Exploring some of Maui's finest Beaches with the Family

 

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Rainbows and basking sea turtles, what more could kids ask for.

We just returned from three and a half weeks in Maui with the family. Knowing that our time there was so short, we really packed in a lot of activities. We took the kids to Iao Valley, surfing, the aquarium, a snorkel trip to Molokini Crater, to crazy pools, the Lavender farm, and countless times to the beach. As the kids get older they can enjoy the beach in new, fun ways.

We tried out many different beach around Maui. We didn't venture to the West side, as we wanted to give Lahaina a little more time to breathe and recover after the destruction from the fires. We went to a lot of favorite spots in Kihei and Wailea, as well as venturing to a new spot on the North Shore. Some beaches we couldn't help but go back to over and over because they were just so nice. It turns out that you would need a lot more time if you wanted to explore all the beaches on Maui. Maybe a lifetime.

On the southside we checked out Sugar Beach, Kam III, and the Turtle Beach near the Whale sanctuary building. Around the pali we met up with our buddy Brian and grandmas beach for some surfing and playing in the sand. We checked out Ulua Beach several times, then the far end of Chang's Beach. And on the north shore we went to Hookipa, but had even more fun at a secret beach called Sugar Cove.

Check out some of the pics from each place. I imagine as the kids get older, their favorite beaches will change. But its hard to beat esa turtles, rainbows, fun waves, clear water, and tidepools. Not to mention this was the first time that I got my oldest (6yrs old) out snorkeling. She got to swim with sea turtles and see a humuhumunukunukuapua'a.

Night time tide pooling at Keawakapu Beach in Kihei. The tidepools here at low tide can be filled with life. Just check the tides before hand and bring a flashlight for everyone.

Sand art at Kam III, one of Kihei, Maui's best beaches.

Sugar Cove, one of the best secret beaches on the North Shore of Maui.

Boogy boarding and playing in the waves at Sugar Cove Beach near Paia, Maui on the North shore.

Any beach with rocks and tidepools can be great for kids. This is Kalama Park right in the middle of busy Kihei. And right across from a nice playground, skate park, baseball fields, and skating rink.

Ulua Beach in Wailea has easy access parking, great showers and bathrooms, and wonderful snorkeling as well. A turtle bumped into the kids' legs as it swam through the shallows here.

Another family favorite in Kihei, we call this Turtle Beach. It is located right next to the Humpback Whale Sanctuary building and is protected from the waves by an ancient Hawaiian rock wall fish pond. It is shallow, sandy, and sea turtles bask on the rock wall.

Setting up shop at Ulua Beach in Wailea.

Showing off some impressive sand art at Kam III beach in Kihei.