7 Best Secluded Beaches in Maui
Maui has many incredible beaches ranging from soft sand beaches to breathtaking red and black sand beaches. I am always looking for the most unique secluded beaches so I can relax with a breathtaking view. After checking out many beaches in Maui, here is a list of my favorite, must-see quiet and secluded beaches in Maui, organized by their location on the island.
The best way to explore these secluded beaches in Maui is to rent a car. Make sure to reserve a rental car ahead of time on Discover Cars which searches across rental car companies to help you find the best price.
Best Secluded East Maui Beaches
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach is a beautiful secluded beach surrounded by red cliffs. The short hike is worth it for the incredible views of the beach and the bright blue water. This hidden beach is one of the most unique beaches in Maui. Spend time relaxing on the red sand or swimming in the blue water.
Location: Hana
Directions: Park near Hana Youth Center and when you pass the school take a left before the gate. Continue walking down and you will hit a trail where you will take another left. The trail to the beach takes about 15 minutes.
Amenities: None
Tips: The sand is made up of small rocks so it is difficult to walk barefoot. I recommend wearing walking sandals that you can wear for the short hike to the beach and to explore the rocky beach. These walking sandals are so comfortable and perfect for a beach trip.
Read More: 4-Day Maui Itinerary
Honokalani Black Sand Beach
Honokalani Black Sand Beach features beautiful black cliffs and bright green plants. This secluded beach is a perfect beach for exploring and enjoying incredible views. Continue walking past the beach up the cliff to get even more amazing views of the black sand beach, black cliffs, and blue water. For more top places to visit on Road to Hana, read this guide to Road to Hana.
Location: Wai’anapanapa State Park, Road to Hana- Mile Marker 32
Directions: Follow the sign to the state park and park in one of the two parking lots (the one on the left is closer to the beach). Look for the stairs that lead down to the beach.
Amenities: Restrooms, foot washing station
Tips: The sand is made up of small rocks so it is difficult to walk barefoot. Make sure to wear sandals so that you can walk on the beach.
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Best South Maui Beaches
Chang's Beach
Chang’s Beach is a secluded beach with soft sand and calm waves, perfect for a nice swim or for relaxing on the sand and catching up on some reading (or napping). This hidden beach is a short walk from the parking lot so it is easy to carry your cooler and bags.
Location: In Kihei right next to Makena Surf (Condo Complex)
Directions: In google maps search “Chang’s Beach Parking Lot” which will lead you directly to where you should park. To get to the beach from the lot follow the paved trail at the back of the parking lot behind the gate (2 minute walk).
Amenities: Foot washing station
Secret Cove Beach (Makena Cove)
Secret Cove Beach is a breathtaking secluded beach that features soft sand and dark rocks and is surrounded by palm trees. This beach is not so secret anymore, so you will still see some people but it will be quieter than the larger beaches. The waves here are dangerous and there are many large so it is not a good beach for swimming or snorkeling.
Location: Kihei
Directions: This beach can be found on google maps as “Secret Cove Beach.”
Continue south on Makena Rd past Makena Beach and about 0.2 miles after the third entrance you will see a small path going down to the beach. Park along the street (make sure to check the signs).
Amenities: None
Do you want to explore more of the south side of Maui? Kayak to Turtle Town, a top snorkeling location near the south coast of Maui.
Makena Beach
Makena Beach is a 1.5 mile stretch of soft sand with views of Molokini Crater and Kaho‘olawe island. This is a great beach to take a nice long walk and watch the sunset.
Location: Kihei
Directions: Follow signs to the state park and enter through one of the three entrance points. If the parking lots are full you can park along the road. During the day the beach can get very crowded and you will have to park far along the road.
Amenities: Portable toilets
A popular snorkeling trip from Maui is a boat tour to the extinct volcanic crater that you can see from Makena Beach called Molokini Crater. It is known to be a top snorkeling spot due to its coral reef which is the home of over 200 different species of fish and crystal clear water. Book your snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater here.
If you need help planning your trip to Maui and ensuring you see all the most beautiful sights in addition to these top secluded beaches, don’t forget to read these guides:
4 Days in Maui Itinerary
Road to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss
Haleakala National Park Guide
Best West Maui Beaches
Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokule'ia Beach)
Slaughterhouse Beach is a secluded beach in Maui with beautiful clear blue water. During the summer the water at this hidden beach is calm and perfect for swimming. There are about 90 steps to get down to the beach from the parking lot.
Location: Lahaina
Directions: This beach can be found on google maps as “Slaughterhouse Beach.” The parking lot is located beside Honoapiilani Highway. Follow the steps to the beach.
Amenities: None
Read More: 10 Best Beaches on Oahu
Kapalua Beach
Kapalua Beach is a soft sand beach with calm waves that is great for swimming and snorkeling. You can often see sea turtles here either resting on the beach or while snorkeling. Please don’t get too close to the sea turtles.
Location: Kapalua
Directions: Input “Kapalua Coastal Trail Free Public Parking” into google maps to lead you directly to the parking lot. Follow the Kapalua Coastal Trail for a couple minutes down to the beach.
Amenities: Restrooms and foot washing station
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