⚠️ SEP 12, 2023 – IMPORTANT UPDATE ON THE FIRES IN MAUI!
Much of the island of Maui has been tragically impacted by recent fires, with the region known as West Maui being most affected and Historic Lahaina Town having been all but destroyed.
All fires are contained (or nearly so) at this point. Travel is safe and encouraged, outside of the West Maui region!
The Hawaii Tourism Authority message to tourists is to maintain travel plans to visit the island and to help support the local economy, but to be mindful and respectful of the hardships the locals are enduring, and to avoid the West Maui region.
You can find out more about the Hawaii fires and find the most current updates here: HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY.
The North Shore of Maui is a region best known for pristine beaches, epic wind sailing, and for being a gateway to the famous Road to Hana scenic drive into Maui’s tropical rainforests.
With turtle-filled beaches, charming historic towns, amazing surf, and a thriving local scene, it has a lot more to offer for those who take the time to discover it!
If you are hoping to see The Valley Island in its purest form, free from the curated experience that the tourist towns manufacture, it is worth setting aside at least a day to explore the Maui North Shore.
Whether you are into relaxing on a beach, shopping, or experiencing the local scene, you will find it all up north.
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🏖 Top 10 Best Beaches on the North Shore of Maui
While the South Maui and West Maui regions get most of the attention, there are a handful of incredible tropical beaches on the north shore of Maui that rank among the best on the island.
Impossibly blue water, soft golden sand, and vibrant green palm trees decorate some of these treasured coastlines.
The best part is that the beaches of the Maui North Shore tend to be far less crowded than their west coast counterparts.
Discover the best hidden shorelines in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO MAUI SECRET BEACHES
🌴 1. Baldwin Beach Park
Most people consider Baldwin Beach Park to be the best beach on the North Shore of Maui. This park provides more than just sand and ocean water, featuring recreational facilities such as a basketball court and a sheltered picnic area.
Visitors will also have free access to BBQ pits, restrooms, and showers with a lifeguard on duty most of the day.
Soft white sand with deep blue and teal ocean water creates a magical, tropical scene. In the distance, the West Maui Mountains tower majestically to complete a postcard-worthy frame.
Find out more about this incredible beach in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO BALDWIN BEACH PARK
🏄 2. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Ho’okipa Beach Park is a haven for sea turtles and a mecca for surfing and windsurfing. It is the most famous and popular beach on the Maui North Shore, particularly for tourists who want assurance of seeing the adorable “honus” (Hawaiian for sea turtle).
Ho’okipa Beach is the final beach on the Hana Highway prior to where the Road to Hana scenic drive officially begins at Mile Marker 0.
Turtle sightings are guaranteed. A small cove in the corner of the shoreline has been dedicated as a honu resting area, monitored by local surfers and a daily lifeguard. It is not uncommon to see dozens at any given time, with over a hundred appearing on some afternoons.
Find out more about seeing the turtles and visiting this beach in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO HO’OKIPA BEACH
🐢 3. Kaulahao Beach
Despite being located directly on the Hana Hwy, most tourists drive right by the turtle sanctuary of Kaulahao Beach, also known as Kuau Beach Park.
Kaulahao Beach is considered one of the best secret beaches on Maui. Appreciated mostly by residents, this locals’ hangout offers a small beach with coarse sand and deep blue water. There is also a dedicated section of the beach for the sea turtles to sleep, much like the one found at Ho’okipa Beach.
Find out more about this beach in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO KAULAHAO BEACH
🏝 4. Sprecklesville Beach
The colorful and photogenic Spreckelsville Beach (aka Sprecks Beach or Baby Beach) is an extension of Baldwin Beach. It is a great option for photographers, windsurfers, and beachgoers trying to get away from the crowds.
What makes this hidden gem so remarkable is the natural color palette. Visitors will discover a lava-red shelf with blue skies, golden sand, aqua water, green trees, and black lava rocks filling out the scenery.
Both Baldwin Beach and Sprecks Beach are considered some of the best beaches on the Maui North Shore and have become popular stops on the Road to Hana scenic drive.
