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Best Beaches in Maui for Kids, Toddlers & Families
Looking for the best beaches in Maui for kids? Discover calm, shallow beaches with easy parking, bathrooms, and toddler-friendly waves.
Airport Beach is a great beach in Maui for toddlers
Best Beaches in Maui for Kids
Finding the perfect beach in Maui with little ones can make all the difference. While Maui is full of beautiful beaches, not all of them are ideal for babies, toddlers, or younger kids.
When we’re looking for a family-friendly beach, we usually look for a few key things:
✔️ Calm water
✔️ A shallow entry into the ocean
✔️ Easy parking
✔️ Nearby bathrooms
We’ve been visiting Maui almost every year since 2013 and have explored beaches all over the island through different stages of life—from trips as a couple to vacations with two energetic little boys. We even spent an entire month living on Maui in 2021, giving us plenty of time to experience these beaches beyond a typical one-week vacation. These are the beaches our family keeps coming back to.
| Beach | Best For | Waves | Parking | Bathrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honokōwai Beach Park | Babies & toddlers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Calm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ |
| Kapalua Bay | Toddlers & snorkeling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gentle | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ |
| Airport Beach | Young kids | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gentle | ⭐⭐ | ✅ |
| Kaʻanapali Beach | Older kids & boogie boarding | ⭐⭐ More waves | ⭐⭐ | ✅ |
Kaʻanapali Beach is great for big kids who can swim really well
Kaʻanapali Beach
Kaʻanapali Beach is one of Maui’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft, and there is plenty to do nearby. While it isn’t the calmest beach on the island, it’s perfect for older kids who love swimming, body boarding, or playing in the waves.
📍 Location: Fronting the Kaʻanapali Resort area near Whalers Village.
👶 Kid Friendly: Great for confident swimmers and older kids. The waves can be a lot of fun for boogie boarding, and there is plenty of room to spread out on the sand.
🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Better for toddlers who enjoy playing in the sand rather than spending lots of time in the water. Depending on ocean conditions, the waves can become fairly strong.
🚗 Parking: There are a few free public parking lots, but they fill up quickly. If they’re full, parking at Whalers Village or one of the nearby resorts is usually the easiest option.
🚻 Amenities: Restrooms, restaurants, shopping, shaded walkways, and easy access to food and ice cream make this one of the most convenient beaches for families.
Airport Beach (Kahekili Beach Park) is good for little kids or toddlers with a shallow entry
Airport Beach (Kahekili Beach Park)
Airport Beach quickly became one of our favorite spots for little kids. Compared to Kaʻanapali Beach, the waves tend to be a little gentler with a shallower entry, making it a great place for toddlers to splash around.
Our boys loved running toward the waves as they rolled onto the shore and then racing away before the water could catch them. We probably spent an hour doing nothing but that!
📍 Location: Just north of Kaʻanapali near the Westin Nanea and Sheraton resorts.
👶 Kid Friendly: A wonderful beach for younger kids who want to play near the shoreline.
🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: One of our favorite beaches for toddlers thanks to the calmer water and gradual entry into the ocean.
🚗 Parking: There is a free public parking lot, but it’s fairly small and fills early. If you park near the Sheraton, be prepared for a longer walk to the beach.
🚻 Amenities: Public restrooms and showers are available nearby.
Kapalua Bay is the best beach for toddlers and babies.
Kapalua Bay
If you’re traveling with younger kids, Kapalua Bay is hard to beat. The crescent-shaped bay naturally protects the beach from larger waves, creating calmer water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
One of our favorite discoveries was walking over the grassy hill on the side of the bay where we spotted sea turtles resting on the rocks. It became one of the highlights of our trip.
📍 Location: North of Napili Bay in Kapalua.
👶 Kid Friendly: Excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and floating in calmer water.
🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: One of the best beaches on Maui for toddlers thanks to the protected bay and softer waves.
🚗 Parking: There is a public parking lot across the street, but it fills up quickly. Arriving early in the morning makes parking much easier.
🚻 Amenities: Public bathrooms, showers, nearby restaurants, and grassy areas for picnics.
Honokōwai Beach Park
Honokōwai Beach Park
Honokōwai Beach Park is one of Maui’s hidden gems for families with babies and toddlers.
A rock reef protects much of the shoreline, creating a calm, shallow pool where even little ones can safely splash and play. It almost feels more like a natural kiddie pool than the ocean.
