Maui’s beaches are world-famous for their stunning beauty and perfect conditions for soaking up the sun. With over 30 miles of sandy shores, this Hawaiian paradise offers some of the most gorgeous spots for laying out a beach towel and enjoying the warm tropical rays. The western and southern shores of Maui typically provide the best sunbathing experiences with calm waters, golden sands, and reliable sunshine throughout most of the year.
I love how each beach on Maui has its own unique character and charm. From the pristine shores of Wailea Beach nestled between luxury resorts to the historic Kapalua Beach once named “America’s Best Beach,” there’s truly a perfect sunbathing spot for every preference. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly shores or secluded coves, Maui won’t disappoint.
Keawakapu Beach
I recently spent a perfect day at Keawakapu Beach, and I can tell you it’s truly one of Maui’s hidden gems for sunbathing. The soft golden sand stretches for half a mile, giving everyone plenty of room to spread out their beach towels without feeling crowded.
The water here is incredibly clear and calm, making it perfect for a quick dip between sunbathing sessions. I spotted several sea turtles swimming near the shore, which was such a magical experience! The beach has a peaceful vibe that’s missing at some of the busier Maui beaches.
What I love most about Keawakapu is the stunning scenery. The views of neighboring islands and the West Maui Mountains create a picture-perfect backdrop for your sunbathing experience. There’s also a shower available to rinse off before heading back to your hotel.
I found parking across the street on Kilohana Drive, which was convenient. While there aren’t many amenities (just one portable restroom at the nearby Keawakapu II lot), the natural beauty more than makes up for it. This beach is truly a sunbather’s paradise!
Rating: 4.8 (954 reviews)
Location: South Kihei Road & Kilohana Dr, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 891-4951
Website: Visit Website
Kamaole Beach Park I
I recently spent a day sunbathing at Kamaole Beach Park I, and it was absolutely perfect! The soft sandy beach stretches along the shore with crystal clear waters that are usually calm and ideal for swimming. There’s even a lifeguard on duty, which made me feel safer while enjoying the ocean.
The views here are stunning. I spotted sea turtles swimming near the shore, which was such a magical experience. The beach park itself is well-maintained and not too crowded, giving me plenty of space to spread out my beach towel.
When I needed a break from the sun, I found some nice picnic tables under shade trees. There are also grills available if you want to cook up some lunch. The beach park has clean restrooms and outdoor showers, making it convenient to rinse off before heading back to my hotel.
I loved that the park offers everything needed for a full day of sunbathing. With volleyball courts available and gorgeous sunset views, I could have easily spent my entire vacation at this beach!
Rating: 4.7 (993 reviews)
Location: 75 Alanui Ke’ali’i, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 879-4364
Website: Visit Website
Makena Beach
Makena Beach is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve visited on Maui for sunbathing. The soft golden sand stretches wide and long, giving everyone plenty of space to spread out their beach towels. When I visited, I was amazed by how uncrowded it felt despite its popularity.
The water here is a stunning shade of blue that seems almost unreal. On clear days, I could see all the way to neighboring islands while lounging on the sand. The waves can get big sometimes, but there are usually calmer areas perfect for a refreshing dip between sunbathing sessions.
I love that Makena has both sunny open areas and some shady spots near the edges. The beach is clean and well-maintained, making it ideal for spending a full day soaking up the Hawaiian sun. I recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen as the rays are strong here!
There’s a food truck nearby when you get hungry, which is super convenient. I spent hours here just relaxing and watching the occasional sea turtle swim by offshore. It’s definitely one of Maui’s premier sunbathing destinations.
Rating: 4.7 (1961 reviews)
Location: 6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (800) 464-2924
Website: Visit Website
Little Beach
Little Beach is a hidden gem on Maui that I discovered during my recent trip. This secluded stretch of sand offers a peaceful escape from the more crowded beaches on the island. Surrounded by gnarled trees, it creates a natural, intimate setting that feels like your own private paradise.
The swimming conditions here are fantastic! I enjoyed body boarding in the gentle waves, which are perfect for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. The water is crystal clear, making it easy to spot colorful fish swimming around your feet.
What I love most about Little Beach is the relaxed atmosphere. People here seem to embrace the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle. I spent hours sunbathing on the soft sand, occasionally taking dips in the refreshing ocean to cool off. It’s an ideal spot if you’re looking to get a perfect tan without the crowds.
