Valley Isle Excursions Sky

Also See:

South Side Beaches Windward Beaches Beaches Home

On Maui...

North Shore
Vacation Rental
for $500 per week

• 6 minutes to Maui's Best Surfing & Windsurfing Spot
• 160 degree Panoramic Ocean View
• 1 acre garden surrounded by 52 acres of farmland
• Quiet, completely equipped rental home

Visit us at:
mauigateway.com/~hugh

West Side Beaches

AKA "Canoe Beach" this is part of the long stretch of sand known as Kaanapali Beach, but you won't find hotels or condos fronting the shoreline at Hanakao'o. Do expect to find canoes -- several canoe racing clubs use the park. Facilities include picnic tables, barbeque grills, restrooms and showers.

This is a great little seaside park with a gorgeous view across Lahaina Roads to the islands of Lana'i and Moloka'i, and it's also a popular destination for surfers when the waves are up. Unfortunately, much of the shoreline in this section has been "protected" or "stabilized" with seawalls and revetments ... a strategy that inevitably causes beaches to be washed away. Still, this is a good park for picnics, and for whale watching in the winter season.

If you're staying in Lahaina, this is a convenient park to take a quick dip. Picturesque near the harbor, and with a shower, though the lawn is not usually in good shape.

With plenty of coral and reef fish, Olowalu Bay is great for snorkeling or diving. The bay reaches approximately 25 feet deep, with the outer reaches of the bay containing lots of sea turtles. There are no facilities except for the Olowalu General Store, parking is available along side the highway.

The beach is the reason for the resort. Much of this gorgeous three mile stretch of sand is lined with hotels and condominiums, but it's a great beach just the same, with spectacular views of the islands of Lanai and Molokai, sailing, and sunsets.