The Hawaiian islands are a photographer’s dream, boasting pristine beaches that offer stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Maui beaches across the island, categorized by area, to help you plan your next photography adventure. From the golden sands of the south side to the rugged beauty of the west side and the central Maui gems, these beaches are not only visually striking but also offer diverse features that make each location unique.
South Side
Palauea Beach (White Rock):
Accessibility: Palauea Beach is accessible via a short trail from Makena Alanui Road.
Parking: Limited parking available along the road; arrive early for a spot.
Restrooms: No facilities on-site.
Crowd Factor: Relatively quiet, especially during weekdays.
Landmarks: The beautiful palm trees, calm water, and rocks at the north and south end provide a picturesque focal point for your shots.
Palauea Beach is a serene haven, perfect for capturing the beauty of the coastline with its soft sands and crystal-clear waters. Vacationing families, especially those seeking a secluded setting, will find it an ideal backdrop for their Maui photography session.
Maluaka Beach:
Accessibility: Easily accessible from Makena Alanui Road.
Parking: Ample parking available.
Restrooms: Facilities are provided.
Crowd Factor: Moderate, but spacious enough for intimate shots.
Landmarks: Palm trees dotting the shoreline create a tropical backdrop.
Maluaka Beach offers a mix of golden sands and vibrant greenery, making it an ideal location for Maui visitors who wish to document their time on the island amidst natural beauty.
Kamaole III:
Accessibility: Conveniently located with multiple access points.
Parking: Public parking available.
Restrooms: Facilities nearby.
Crowd Factor: Popular, especially during weekends.
Landmarks: Rocky formations along the shore add drama to your compositions.
Kamaole III, with its golden sands and dramatic rocky outcrops, provides a dynamic setting for both sunrise and sunset photography. Vanessa Arias Photography can expertly document your family’s memorable moments in this picturesque setting.
Polo Beach:
Accessibility: Accessible from Wailea Alanui Road.
Parking: Public parking available.
Restrooms: Facilities are available.
Crowd Factor: Generally busy, but manageable.
Landmarks: Surrounded by palm trees.
Polo Beach’s gentle waves make it an ideal spot for capturing intimate moments against a backdrop of swaying palms.
West Side
Oneloa Beach (Ironwoods):
Accessibility: Accessible from Kapalua Place.
Parking: Very limited parking; early arrival recommended.
Restrooms: Nearby facilities at the Honolua General Store.
Crowd Factor: Often less crowded.
Landmarks: Dramatic rock formations at the north end create a rugged charm.
Oneloa Beach’s rocky landscape adds an adventurous touch to your photos, capturing the untamed beauty of Maui’s western coastline.
DT Fleming Beach:
Accessibility: Easily accessible from Honoapiilani Highway.
Parking: Ample parking available.
Restrooms: Facilities on-site.
Crowd Factor: Popular, especially on weekends.
Landmarks: A mix of sandy shores, lush greens, and rocky outcrops.
DT Fleming Beach’s diverse terrain allows for a range of compositions, from classic beach scenes to more rugged and ‘foresty’ shots. Vanessa Arias Photography can expertly capture your family and the vibrancy and diversity of this West Maui gem.
North Shore/ Central Maui
Spreckelsville in Paia:
Accessibility: Located near Paia town.
Parking: Limited parking; may require a short walk.
Restrooms: No restrooms.
Crowd Factor: Varied, with more activity during windy days.
Landmarks: The waters at Baby Beach are generally calm due to the protective outer reef, creating a natural barrier that reduces the impact of larger waves. This makes it an ideal location for swimming and introducing young children to the ocean. It also has some red sand at the beginning of the beach, which makes for unique photos.
Baldwin Beach:
Accessibility: Easily accessible from Hana Highway.
Parking: Ample parking available.
Restrooms: Facilities are provided.
Crowd Factor: Varied, with more activity near the park area.
Landmarks: Expansive sandy shores with distant views of the West Maui Mountains. Light blue hue water.
Baldwin Beach’s long stretch of sands and panoramic views make it an excellent location for both wide-angle shots and intimate beach scenes.
Near Kahului Airport
Kanaha Beach:
Accessibility: Located near Kahului Airport.
Parking: Ample parking available.
Restrooms: Facilities are provided.
Crowd Factor: Popular, especially among water sports enthusiasts.
Landmarks: Framed by the West Maui Mountains, this windsurfing haven tends to be windy, especially in the afternoons, but mornings offer calmer conditions, showcasing some of the bluest waters on the island. If you’re planning a photoshoot at this beach, it’s advisable to consider a hairstyle and outfit that can withstand the wind.
Whether you’re drawn to the secluded charm of Palauea Beach, the family-friendly shores of Maluaka Beach, or the adventurous spirit of Oneloa Beach, Vanessa Arias Photography is here to expertly capture and immortalize your family’s cherished memories. Pack your beach gear, explore these stunning locations, and let us turn your Maui adventure into art.
Contact us now to schedule your Maui beach photos