be rocky.
Rating: 4.6 (650 reviews)
Location: 2501 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 661-4685
Website: Visit Website
HonokĹŤwai Beach Park
HonokĹŤwai Beach Park is one of my favorite spots for paddleboarding on Maui. The water here is often calm in the mornings, making it perfect for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike. I love launching my board from the small sandy area and exploring the beautiful coastline.
When I visited last week, I noticed several other paddleboarders enjoying the clear waters. The offshore reef provides some protection from larger waves, creating a more controlled environment. During my paddle, I spotted colorful fish and even a sea turtle swimming beneath my board!
The park itself offers nice amenities that make a day of paddleboarding more comfortable. There are shady trees for a break from the sun, picnic tables perfect for a post-paddle lunch, and restroom facilities nearby. I appreciate having these conveniences when spending several hours on the water.
Parking is usually available, though it can fill up by mid-morning during peak tourist season. I recommend arriving early to secure a spot and enjoy the calmest water conditions. The nearby shops also rent paddleboards if you don’t have your own equipment.
Rating: 4.6 (788 reviews)
Location: Lahaina, HI 96761
Website: Visit Website
Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding LLC
I recently visited Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding LLC and had an amazing time learning to SUP. This local shop in Kihei is the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to try stand up paddle boarding on Maui’s beautiful waters.
The instructors were super friendly and patient with beginners like me. They taught proper techniques that made paddling feel natural, even for first-timers. The whole experience felt safe and fun.
What I loved most was how they connected paddle boarding to Hawaiian culture. They explained that SUP is actually based on an ancient Hawaiian practice of “walking on water.” It gave my adventure a deeper meaning beyond just a fun activity.
Whether you want a workout or just to cruise around looking for sea turtles, they offer both lessons and tours. I’d recommend booking ahead since they’re popular, especially during busy seasons. Their expertise made my Maui paddleboarding experience unforgettable!
Rating: 4.9 (42 reviews)
Location: 27-B Hale Kuai St, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 568-0151
Website: Visit Website
Understanding Maui’s Paddleboarding Scene
Maui offers some of the best paddleboarding conditions in the world with crystal clear waters and diverse marine environments. I’ve spent countless hours exploring these waters and can share what makes this island so special for SUP enthusiasts.
Maui Weather Conditions for Paddleboarding
The best time for paddleboarding in Maui is typically early morning when the winds are calmest. From my experience, winds tend to pick up around 10-11 AM, especially on the north and east shores.
Summer months (May-October) provide the most consistent paddling conditions with gentle swells. Winter brings bigger waves, making the south side beaches better options during this season.
Temperature-wise, you’ll enjoy warm water year-round (around 75-85°F), meaning no wetsuit needed! I usually check local weather apps before heading out, as conditions can change quickly.
For beginners, I recommend spots like Kama’ole Beach Park in Kihei where waters are typically calmer and more predictable.
Wildlife Encounters on the Water
Paddleboarding in Maui offers incredible opportunities to see marine life up close. I’ve spotted sea turtles (honu) nearly every time I’ve gone out, especially around Napili Bay on the west side.
During winter months (December-April), keep your eyes open for humpback whales! Though you should maintain a respectful distance, it’s amazing to see them from your board.
Colorful tropical fish are abundant, particularly around reef areas. Many paddleboarders bring waterproof cameras to capture these encounters.
I’ve found that Kaanapali Beach offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities with its vibrant reef system just offshore.
Remember to never touch or chase marine animals – observe respectfully from a distance to protect both the wildlife and yourself.
Tips for a Successful Paddleboarding Experience
I’ve learned that timing your paddle session wisely and following basic safety practices can make your Maui paddleboarding adventure much more enjoyable.
Best Times of Day for Paddleboarding
The early morning hours are absolutely perfect for paddleboarding in Maui. I recommend getting out on the water before 9 AM when the winds are typically calm. The mirror-like water during this time makes it easier to balance and paddle, especially for beginners.
Late afternoons can also offer good conditions as the trade winds sometimes ease up. Sunset paddleboarding is magical, but I always make sure to finish before dark.
Avoid midday paddling between 11 AM and 2 PM for two reasons:
- The trade winds typically pick up, making paddling more challenging
- The sun is strongest, increasing your risk of sunburn
Another benefit of early paddling? You’ll have a better chance of spotting turtles and other sea life when fewer people are in the water!
Safety Guidelines for Beginners
I always tell first-timers to start at beaches with the calmest conditions. Kapalua Bay and Kama’ole Beach Park I are excellent choices for beginners.
Essential safety tips I follow:
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Always wear a leash – it keeps your board nearby if you fall.
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Check the weather forecast before heading out.
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Paddle with a buddy when possible.
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Start on your knees before standing up.
I recommend wearing a life jacket or belt, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. Don’t forget sun protection! Apply waterproof sunscreen, wear a hat, and consider a rash guard for extra coverage.
Be mindful of your surroundings and respect marine life. Keep a safe distance from coral reefs to protect both yourself and these fragile ecosystems.
