Maui Beach Tour: Self-Guided Drive

The best way to access Maluaka Beach is by parking in the south parking lot, which shows up on Google as “Maluaka Beach Parking (South)”. There is parking on the north side, but fewer spots are available and it isn’t quite as close to the beach itself.

If you’re looking to take a relaxing dip in the water, Kama’ole I and Kama’ole II are your best bets. These large, sandy beaches are perfect for a swim! But if you want to see marine wildlife, head to Kama’ole III, which is rockier but is an unbeatable snorkeling location.

Although all of Maui’s beaches are beautiful, those on the south and west sides of the island tend to be gentler and sunnier. That’s because the island’s mountains shelter these beaches from trade winds from the northeast!

Maui is probably most famous for its incredible beaches and lush tropical scenery. It’s a top vacation destination for a reason, whether visitors are looking to surf, snorkel, or just lounge on the sand in the picture-perfect representation of paradise!

Access to most Maui beaches is totally free and unrestricted, with the exception of beaches located in state and national parks. That said, some beaches are beginning to implement restrictions for non-locals. Ulua Beach and Kamaole Beach Park, for instance, have begun charging parking fees and only allow non-locals to park if they arrive between 7 and 10am.

The majority of Maui’s beaches are free, but be sure to check if the ones you’re planning to visit are located in state parks, like Waianapanapa State Park or Makena State Park. These charge a fee to enter.

Maui gets its iconic nickname from the island’s unique geography. With the Haleakala volcano on one side and the West Maui Mountains on the other, much of the island’s land sits in a deep valley between the two. Hence: The Valley Isle!

While there’s never a bad time to visit Maui, April or May is probably the best month. The weather is mild, the crowds aren’t as big as they are during the summer, and there are plenty of festivals to enjoy, like the Maui Taro Festival!

Seafood like salmon is obviously a big deal on Maui, but other iconic foods are always vying for the crown. Kalua pork offers that distinctive Hawaiian taste everyone craves, and the ever-popular shaved ice dessert makes for the perfect way to close out a meal or cool off on a hot day.

Maui, like the rest of Hawaii, has two primary seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season stretches from November through March and features lots of rain and cooler temperatures, while the dry season is primarily May through September, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s during the summer months.

If you’re visiting during the dry season, be sure to pack lightweight clothes, mostly with short sleeves, though you’ll want to include at least one pair of full length pants and a shirt with long sleeves in case you decide to go on a buggy hike. For evening adventures, be sure to bring a light outer layer just in case. And, of course, don’t forget your swimsuit!

For the most part, driving in Maui is no different than driving anywhere else in the US! The only challenges to keep in mind are that some of the roads are quite narrow and winding. As long as you stick to the posted speed limits, though, you should have no trouble!