5 Dreamy Days in Maui: Must-See Beaches for Couples Craving Sun, Sand & a Little Adventure

Ka’anapali Beach

Kaʻanapali Beach tops my list as the best beach in Maui—and for good reason. It’s a wide, expansive stretch of sand with plenty of room to spread out, set up your beach chairs and umbrella, and fully unwind. The water is often calm, almost as smooth as a lake on most days, making it ideal for a relaxing float or a quick dip to cool off after soaking up the sun.

If you're in the mood for more than just lounging, the gentle waters make this beach a perfect spot for beginner snorkeling, especially near Black Rock on the west end. It’s an easy swim along the rocks where you’re almost guaranteed to spot colorful fish, coral, and other marine life. I see sea turtles nearly every time I snorkel here—they're my favorite! (Just remember to admire them from a respectful distance.) This past April, my husband even spotted a Hawaiian monk seal while snorkeling—an unforgettable experience!

For the thrill-seekers, Black Rock also offers a chance to cliff dive. You’ll often see people of all ages climbing up the rock and taking the leap into the clear blue water below. It’s an exciting way to wrap up a beach day—and makes for a great story to take home.

Another great thing about Kaʻanapali Beach is the range of convenient services available to visitors. While there is a small free public parking lot nearby, my go-to option is parking at the Sheraton near Black Rock. Though it's paid parking, you can get up to three hours validated with a purchase from one of their restaurants or shops—perfect if you’re planning to grab a bite or a drink during your beach day.

The Sheraton also offers some extra amenities that can really elevate your visit. At the pool concierge, you can rent two lounge chairs and an umbrella that will be set up and reserved for you right on the beach. The cost is typically around $120 for the day (based on my most recent visit in 2025), and it’s worth it if you’re looking for a more relaxed, hassle-free setup.

If you're interested in water activities, there's a beachfront rental center offering stand-up paddleboards, snorkel gear, floaties, and more. Whether you're planning a day of lounging or adventure, Kaʻanapali has everything you need to make the most of it.

Napili Bay

Napili Bay is a quieter, more low-key alternative to the larger, bustling beaches like Kaʻanapali—but it’s every bit as beautiful. Tucked into a perfectly curved cove, the beach offers calm, clear waters and breathtaking views throughout the day. Unlike beaches lined with mega-resorts, Napili is surrounded mostly by low-rise condo-style hotels, giving it a more relaxed and intimate feel.

This beach holds a special place in my heart—it's where my family has spent nearly all our Maui vacations over the years. It’s the perfect spot for couples looking to enjoy a peaceful, romantic day by the water: swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the stunning scenery.

What I love most about Napili Bay is that you can truly spend the entire day there, simply enjoying the natural beauty of Maui. In the mornings, I often spot spinner dolphins cruising by the bay on their way up the coast. And during whale season (especially February and March), it’s one of the best places to watch humpback whale mothers teach their calves how to breach—an awe-inspiring sight that never gets old.

A few tips to make the most of your visit: bring your own beach chairs, an umbrella for shade, and a cooler with drinks or snacks. Since amenities are limited and there aren’t resort-style rentals here, it’s best to come prepared. Parking is along the street, so plan to arrive early and take a short walk down the public access path to the beach. Despite the simpler setup, the experience at Napili Bay is unmatched—peaceful, authentic, and truly unforgettable.

Wailea Beach

Wailea Beach is another stunning resort beach on Maui, known for its luxury amenities and beautiful, expansive shoreline. Framed by high-end resorts, the beach itself is wide, flat, and gently slopes down to the calm, shallow water—making it an ideal spot for lounging, swimming, and soaking up the sun.

What really sets Wailea Beach apart for me is how much space there is to relax. It’s perfect for couples looking to unwind together—there’s plenty of room to spread out and set up right at the water’s edge. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this beach is by placing a chair just where the gentle waves reach, creating a soothing spot to sunbathe with a refreshing splash every few seconds.

But the real standout? The sand. Wailea Beach has the softest, whitest sand I’ve ever felt on Maui. I don’t know how it differs from other beaches on the island, but it truly feels like the most luxurious place to sink your toes into.

Practical amenities are a big bonus here. There’s a large free public parking lot, as well as clean public restrooms with showers. If you're staying at or visiting one of the nearby resorts, you’ll also find paid parking, beachside dining options, and more. For water activities, Aqualani Wailea (located at the Grand Wailea Resort) offers rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other gear to make the most of your day on the water.

