swimmable beaches in Maui

Question

Can you tell me which beaches are the best for swimming in Maui, and the hotels that are on those beaches please? I was looking at hotels in Kaanapali, however I see a few reviews about the beaches being quite rough.

Answer

Maui has a variety of beaches suitable for swimming, though conditions can vary depending on the season and location. The leeward side of the island (west and south shores) generally has calmer waters, making it ideal for swimming, especially during the winter months when the north shore can get rough with bigger waves.

Here are some of the best swimmable beaches in Maui along with hotels that are located nearby or on those beaches:

Kaanapali Beach: One of Maui’s most famous beaches with long stretches of sand and generally calm waters in the morning.
- Nearby hotels: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas
Napili Bay: A small, sheltered bay with gentle waters, great for swimming and beginner snorkeling.
- Nearby hotels: Napili Kai Beach Resort, The Mauian Hotel
Kapalua Bay: Calm, clear waters with a sandy bottom and protected by a reef, excellent for families and swimming.
- Nearby hotels: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; Kapalua Villas Maui
Wailea Beach: Part of the Wailea resort area, generally calm water with great swimming conditions.
- Nearby hotels: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Fairmont Kea Lani, Andaz Maui at Wailea
Makena Beach (Big Beach): Beautiful wide beach, usually good for swimming, though waves can be bigger at times; check local conditions.
- Nearby hotels: No hotels directly on the beach, but nearby resorts in Wailea or Kihei offer short drives
Baby Beach in Lahaina: Shallow, calm waters ideal for children and easy swimming.
- Nearby hotels: Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Additional Tips:

Check the daily surf reports for Maui, as conditions can vary and some beaches may be too rough on certain days.
Early mornings are usually calmer for swimming before winds pick up in the afternoon.
Be mindful of currents and respect posted safety signs; even calm-looking beaches can have strong undertows in some areas.
For families or less experienced swimmers, Napili Bay, Kapalua Bay, and Wailea Beach are generally the safest options.

In conclusion, if your main priority is swimming rather than surfing, the leeward beaches like Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua, and Wailea are your best bets. Choose accommodations directly on or very close to these beaches for easy access and maximum enjoyment.

swimmable beaches in Maui

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