Find out more about this beach in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO SPRECKELSVILLE BEACH
🌊 5.Paia Beach / Lower Paia Park
Paia Beach is located within Lower Paia Park and is walking distance from the historic Maui town which bears its namesake.
The beach is more of a pale gold than true white, but is pleasant for sitting and walking when the winds are calm. The water in Paia Bay tends to be true sea green or aqua in color.
Lower Paia Park offers most essential facilities such as parking, bathrooms, and showers. There is also a lifeguard on duty from 8am-4:30pm each day.
The east end of Paia Beach has more tropical vibes than the west, which is typically quieter except for the free-spirited beachgoers seeking out the clothing-optional Paia Secret Beach on the west end.
Find out more about this beach in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO PAIA BEACH
⛱ 6. VOR Beach
Hidden down a dirt road behind the Kahului Airport (OGG) is a tropical paradise known as VOR Beach. This amazing beach is always quiet and visited primarily by locals.
The sand at VOR Beach is a bit coarse and the setting is not as immediately daydreamy as some of the others on this list. However, if you walk just a short distance to the left upon arrival, you will find thriving palm trees lurching over the sand creating a postcard-perfect frame.
Time permitting, be sure to include this hidden gem on your Maui itinerary and discover why it is considered one of the best secret beaches on Maui.
Find out more about this beach in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO VOR BEACH
🍹 7. Kanaha Beach Park
Kanaha Beach Park hosts two miles of tropical blue waters, white-to-gold sand, lush greenery, and unbeatable views of the West Maui Mountains.
With its walking-distance proximity from Maui Airport (OGG), this semi-secret gem is a great place to start or end any Maui itinerary.
As you may have noticed by now, the North Shore of Maui is known for high winds and strong currents that delight local windsurfers. Of the beaches in the north, Kanaha Beach is the most popular.
Find out more about this beach in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO KANAHA BEACH PARK
🐠 8. Mama’s Fish House Beach aka Kuau Cove
This will not be the only time we mention Mama’s Fish House in this guide. Mama’s Fish House restaurant is a must-eat destination for those with the budget, but anyone can enjoy the idyllic golden-sand beach that adorns its oceanfront property.
Known also as Kuau Cove, Mama’s Fish House Beach is a quaint but picture-perfect tropical setting favored by visitors who want to experience aloha with their taste buds as well as their eyes.
Not only is the beach one of the best on the Maui North shore, but it is also on the list of the top 10 best places to watch sunset in Maui.
Find out more about this beach in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO MAMA’S FISH HOUSE BEACH
👙 9. Paia Secret Beach
Paia Secret Beach is a clothing-optional expansion of Lower Paia Beach (aka Paia Bay) accessible via a short overland trail.
The sand is far more coarse than most of the other beaches on this list, and surprisingly different still from its sister beach. However, it is one of the quietest beaches you will find anywhere on the island of Maui with beautiful views besides.
While you’re nearby, be sure to visit the Paia town nearby. It is considered one of the Top 10 towns to visit in Maui.
Find out more about this beach in our
COMPLETE GUIDE TO PAIA SECRET BEACH
🦞 10. Lobster Cove Beach
This tiny cove is the least-known beach listed in the top 10. It is precisely this anonymity that earns it a spot on the list as you are all-but-guaranteed to have this piece of paradise all to yourself… if you can get to it!
The simplest way to get there is to begin at VOR Beach and walk east along the shoreline, scrambling over lava rock at times. Be mindful of the tides times, however, as high tide may make walking back challenging or impossible until it has receded.
You will first pass Euro Beach, a fine option as well, followed by the truly-remote Lobster Cove Beach before the shoreline ends.
🌺 Top 10 Things to Do on the North Shore of Maui
While most visitors of the region are here to begin the Road to Hana drive or to explore the incredible beaches, there are plenty of fun things to do on the North Shore of Maui.
Historic towns, local shops, and fresh-caught seafood are claims to fame for North Maui, but there is truly something for everyone. Below are the top 10 things to do when visiting the Maui North Shore.
🛍 Explore Historic Paia Town
One of the best things to do on the North Shore of Maui is to explore the historic plantation town of Paia. The colorful, pastel buildings are home to a number of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, often more reasonably priced than other parts of the island.