I recommend arriving early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends. While it takes a bit of effort to reach this hidden beach, the journey is absolutely worth it for the tranquility and natural beauty you’ll find.
Rating: 4.8 (605 reviews)
Location: Kihei, HI 96753
Black Rock Beach
I recently visited Black Rock Beach in Lahaina, and it’s now one of my favorite spots for sunbathing on Maui. The sandy beach is spacious and clean, perfect for laying out a towel and soaking up the Hawaiian sun.
What makes this beach special is the dramatic black lava rock formation that juts out into the ocean. I spent hours alternating between sunbathing and cooling off in the crystal-clear water. The contrast between the golden sand and black rock creates a stunning backdrop for sunbathing.
This beach is also great for people-watching! I enjoyed seeing cliff divers leap from the rock formation. When I needed a break from the sun, I went snorkeling right off the beach and saw colorful fish swimming around the reef near the rock.
The beach has a perfect balance of amenities and natural beauty. It gets busy, but I always found a good spot to set up for the day. The sunsets here are absolutely magical, with the sun sinking behind the black rock formation.
Rating: 4.6 (1711 reviews)
Location: Lahaina, HI 96761
Website: Visit Website
Oneuli Beach
Oneuli Beach is a hidden gem on Maui that many tourists miss. I discovered this beautiful black sand beach during my recent trip and was amazed by how different it is from other beaches on the island. The dark volcanic sand creates a striking contrast against the blue ocean.
When I visited, I found it less crowded than popular spots like Kaanapali or Wailea. This makes it perfect for peaceful sunbathing without fighting for space. The beach stretches along a picturesque coastline with enough room to find your own private spot.
While sunbathing here is wonderful, I couldn’t resist exploring the water too. The snorkeling is fantastic, with plenty of colorful fish and sometimes even sea turtles swimming nearby. The marine life viewing opportunities add an exciting dimension to your beach day.
I recommend bringing water shoes since the black sand can get quite hot in the afternoon sun. Also, there aren’t many amenities nearby, so pack everything you’ll need for the day including water, snacks, and sun protection.
Rating: 4.5 (257 reviews)
Location: 5550 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Big Beach
Big Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand on Maui’s south shore. I visited last weekend and was amazed by its size—it’s much larger than many other beaches on the island. The expansive shoreline gives plenty of room for sunbathers to spread out without feeling crowded.
The sand here is soft and perfect for sunbathing. I laid out my towel and spent hours soaking up the sunshine. The beach has very little shade, so it’s ideal for those who want maximum sun exposure. Just remember to bring sunscreen, as there’s not much natural protection from the rays.
The waves at Big Beach can be powerful, which makes for exciting viewing while you’re working on your tan. I watched several skilled bodyboarders riding the shore break. If you’re planning to swim, be careful as the current can be strong and there are sometimes sudden shore breaks.
From my sunbathing spot, I enjoyed breathtaking views of the islands of Molokini and Kaho’olawe in the distance. The backdrop of blue ocean against the golden sand creates a picture-perfect setting for a day of relaxation.
Rating: 4.7 (257 reviews)
Location: 6450 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Kahekili Beach Park
I love Kahekili Beach Park for sunbathing! This beautiful spot in Lahaina offers a perfect mix of soft sand and amazing views. The boardwalk-lined beach makes it easy to find the perfect spot to lay out your towel.
What makes this beach special for sunbathers is the amenities. There’s a covered picnic pavilion when you need a break from the sun, plus barbecue grills if you want to make a day of it. I appreciate that they have showers and restrooms right there – super convenient!
The beach isn’t usually too crowded, which makes it ideal for relaxing with a good book. I found plenty of space to spread out without feeling cramped. The water is typically calm here too, so you can cool off with a quick dip between sunbathing sessions.
When I visited, I noticed several local families enjoying the facilities, but there was still plenty of room for visitors like me. The surrounding area is well-maintained and clean, making it a pleasant place to spend several hours soaking up the Maui sunshine.
Rating: 4.7 (1138 reviews)
Location: 65 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 270-7230
Website: Visit Website
Hamoa Beach
I recently visited Hamoa Beach in Hana, and it’s definitely one of Maui’s hidden treasures for sunbathing. The crescent-shaped beach offers striking beauty with its clear turquoise waters and dark gray sand.
The beach is perfect for sunbathing with its soft sand and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. I noticed many visitors simply relaxing on beach towels and soaking up the Hawaiian sun. The beach isn’t usually overcrowded, which adds to its appeal.