The best part? There’s also a playground just steps from the sand, making it easy to switch between beach time and playtime.
📍 Location: Between Kaʻanapali and Napili along Lower Honoapiʻilani Road.
👶 Kid Friendly: Great for kids of all ages thanks to the combination of a calm beach and playground.
🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Probably our favorite beach for babies and toddlers. The protected water is incredibly calm, and the playground is an added bonus for little ones who need a break from the sand.
🚗 Parking: Free parking lot adjacent to the park, with additional street parking nearby.
🚻 Amenities: Public restrooms, picnic tables, grassy areas, playground, outdoor showers, and easy beach access.
D.T. Fleming Beach Park next to The Burger Shack - great for big waves
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
D.T. Fleming Beach is one of our favorite beaches to relax while the kids play in the sand. It’s located just below the Ritz-Carlton, and one of our favorite Maui lunch spots, The Burger Shack, is only a short walk away. We often grab burgers and then spend the afternoon letting the boys run around on the beach.
The waves here are usually much bigger than some of the other beaches on this list, so we don’t recommend it for little ones who want to swim. Instead, it’s a great place to build sandcastles, chase waves along the shoreline, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
📍 Location: North Kapalua, below the Ritz-Carlton Maui.
👶 Kid Friendly: Great for playing in the sand, flying kites, and running along the beach.
🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Better for sand play than swimming because the shore break can be fairly strong.
🚗 Parking: Large public parking lot with easy beach access.
🚻 Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, lifeguards, and The Burger Shack just steps away.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach) - best beach on the Road to Hana
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
One of our favorite stops on the Road to Hana is the stunning black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Even if you don’t spend much time in the water, it’s absolutely worth visiting.
Our boys love exploring the black sand, watching the waves crash against the shoreline, and running back before the water reaches them. We usually pack a lunch and enjoy one of the picnic tables before exploring the trails around the park. The paved paths also make it fairly stroller-friendly for much of the area.
Be sure to reserve your entry time in advance, as reservations are required for both parking and admission. (Tripadvisor)
📍 Location: Waiʻānapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana.
👶 Kid Friendly: Perfect for exploring, hiking, tide pools (when conditions allow), and enjoying one of Maui’s most unique beaches.
🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Great for sightseeing and short walks. The waves and rocky shoreline make it less ideal for swimming with little ones.
🚗 Parking: Large parking lot available with advance reservations.
🚻 Amenities: Public restrooms, picnic tables, walking trails, and scenic overlooks.
Palauea Beach (White Rock Beach)
If you’re looking for a quieter beach away from the larger resorts, Palauea Beach is a wonderful hidden gem. The small coves along the shoreline make it feel like you have your own little section of beach.
After spending some time at the beach, continue driving south toward La Perouse Bay and the Hoapili Trail. This area is covered in ancient lava fields, and we’ve almost always spotted wild black goats wandering through the rocks. It became one of our boys’ favorite unexpected Maui adventures!
📍 Location: Just south of Wailea along Mākena Road.
👶 Kid Friendly: Great for exploring quieter coves and enjoying a less crowded beach.
🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Nice for sand play, though parents should keep an eye on changing surf conditions.
🚗 Parking: Small public parking lot with a short walk to the beach.
🚻 Amenities: Limited amenities, so plan ahead before arriving.
Baby beach near Mala Ramp is a great beach in Maui for babies and toddlers
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is one of the most recommended beaches on Maui for families with babies and toddlers, and it’s definitely on our list for our next trip. A reef protects the shoreline, creating calm, shallow water that’s ideal for little ones to splash and play.
While we haven’t spent time at Baby Beach itself, we have visited the area several times for scuba diving out of Mala Ramp. There’s a dirt parking lot near the boat ramp, and from what we’ve read, that’s now the recommended access point to Baby Beach as Lahaina continues to rebuild following the 2023 wildfires. If you decide to visit, be respectful of the community, follow posted signs, and use the north entrance near Mala Ramp.
📍 Location: North Lahaina, near Mala Ramp.
👶 Kid Friendly: Calm, protected water makes this one of the most popular beaches for young families.
🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: One of the best beaches on Maui for babies and toddlers thanks to the shallow, reef-protected lagoon.
🚗 Parking: Dirt parking lot near Mala Ramp. Arrive early, especially during busy travel seasons.