Paia is a refreshing town, away from the high-rise resorts of South and West Maui. Its laidback hippie and surfer vibes are more synonymous with island life – don’t be surprised to see a shop closed during typical opening hours with a sign saying “gone surfing, back later”!
With more affordable accommodation than other parts of the island, spectacular beaches, and great shops and restaurants, Paia is quickly becoming one of the top places to stay on Maui.
🍽 Have Dinner (or Lunch) with a View at Mama’s Fish House
Indulge in fresh-caught Maui fish at Mama’s Fish House, with a menu that changes daily based on the catch of the day.
Located on the eponymous Mama’s Fish House Beach, it is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Maui before enjoying dinner at this high-end restaurant. However, this place is no secret, being renowned for its incredible seafood. As such, you will want to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment!
🍤 Enjoy Fresh Seafood from Paia Fish Market
Right in the heart of town is Paia Fish Market. Known for its fresh seafood at an affordable rate, you can expect to see lines outside from soon after it opens!
It is a particularly popular dinner spot for people coming back from the Road to Hana. If you enjoy seafood, you won’t want to miss eating here.
🤿 Chill & Snorkel with Turtles
There are quite a few places on Maui where you can expect to see the famous Hawaiian sea turtles, known locally as honu, but the North Shore has a few beaches where you are guaranteed to see them.
When the surf allows, these same beaches also provide opportunities to snorkel with them for those who wish to do so, just be sure not to touch or bother them!
The best beaches for seeing sea turtles are Ho’okipa Beach and Kaulahao Beach. Both have designated sections that are off-limits to humans and, as a result, are nearly always packed with resting turtles. Ho’okipa has a higher population of honu but does not typically allow swimming or snorkeling. Kaulahao Beach allows you to get a little closer and snorkeling is permitted.
🌳 Zipline Over the Rainforest
Looking for a fun adventure to get your blood pumping? Take in the spectacular scenery of Maui’s lush North Shore and get a rush as you soar above the jungle canopy. Zipping 50-70ft up in the air between tropical trees is an experience you won’t soon forget!
Below are some of the best rated Maui ziplining experiences:
- 8 Lines Jungle Zipline Tour on Maui: 5/5 ⭐
- 5 Line Jungle Zipline Eco Adventure: 5/5 ⭐
- 7-Line Maui Zipline Tour on the North Shore: 5/5 ⭐
🍍 Take a Maui Pineapple Tour
Hawaii has a rich history of pineapple farming, once considered the pineapple capital of the world.
On a Maui pineapple tour, you can learn more about the history, culture, and the hard work that goes into producing this iconic fruit. You will also get to sample Maui Gold pineapples and at the end of the tour, you’ll even get an ‘airport-ready’, fresh pineapple to take home!
🎭 Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center
Situated in a 1917 mansion, Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is the only historic estate on Maui that is free to the public. In addition to tours of the beautiful grounds, you can also discover galleries and exhibitions, as well as take a class in a variety of arts.
Be sure to stop by The Gallery Shop for one-of-a-kind locally made gifts and souvenirs to take a piece of art home with you.
🚵♀️ Bike Down Haleakala Volcano
Take in one of the best views in Maui from the summit of Haleakala before biking down the slopes of the volcano. A van will drive you to the top of the mountain from which you will bike 24 miles (39km) from 6,600 ft (2000m) to sea level. While it may sound daunting, the journey requires less than 1 mile of peddling and takes place all on paved roads at your own pace.
While this incredible adventure is technically in the upcountry, the start and end point for these tours are in either Paia or Haiku, sneaking it into this list of Maui North Shore best things to do!
Below are some of the best-rated Haleakala downhill biking tours:
- Bike Maui (Haiku) Haleakala Sunrise Best Self-Guided Bike Tour: 5/5 ⭐
- Maui Sunriders (Paia) Haleakala Downhill Self-Guided Bike Tour: 5/5 ⭐
- Easy Riders (Paia) Haleakala Downhill Bike Tour: 5/5 ⭐
🏄 Watch Surfers at Jaws
Peahi or “Jaws” is Maui’s most famous surf spot and is home to one of the biggest waves ever surfed. This famous surf break sees surfers take on waves ranging from 30-80ft high and is a phenomal sight to witness.