While the sunbathing is excellent, I should mention that the waves and currents can be strong. I saw several experienced surfers enjoying the sizable waves. If you’re planning to swim, be cautious and pay attention to the conditions.
When I visited, I was mesmerized by the natural beauty surrounding the beach. Lush tropical vegetation frames the shoreline, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your sunbathing session.
Rating: 4.7 (547 reviews)
Location: Hamoa Beach, Hana, HI 96713
Website: Visit Website
Slaughterhouse Beach
I recently visited Slaughterhouse Beach on Maui and was blown away by its natural beauty. Despite its unusual name (which comes from an old slaughterhouse that once stood on the cliffs above), this hidden gem offers pristine sands perfect for sunbathing.
The beach is accessed by a stairway that winds down the cliff face. The effort is completely worth it – you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful stretch of sand and crystal clear waters when the ocean is calm. I loved spreading out my beach towel here with far fewer crowds than at some of Maui’s more famous beaches.
During my visit in calmer summer months, I enjoyed excellent swimming conditions. The water visibility was amazing! If you bring snorkel gear, you can explore the healthy coral formations near the points of the bay. Just be aware that winter brings high surf that makes swimming dangerous.
I appreciated the untouched feel of this beach. There aren’t facilities here, which helps keep the crowds down and preserves the natural environment. Just remember to bring everything you need for the day, including water and snacks.
Rating: 4.8 (634 reviews)
Location: 6501 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 243-5294
Website: Visit Website
Climate and Weather Tips
Maui’s weather patterns significantly impact your sunbathing experience. Understanding when to visit and which areas offer the best sun exposure will help you make the most of your beach days.
Best Time of Year for Sunbathing
The spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather for sunbathing on Maui. During these months, you’ll find ideal temperatures and less crowded beaches.
Summer (June to August) brings the hottest temperatures, perfect for those who love intense sun. I recommend applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every two hours, even on cloudy days.
Winter months (December to March) can be less predictable with occasional rain showers, especially on the north and east sides of the island. However, you can still find sunny spots in South and West Maui.
The best sunbathing hours are typically between 10am and 2pm, but remember that UV rays are strongest during this time!
Understanding Maui’s Microclimates
Maui’s diverse landscape creates distinct microclimates that affect your sunbathing plans. South Maui (Kihei, Wailea) receives the least rainfall and most consistent sunshine, making beaches like Keawakapu excellent for sunbathing year-round.
West Maui, where you’ll find Ka’anapali Beach, offers reliable sunshine but can experience afternoon cloud cover from the West Maui Mountains.
I’ve noticed that mornings generally provide the calmest conditions island-wide. Wind patterns typically increase in the afternoons, especially during summer months.
Beach temperatures can vary by 5-10 degrees between the leeward (south/west) and windward (north/east) sides of the island. For the most consistent sunbathing conditions, I recommend Kihei’s beaches, known for their sunny weather and less rainfall.
Sunbathing Safety and Essentials
Enjoying Maui’s sunshine safely requires proper protection and preparation. I always make sure to pack the right gear and follow good practices to prevent sunburn and dehydration during my beach days.
Sun Protection Tips
The Hawaiian sun is stronger than many visitors expect. I always apply reef-safe sunscreen at least 30 minutes before hitting the beach and reapply every two hours or after swimming.
A wide-brimmed hat offers excellent face protection, while UV-blocking sunglasses shield my eyes from harmful rays. I never forget to protect my lips with SPF lip balm too!
Beach umbrellas are fantastic for creating shade when needed. Many Maui beachgoers find that a good beach chair with an umbrella significantly extends their beach time without getting burned.
For children or those with sensitive skin, I recommend UV-protective clothing. These specialized shirts and swimwear provide continuous protection without reapplication.
Staying Hydrated
I always bring at least one gallon of water per person for a full beach day on Maui. The hot sun, salt water, and beach activities deplete fluids quickly.
Insulated water bottles keep drinks cold for hours in the Hawaiian heat. I freeze mine halfway the night before so I have ice-cold water throughout the day.
Coconut water makes a refreshing natural electrolyte drink that helps replace minerals lost through sweating. You can find fresh coconuts at many local markets near popular beaches.
I avoid alcohol during peak sun hours (10am-2pm) as it can speed up dehydration. Instead, I bring fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and oranges that provide both hydration and natural sugars.
I also set a timer on my phone to remind me to drink water regularly, even when I’m having too much fun to remember!