🚻 Amenities: Limited amenities, so come prepared with water, snacks, and beach gear.
Our Favorite Maui Beach for Toddlers
If you’re visiting Maui with babies or toddlers, our top picks would be:
🥇 Honokōwai Beach Park – Best overall for babies and toddlers thanks to the calm, shallow water and playground.
🥈 Kapalua Bay – Beautiful protected bay with gentle waves and a chance to spot sea turtles.
🥉 Airport Beach – A quieter alternative to Kaʻanapali with a more gradual entry into the water.
For older kids who love jumping in the waves (or an adventurous dive off Black Rock) or trying a boogie board, Kaʻanapali Beach is still one of the most fun beaches on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beach in Maui for toddlers?
Our favorite beach for toddlers is Honokōwai Beach Park. The reef creates a calm, shallow area that's almost like a natural swimming pool, and the playground is just steps from the sand. It's the perfect combination for little ones who need a break from the beach.
Which Maui beach has the calmest water for kids?
For calm water, we recommend Honokōwai Beach Park, Kapalua Bay, and Baby Beach. These beaches are protected from large waves, making them excellent choices for younger children.
What beach in Maui has a playground?
Honokōwai Beach Park is one of our favorite family beaches because it has both a playground and a protected beach. It's a great place to spend an entire morning with babies, toddlers, or preschoolers.
Are Maui beaches safe for babies?
Many Maui beaches are great for babies, but ocean conditions can change daily. We always recommend checking the surf before getting in the water and choosing beaches with calmer, protected coves such as Honokōwai Beach Park, Kapalua Bay, or Baby Beach.
Which Maui beach is best for boogie boarding?
For older kids, Kāʻanapali Beach is our favorite. Depending on the day's conditions, the waves are often perfect for body boarding and splashing around.
Which Maui beach is best for snorkeling with kids?
Kapalua Bay is one of the best places to snorkel with kids because the bay is naturally protected, making the water calmer and easier to explore. Keep an eye out for sea turtles around the rocks!
Which Maui beaches have bathrooms?
Most of the beaches on this list have nearby public restrooms, including:
Honokōwai Beach Park
Kapalua Bay
Airport Beach (Kahekili Beach Park)
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Do I need reservations for the Black Sand Beach?
Yes. Waiʻānapanapa State Park requires advance reservations for both entry and parking. We highly recommend booking your reservation before your trip, especially during busy travel seasons.
What is the best beach in Maui for families?
If we had to choose just one, we'd recommend Honokōwai Beach Park. Between the calm water, playground, bathrooms, picnic tables, and easy parking, it's the beach our family returns to again and again.
How many days do you need in Maui with kids?
We recommend spending at least 5–7 days in Maui if you're traveling with kids. That gives you enough time to enjoy several beach days, explore the Road to Hana, relax by the pool, and avoid feeling rushed. If you're lucky enough to stay longer, even better—we've been visiting Maui since 2013 and even spent an entire month on the island in 2021, and we still find new places to explore!
See all MAUI POSTS or read our most recent:
10 FUN things you must do in Wailea - Maui, Hawaii
Wailea is a great place for pretty much anything! See our top ten things to do and see in Wailea, Hawaii, including hiking, finding secret beaches, snorkel around turtle town, golf, shop, and more! Free things to do and things to do with kids in Wailea.
Top Ten Things to do and See in Wailea, Hawaii
First or sixth trip to Hawaii? Doesn’t matter, check out these fun things to do in Wailea! It’s a pretty coastal drive if you’re staying in Lahaina or a great place to stay for a few nights! We stayed at the Grand Wailea and fell in love with Wailea!
Not sure which area is right for you? Our Ultimate Maui Travel Guide compares Kaanapali, Wailea, and other regions.
Here’s a list of what to do in Wailea, Maui:
Go for a Hike in Wailea
Wailea hikes are the best way to start the day! At the end of Makena Road just past Wailea, there is a trail to hike around old lava fields. We were lucky enough to find a Hawaiian Monk Seal that had just given birth days prior and was on the shore with her pup. We took the Haopili Trail to Hanomanioa Light where at the end of the trail is one of those natural pools that you often see influencers float in on Instagram. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across some black mountain goats along the way!