However, the perfect conditions that are required to create these mega waves happen for only brief spells each year between November and March. When the big swells occur, surfers are towed into the massive waves by jet-skis.
If you’re fortunate enough to be on Maui when these epic waves occur, head to the viewpoint over the Pe’ahi cliffs for the best vantage point. However, the 1.5 mile road to the viewpoint is heavily rutted and often muddy so four-wheel drive is required. Alternatively, park at the end of the road and walk down. Be aware that when the swell is large and worth visiting, this lookout will be exceptionally busy.
🚘 Begin the Road to Hana
As incredible as the North Shore of Maui is, most visitors only experience it at 60mph as they drive by it to begin the famous Road to Hana scenic drive. Our advice is to do both, though we recognize time can be limited.
If you are planning or considering undertaking this lengthy drive, you will find Mile Marker 0 just past all of the beaches and towns we have discussed.
This is a full-day endeavor for most but we recommend it as an overnight adventure. If you are interested in finding out more, have a look at the guide to the Top 25 Road to Hana Stops we have prepared and see for yourself why this famous highway is on everyone’s Maui itinerary.
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
🧐FAQs about the Maui North Shore
The following are answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding visits to the North Shore of Maui. To reveal answers and find out more information, simply click the dropdown arrows for the corresponding box.
What are the best beaches on the north shore of Maui?
The Top 10 beaches on the North Shore of Maui are:
- Baldwin Beach Park
- Ho’okipa Beach Park
- Kaulahao Beach
- Sprecklesville Beach
- Paia Beach / Lower Paia Park
- VOR Beach
- Kanaha Beach Park
- Mama’s Fish House Beach
- Paia Secret Beach
- Lobster Cove Beach
What are the best things to do on the north shore of Maui?
The Top 10 Things to Do on the North Shore of Maui are:
- Explore Historic Paia Town
- Have Dinner (or Lunch) with a View at Mama’s Fish House
- Enjoy Fresh Seafood from Paia Fish Market
- Snorkel with Turtles
- Zipline Over the Rainforest
- Take a Maui Pineapple Tour
- Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center
- Bike Down Haleakala Volcano
- Watch Surfers at Jaws
- Begin the Road to Hana
What towns are in North Maui?
Kahalui, Paia, and Haiku are the three towns on the North Shore of Maui. Kahalui is the largest and is where the airport and most of the major chain stores are located. Paia is a charming, historic tourist town on the Road to Hana, whereas Haiku is not much more than a residential community with a grocery store and a few small restaurants.
Is the Maui north shore worth visiting?
The north shore of Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches you will find anywhere in Hawaii, as well as some incredible things to do. It is worth a day on any Maui itinerary, especially for visitors with plans to drive The Road to Hana.
📖 More Maui Guides
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
Before you go, you may want to skim some of the titles for other relevant Maui guides below to ensure you do not miss any epic beaches, sunset destinations, or noteworthy things to do during your visit to the Valley Isle!
- MAUI PACKING LIST: A printable essential packing list + 25 useful items to consider
- 7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY: How to see the entire island in one week
- WHERE TO STAY ON MAUI: The best places and areas to stay on the island
- PLANNING A TRIP TO MAUI: Step-by-step guide for planning your first visit to Maui
- ROAD TO HANA STOPS: The Top 25 places to visit on the Road to Hana
- ROAD TO HANA ITINERARY: How to plan for a 1-2 day self-drive.
- BEST MAUI PHOTO SPOTS: 15 best places for photographing Maui
- SECRET BEACHES OF MAUI: The 10 most incredible hidden beaches on the island
- MAUI SUNSETS: The Top 10 places & activities for watching sunset in Maui
- KIHEI BEACHES GUIDE: Photos, locations, and descriptions for all 15 beaches in Kihei
- BEST SNORKELING IN MAUI: Best snorkel spots, tips, tours, and more.
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