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Fronting the Sheraton Maui, you can reach this spot on Kā’anapali Beach via several different access points. Marked by a lava rock cliff, it’s especially good for snorkeling. The water is clear and there is an abundance of marine life among the underwater outcroppings. It’s easy to get in the water from the beach, and there are lots of places to rent gear nearby.

At Awalua Beach the gentle offshore waves are a good place for first-time surfers to learn the sport. The bottom descends in a slight incline out to deeper waters.

Although it’s not wide, this beach offers easy shoreline access to good snorkeling around coral heads in shallow water. There are lots of turtles and plenty of colorful reef fish. The surf is normally gentle, but it is consistent. There is no sign or parking lot; just pull off the highway where you see all the other cars. Be sure not to sit on or touch the coral.

At the entrance to Kīhei, the south end of this long, narrow sand beach is popular with windsurfers; children play on the north end. And in winter it’s a great spot for watching the humpback whales that migrate to Maui’s warm waters.

The great shore break at sparkling white Oneloa (Big Beach) makes it an exciting place for body surfing and boogie boarding. On the other side of Pu’uōla’i, the cinder cone that separates Oneloa from so-called Little Beach, the waves are equally good.

A popular and often crowded launch spot for swimmers, kayakers, and scuba divers. Marine life abounds and diving visibility is good in the clear waters just outside the bay. There is a boat landing here along with a small beach and a grassy area for picnicking.

The waters inside the crescent of this underwater volcanic crater have visibility to 100 ft and are teeming with tropical fish of all shapes, sizes, and hues. There’s lots of reef life, too, such as coral, pencil urchins, and sea cucumbers. The water becomes shallow near the walls of the submerged crater, and schools of triggerfish, parrot fish, and tangs swim happily around snorkelers. A sheer dropoff outside the crater walls is excellent for scuba exploration.

Great for windsurfers of all skill levels, there’s a big grassy area for rigging up, and it’s easy to launch from the beach. There’s almost always a stiff breeze that heads inland, blowing you back to shore. Because of Kanahā’s consistent winds and warm weather, many windsurfing schools give lessons here.

Windsurfing

About 10 minutes past Pā’ia on Hāna Highway, this is a beach only for experienced surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. The beach’s east side is especially popular with surfers. Kite boarders also take advantage of the constant winds and wave conditions here.

Just south of Hāna town, this 700-ft-long brown sand beach is protected by a lava point, the ruins of a landing, and a pier. The bay’s waters are calm, making it safe and extremely enjoyable for swimming.