Hike to the natural pools in Wailea
2. Find a Secret Beach in Wailea
Maybe it’s not such a secret if I’m telling you. Again, At the end of Makena Road just past Wailea, if you’re not in the mood to hike (see #1), there are little beach coves that only fit a few people so you can jump in the water, do yoga, read a book, have a picnic lunch, or take a nap! It’s a private beach all to yourself! Pro Tip: Claim your spot early.
Secret Beaches in Wailea
3. Enjoy a day by the beach!
Beach chairs are provided by most hotels, you just have to get there early to nab one. We stayed at the Grand Wailea and would grab a few chairs around 8am to be in the front row.
4. Snorkel around Turtle Town
Wailea has some great spots for snorkeling, but you have to check out Turtle Town. Turtle Town is where the turtles come to have the cleaner fish pick off the algae and other parasites living on their backs! We also saw quite a few turtles right near our hotel (Grand Wailea).
Related posts: Best Snorkel Spots in Maui and Best Scuba Spots in Maui
Snorkel around Turtle Town in Wailea
5. Visit the Turtles in Wailea
Right off the back of a Makena Landing parking lot (5083 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753), you’ll often find turtles resting in the sand/rocks. Don’t disturb them, but admire them from the trees! Also, there were tons of chickens chasing each other in the parking lot.
Resting Turtles in Wailea
6. Go Shopping in Wailea!
I always love shopping! The Shops at Wailea have everything you need from high-end stores like Louis Vuitton to the ABC Store! Lappert’s ice cream can be found here and you’ll smell the fresh waffle cones wafting in the air when you get close! Soha Living has the cutest coastal decor, which makes great souvenirs! The Island Gourmet Markets is the best Wailea grocery store and their coffee shop brews a delicious coconut macadamia nut latte!
7. Pineapple Wine Tasting
There is a vineyard on Maui and it’s not far from Wailea! Have a taste of Maui Wine’s famous pineapple wines, exclusive small production estate wines, and sparkling wines.
FUN FACT: The King’s Cottage was originally built in the 1870s to welcome King Kalākaua himself, the last reigning king of Hawai’i. He would come to ‘Ulupalakua to enjoy a little royal vacation time with lavish dinners, dancing, champagne, and celebration. Maui wine continues that celebration today, this time inviting all of you! Complimentary guided tours of the historic estate, production area, and wine cellar.
8. Golf in Wailea
Josh loves to golf and there is a fantastic course (Wailea Golf Club) with gorgeous views in Wailea. The Wailea Gold Course is not only gorgeous but one of the top 100 courses in America!
Wailea Golf Club
9. Restaurants in Wailea
Do some fine dining - you’re on vacation! Monkeypod Kitchen is a MUST, their mai tais are my favorite on the island (food is fantastic too)! We also really liked Lineage (Top Chef, Sheldon Simeon’s restaurant), conveniently located in The Shops at Wailea shopping center.
10. Spa Day in Wailea
You’re at the beach in Hawaii, RELAX! Go for a nice massage and then grab a drink by the pool. Many of the resorts have spas, don’t be afraid to try them. This is the ultimate vacation life!
Grand Wailea Luau - Best in Wailea
BONUS TIP: Don’t miss the Grand Wailea Luau!
If you walk along the pathway at night, you’ll hear the drums and luau music play. You can kinda see what’s happening on the luau stage as you stroll by, but you should experience the show along with a traditional Hawaiian dinner! The Marriott Wailea luau puts on a good show too. Get a great price on luau tickets with Activity Authority!
Maui is part of ListForAll.com’s TOP 25 TROPICAL VACATIONS and I think these are some good reasons for Maui to make that list!
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Things to do in Wailea - Maui, Hawaii
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How to Spend a Day on La Digue in the Seychelles - Full Itinerary, Packing Essentials, and Map
We had to go to La Digue to see the rock formations, it’s the reason most come people come to the Seychelles. Here was our itinerary on how we spent the day on La Digue including what to pack, which beaches we recommend to stop at, and where to eat!
If you’re in the Seychelles, you MUST visit La Digue
Our trip to the Seychelles was spectacular! There are 115 islands to explore, Mahe is the biggest and main island, with the most resorts and a popular destination. We decided to go exploring and after asking the locals, EVERYONE said you have to go to La Digue and see the rock formations, it’s the reason most come people come to the Seychelles. Here was our itinerary on how we spent the day on La Digue!
Here is a map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation!
