The Beaches of Maui

For 12 consecutive years, the readers of Conde Nast Traverler magazine have voted Maui “the Best Island in the World.” A major reason for this has to be the 81 accessible beaches dotting the 120-mile shoreline on this 729 square mile Valley Isle. About 140,000 people are happy to call Maui home. Several million visitors just like to call it the best beach fun on the planet.

My favorite Maui beach is called by some Dig Me Beach. It’s at Kaanapali from Black Rock in front of the Sheraton Hotel to the Hyatt. The white sand is perfect for walking and people watching as you stroll along it for about a mile. The blue water offers spots for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. If you’re not staying at a hotel or condo in Kaanapali, get there early to park in one of the 3 free beach parking lots. You can also park in the pay lot at Whaler’s Village and get 3 hours free parking by having your ticket validated by one of the many fine shops and restaurants in Whaler’s Village. Try the beachfront Hula Grill’s barefoot bar and grill for great food and great views.

If you’re up for a little boat trip, you can leave the beaches for some wonderful snorkeling at Molokini crater. It is a bird sanctuary and marine preserve. Use a firm that leaves from the boat ramp in South Kihei. That will make your trip a short 20 minutes. Otherwise, 45 minute ride from other locations. Molokini is pristine with clear water and schools of colorful fish and bright coral reefs. I saw my first shark in Molokini. The crater shelters snorkelers with calm, safe water, but since it’s stuck in the middle of a channel near the open ocean, large fish do come by for a quick visit.