Everyone knows that Hawaii is unsurpassed for swimming, skin diving and surfing, beach combing and exploring tide pools. The beauty and fascination of the sea, however, has to be tempered with understanding of the ocean’s awesome and treacherous power. The dangers of Hawaii’s coastal waters, the many serious accidents every year, are avoidable. Never turn your back on the ocean, even for a moment, especially when you are in waters with breaking waves. “Rogue” waves of abnormal size occasionally rise up unexpectedly. Sets of small and harmless waves are often followed by higher waves that can drag you into powerful currents. Paia, northeast coast of Maui is dangerous or require extreme caution. Always take extra caution while kayaking, snorkeling or drifting on the rafts. Always check the local weather advisory for high wind when you enter the ocean around the islands of Hawaii.

KAPALUA BEACH
Off Honoapiilani Highway (30) in Kapalua, about 10 miles north of Lahaina
It’s safe so say Kapalua Beach is one of the safest swimming beaches on Maui. With coral reefs and rocky peninsulas protecting the shore, the waters are as calm as can be. Things liven up when the whales pass by, in season. Another popular sight is Maui ‘s neighboring isle, Molokai.

NAPILI BAY BEACH
Honoapiilani Highway (30) to Napili Place, about nine moles north of Lahaina
Sunbathers will find Napili Bay Beach’s wide, palm-fringed crescent of white san a welcoming site. This beach is also a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling during the summer months. Winter’s bigger waves bring in the board and body surfers. Year-round, the view of Molokao is magnificent.

D.T. FLEMING BEACH PARK
Off Honoapiilani Highway (30) at mile marker 31, one mile east of Kapalua
If you’re looking for the perfect sunbathing spot, you’re on the right course with D.T. Fleming. In fact, you’re right off Kapalua Golf Club’s 16th hole. The currents here can be quite strong, so inexperienced swimmers shouldn’t venture out too far. Lifeguards are usually posted during the day.

LAUNIUPOKO STATE WAYSIDE PARK
Off Honoapiilani Highway (30), about three miles south of Lahaina
With its large grassy lawn, Launiupoko State Wayside Park is the perfect pick for a picnic. While you’re here, feast your eyes on three of Maui’s neighbor islands – Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai. Also on site is a children’s wading pool, restrooms and showers.

MAALAEA BEACH
Off Piilani Highway (31), about seven miles southeast of Wailuku
Expert windsurfers have definitely gotten wind of Maalaea Beach. Located between the two mountains that form Maui, the beach is, in effect, at the mouth of a natural wind tunnel. Summer surfers also relish the beach’s powerful “freight train rights.” Caution by non-experts is advised. The three-mile beach itself snags many a beachcomber.

KAMAOLE BEACH PARKS
Off South Kiehei Road, which runs along the coast parallel to the Piilani Highway. At the southern end of Kihei.
There are any number of reasons to visit Kamaole I, Kamaole II and Kamaole III. First, you can count on excellent swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, water-skiing and volleyball. Second, the roomy beaches all feature wide white sands, especially Kam III, the most popular. And third, the beautiful view of Molokini offshore. All have lifeguards, restrooms and showers.

KEAWAKAPU BEACH
Off South Kiehei Road, just north of Wailea
It’s best to blow in early at Keawakapu Beach, as the trade winds pick up significantly in the afternoon. But the beach is well worth getting up for, with crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling and shallow waters that make for peaceful swimming. No public facilities are available here, but there are several shops and restaurants nearby.

ULUA BEACH
South Kihei Road to Alanui Road, about one mile south of Wailea
U.S. Marines once practiced storming the beach here, but these days it’s mostly gung-ho bodysurfers taking advantage of Ulua’s active surf. The swimming, snorkeling and diving more than pass muster as well. A concrete pillbox bunker is left over from the war games. Facilities include showers, restrooms and telephones.

MAKENA BEACH (BIG BEACH AND LITTLE BEACH)
Piilani Highway (31) south from Kihei. In Wailea, continue on the road to the left. Turn left on Makena Ala Nui Road
There are no two ways about it: Makena Beach is a choice spot to soak up some rays. Puu Olai, a 360-foot cinder cone, divides it into Big and Little beaches. Big Beach’s golden sands stretch for 3,000 feet. Before you split, try the snorkeling off either beach.

LA PEROUSE BAY
South Kihei Road to Makena Road, south of Makena. The paved road ends just north of the bay.
Rugged beauty provides the charm at La Perouse Bay – made up of a number of tiny, white-sand beaches in small coves between rocky points. Kayaking, swimming and surfing are all popular here. But the area is remote, and its changeable conditions call for extra caution. Bring hiking boots, not flip-flops.

HAMOA BEACH PARK
Piilani Highway (31) to Haneoo Road, two and half miles south of Hana
The late James Michener said Hamoa Beach was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Take one look at this crescent shaped stretch of sand surrounded by sea cliffs and beautiful blue water, and you’ll realize that his was not a novel to view. In winter, the bodysurfing and boogie-boarding here can’t be beat; in the summer, swimming and snorkeling prevail.

HANA BEACH PARK
Hana Highway (36) to Uakea Road, just south of Hana
The Kauiki Lighthouse, standing on a small island just off Hana Beach, now acts as a beacon for beach lovers. This 700-foot-long brown-san beach is bright with sunbathers. And the waters – protected by a lava point, the ruins of a landing and a wharf – are calm enough for good swimming. Another highlight: Kauiki Head, a 386-foot red cinder cone in the southeastern corner of the bay.

HOOKIPA BEACH COUNTY PARK
Off Hana Highway (30), about three miles east of Paia
Hookipa Beach is host to some of the world’s best windsurfers and several major windsurfing competitions each year. The experts are a thrill to watch, and that’s exactly what novice windsurfers should do. The beach’s east side is popular with surfers. Facilities include restrooms, showers, a picnic area and pay phones.

SPRECKELSVILLE BEACH
Off Hana Highway (36), just north of the Kahului Airport
This beach between the Kahului / Maui Airport and Paia is a great launching spot for good windsurfers, particularly in the summer months. When the afternoon winds pick up, you’ll see the top windsurfers out there doing their bumping and jumping. The blue-green waters can also be good for swimming.

KANAHA BEACH PARK
On Amala Street in Kahalui, just west of the Kahului Airport
Kanaha Beach Park is another windsurfer’s wonderland. Unlike many of it’s neighbors, though, Kanaha has conditions that suit all levels of skill. In fact, because of Kanaha’s consistent wind and warm weather, it’s the site of many of Maui’s windsurfing schools. Also here is Kanaha Lake a bird sanctuary.

KAANAPALI BEACH (DIG ME BEACH)
Off Honoapiilani Highway (30), about four miles north of Lahaina
Kaanapali is where the action is. Here you have the big crowds, glitz and glamour of the adjacent resorts, mixed with a wide array of water sports. You can windsurf, jet ski, parasail, kayak and much more. Black Rock, a volcanic cinder cone near the beach’s midpoint, offers spectacular snorkeling.