Purchase Tickets in Advance
We bought tickets a few days before through the hotel, just ask your concierge to help you arrange your trip. We booked through Mason’s Travel; They picked us up and dropped us off at the hotel making it super easy and convenient.
La Digue Island
What to Pack for a Day on La Digue
You don’t need much, here’s what was in our backpack/bag:
Towels
We wore our swimsuits and coverups
Sunscreen - the sun is VERY intense! Make sure you reapply a few times.
Credit card or cash for food. There is an ATM by the souvenir shops!
Snacks and water
Getting to La Digue
6:15a Mason travel picked us up to take us to the Cat Cocos ferry that went to Praslin. Our hotel had a continental breakfast available in the lobby, we stopped there while we waited for the shuttle.
7:30a Set sail to Praslin! We were apprehensive about the ferry as we read tons of reviews how horrible it is that the water is choppy and everyone gets seasick. It wasn’t too bad, but I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t a smooth cruise.
8:30a Arrive in Praslin to change boats to get to La Digue which only was another 15 mins to get there.
Exploring La Digue
Anse Source d’Argent Rocks
9:30a As part of our package, we chose to rent bikes. We picked them up promptly on arrival and rode straight to Anse Source d’Argent beach which is most popular during the day. I had researched some beaches prior to arriving and took screenshots of them since I knew I wouldn’t have WiFi on the island (we didn’t pay for the international plan but had it set up in case of emergency).
https://en.seyvillas.com/html/la-digue-beaches was the best site with descriptions and how busy the beaches are.
We recommend the following stops:
Anse Source d'Argent - most popular and picturesque
Anse Patates
Grande Anse
Petite Anse
La Digue - Anse Source d'Argent Beach
Anse Source d’Argent
We tried to beat the crowd and rode our bikes south straight to Anse Source d’Argent. As we were riding along, there were breathtaking views everywhere and watch out for the giant tortoises on the road, they look like big rocks! There’s even a tortoise habitat where they have tons of them protected in an area. That is close to Anse Source d’Argent, you’ll see them on the way past the Coconut Keeper.
The weather was cloudy at first but cleared up right away! The rocks were amazing, we had a fun time wandering around and exploring through them.
Anse Source d’Argent
We decided to head North and took the trail up and around until it ended at Anse Fourmis. Some of the hills were pretty steep, I walked my bike up at times! Biking is a great way to see the island because you can get around so quickly. There were also these cute buggies you could jump on.
Why did the tortoise cross the road?
You can pretty much stop anywhere and there is a beach. It’s ok to leave your bikes unlocked, just don’t leave your belongings in the basket. Also, there are swings and hammocks everywhere.
Anse Patates
Anse Patates
Anse Patates was a nice beach, not too crowded off the main road. This is where we saw the tortoises crossing the road.
Lunch
We had read how expensive all the restaurants were and decided to stop at the supermarket and have a picnic on a beach.
Josh stopped in the STC Supermarket, picking up ham, cheese, crackers, 2 juice boxes, and 3 bottles of water for 130 rupees or about $10! We biked over to Grand Anse to have a picnic and enjoy the view. We had the beach all to ourselves! We walked past the Petite Anse Beach Bar, serving drinks. There was also a restroom here.
Grande Anse
Grand Anse for lunch
Down the beach, we climbed through a hidden path between two rocks to climb up and over to get to Petite Anse beach!
Path to Petite Anse
We rode back to Anse Source d’Argent for a swim, then laid on the beach until the tide was too high.
It was time to return our bikes anyway, so we dropped them off and went to the souvenir shops next door. The shops generally had all the same merchandise and we didn’t find anything we liked in particular. Some shops took credit cards, but others were cash only and in rupees. There were ATMs nearby.
Ice Cream at Fish Trap
Since it was going to be a little bit of a trek back, we stopped at the Fish Trap near the dock for a beer and a snack which included french fries and ice cream. Might not be healthy, but it was tasty!
Leaving La Digue
4:45p We boarded the Cat Rose boat and were on our way back to Praslin.
6:00p Changed boats to the Cat Coco from Praslin back to Mahé. Our driver met us and drove us back to our hotel, the Hilton Northolme.
Anse Source d'Argent
Watch our “Perfect Seychelles Vacation” video for travel inspiration and more on La Digue!
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Looking for the best beaches in Maui for kids? Discover calm, shallow beaches with easy parking, bathrooms, and toddler-friendly waves.