Is North Shore or South Shore better in Maui?


Is North Shore or South Shore better in Maui? Maui's North Shore is less developed, less crowded, has cooler days, and is in a more natural state than the popular resort areas of South and West Maui.


What is the best beach on Maui for locals?

Ho'okipa Beach Park is an extremely popular spot for locals.


Is it worth staying at North Shore in Hawaii?

North Shore is a whole different experience. A preeminent Hawaii destination for outdoor fun. Explore the great tropical outdoors with jungle walks, hikes to pillboxes for sunrise, or watch a surf competition. A North Shore vacation is more about experiencing Hawaii like a local.


Why is North Shore famous?

The North Shore is considered to be the surfing mecca of the world. Every December, the area hosts three competitions, which make up the Triple Crown of Surfing.


What is the roughest beach in Maui?

Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.


Where is the best side of Maui to stay?

Initially developed in the 1960s, West Maui remains one of the most popular destinations to stay and play on the island of Maui. Here you'll now find the resort area of Ka'anapali stretches along the coastline here. Ka'anapali also hosts most accommodations and eateries on the island's west side.


Which part of Maui has the clearest water?

There's plenty of gorgeous water to be found at Maui's beach parks, but the clearest is in Honolua Bay, especially during the summer. Honolua is Hawaiian for “two harbors,” and the bay was originally used to receive ships and unload supplies.


Which side of Maui is expensive?

What is Maui's South Side like? Maui's South Side is known for some of the island's most expensive real estate and its ultra high-end Wailea resorts. Nearby Kihei, just north of Wailea, is known for its relaxed beach town vibe and long stretch of sand. Both tourists and locals intermingle in Kihei.


Are Maui beaches swimmable?

Second only to the south shore, west Maui has many of the best beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and just about anything else you could want. And the crown jewel among them has to be the three-mile stretch of white shore and shimmering blue water at Ka'anapali Beach.


Which side of Maui is best?

Maui's beach parks are spectacular on any side of the island, but the beaches on the leeward side are generally considered to be the most beautiful. To save you a Google search, “leeward” is a term that refers to the side sheltered from the wind.


What happened to Maui 2023?

An aerial image taken on Aug. 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. Rumors and conspiracy theories quickly flourished after the fire, hampering relief efforts.


Which beach in Maui has the bluest water?

Hamoa Beach You might see this scenic spot if you take the popular Road to Hana drive, or if you're looking for a place to get in some snorkeling. The bright blue water draws surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers to its crystalline expanse. There's still plenty of sunbathing and camping to be done on shore, though.


Which side of Maui is less touristy?

For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.


Is the north or south side of Maui better?

The south and west side of the island are known as sunny and dry areas while the north and east coast are much more wet and lush. Having said that, we should point out that even in the wettest locations on Maui, the rain is a hit or miss.


Can you swim in the North Shore Maui?

Maui's North Shore beaches are at their prime in July and August when the waves are swimmer-friendly and much smaller than during the island's renowned winter swells.


Where not to swim in Maui?

Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.


Why is the North Shore so popular?

It is known for its picturesque beaches, lush tropical forests, and world-class surf. The North Shore stretches from Ka'ena Point to Kahuku Point, with over 17 miles of beaches, including Waimea Bay, ?Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), and Sunset Beach.


Where is the prettiest beach in Maui?

Visit Maui's Best Beaches
  • Makena Beach State Park.
  • Honomanu Bay.
  • La Perouse Bay.
  • Koki Beach.
  • Charley Young Beach.
  • Oneuli Beach.
  • Ho'okipa Beach Park.
  • Olowalu.