Ho'okipa Beach

Hwy 36, 2 miles northeast of Paia, Paia, HI

Description: PAIA. A mecca for wind-surfing enthusiasts, this beach is one of the best anywhere according to those in the know. It's not great for swimming, but it's a terrific place to hang out and watch local and international talents negotiate waves up to 15-feet high. On any given day, you're likely to see stunts that will leave you awe-struck if not open-mouthed in amazement. Restrooms, showers, and several grills are available on the park grounds.
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Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley Rd, 5 miles west of Wailuku, Wailuku, HI

Description: WAILUKU. This beautiful, accessible park is best known for its stone spire, the "Iao Needle," which rises 2250 feet from the valley floor. It's also celebrated for its well-maintained hiking paths and river swimming holes. Calm and serene, the park's name means "supreme light" in Hawaiian, a somewhat ironic moniker considering that one of Hawaii's bloodiest battles was fought here in the late 18th century. At the battle of Kepaniwai, Kamehameha I slaughtered Maui's army as he endeavored to unite the archipelago.
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Ka'anapali Beach

off Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

Description: LAHAINA. Surrounded by resorts and shops, this beach ­ known as one of Maui's best ­ can be quite crowded. With its golden sands and calm waters, it's no surprise that its appeal is wide-ranging. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or people-watch, you won't be disappointed. The one drawback is that there are no public facilities; however, you can step into one of the area resorts if necessary. Adventure-seekers can test their mettle at nearby Black Rock. From this geological formation, ancient Hawaiians believed spirits left the earthly world; it's now a sign of bravery to make the ambitious leap into the ocean below.
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Ka'eleku Caverns

Ulaino Rd, Off Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713 808-248-7308

Description: HANA. Sculpted by lava rather than water, this underground network of caves was created 30,000 years ago at the time of Maui's formation. Used by ancient Hawaiians, it's now available for sightseeing by those with geological interests. Intriguing lava formations characterize the two-mile route, which is also punctuated by openings to the surface 40 feet overhead. Visitors should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and long pants; other gear will be provided. Near the Hana Airport.
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Napili Beach

5900 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, outside the Kai Beach Club, Kapalua, HI 96761

Description: KAPALUA. Calm waters and golden sands make this beach one of the best in the area for swimming and sunbathing. For those who are interested but haven't been initiated into the intricacies of water sports, this is also a good place to test the waters, so to speak. You'll find showers on the beach if you need a quick rinse off, but facilities aren't readily available since there are so many resorts and condos in the area. Still, that shouldn't stop you from enjoying the Napili coastline.
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Red Sand Beach

near Hana Community Center, Hana, HI

Description: HANA. Although the beach is spectacular, getting to it is somewhat perilous. Still, if you must go, you must, especially since photos alone don't do justice to the vibrant juxtaposition of sand, water, and vegetation. The beach itself is set in a small, isolated cove, and the sands, otherworldly in hue, aren't actually sand but cinders from long-past volcanic activity. Swimming in the sheltered bay, once achieved, is favorable, as is snorkeling. Nude sunbathing, although technically illegal, is popular along the shore as well. Known in Hawaiian as Kaihalulu Beach.
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