Kapalua Bay

Just a short walk from Napili Bay, Kapalua Bay is another beautiful, smaller cove beach perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean. The calm, clear water makes it ideal for swimming and lounging, so bring your beach chairs and plan to soak up the sun.

Kapalua Bay is also a great spot for snorkeling. A small reef close to shore offers an easy entry point for beginners and provides plenty of opportunities to see vibrant marine life—and chances are good you'll spot a sea turtle or two!

The beach is well-equipped with a paid parking lot (for a modest fee), public restrooms, and outdoor showers to rinse off the sand. Plus, the nearby Montage resort offers a beach activities rental center right on the bay.

Ka’anapali restaurants

Maui Brewing Company is a must-visit if you’re interested in trying local craft beer on the island. The Kaʻanapali location offers great beach views, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal—especially around dinner time when they often have live music playing.

The vibe here is casual and welcoming, with a menu full of elevated American bar food. One of my go-to dishes is the Local Catch Baja Fish Tacos—they’re fresh, flavorful, and made with locally caught fish. Pair them with one of their house-brewed beers for the full experience.

Another highlight is their daily happy hour from 3–5 pm, featuring $5 off appetizers, $2 off all draft beers, and $3 off cocktails and wine. It’s a great way to enjoy a quality meal and drinks without breaking the bank. While it’s a mid-priced restaurant, the laid-back style and quality food and drinks make it well worth a visit.

Cliff Dive Grill is the perfect spot for beachside snacks and refreshing drinks during your day at Kaʻanapali Beach. Located at the Sheraton Maui, right next to the pool and just steps from the sand, this casual grill might look like just a typical pool bar—but don’t let that fool you. The food here is surprisingly impressive!

My personal favorite menu item is the Black Rock Wings—crispy, flavorful, and tossed in a sweet-and-spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. As for drinks, you really can’t go wrong, but I always go for the Black Rock Mai Tai. Not only is it delicious and beach-perfect, but with every one sold, the Sheraton donates $1 to the Aloha for Sheraton Maui ‘Ohana Relief Fund, supporting local staff and their families.

Napili restaurants

The Sea House Restaurant, located right on Napili Bay, is a gem that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and does all three exceptionally well. What truly sets it apart, though, are the unbeatable views. Perched just steps from the sand, the restaurant features wide-open windows at the bar and dining area that look directly out onto the bay, offering a front-row seat to one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches.

While it’s a great spot any time of day, I highly recommend making a dinner reservation timed with sunset. The golden light reflecting off the water creates a magical, unforgettable atmosphere. It’s an incredibly romantic setting, perfect for a special night out with your significant other. Dress up a bit, settle in, and enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the views—it’s one of those classic Maui moments you won’t want to miss.

Gazebo: If you’re planning to spend the day at Napili Bay, there’s no better way to start than with breakfast at The Gazebo, located on the east end of the beach. This charming little spot—literally housed under a gazebo—serves up some of the best breakfast and lunch on the island. It’s a local favorite and doesn’t take reservations, so expect a bit of a wait. But trust me—it’s absolutely worth it.

The Gazebo is hands-down my favorite restaurant on Maui. Two dishes I consider must-haves are the Fried Rice (the portions are massive—perfect for sharing or saving for later) and the Banana Mac Nut Pancakes, which are fluffy, flavorful, and made even better with their homemade coconut syrup. That syrup alone is unforgettable—I dream about it when I’m back home.

Wailea restaurants

MonkeyPod Kitchen: If you're looking for exceptional food in a relaxed, casual setting, Monkeypod Kitchen is the place to go. Their menu features a range of fresh, local options—from daily catch fish dishes to flavorful local pork and other Hawaiian-inspired favorites. Everything is prepared with care and creativity, making it a standout even among Maui’s many great dining spots.

While it’s slightly on the pricier side for a casual restaurant, the quality more than justifies it. And the star of the show? The Monkeypod Mai Tai. It’s hands-down one of the best cocktails you’ll ever try—topped with their signature lilikoi (passion fruit) foam, it’s like a little slice of tropical heaven in a glass.

Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or just drinks, Monkeypod offers a lively, laid-back experience with food and drinks that truly impress. There are locations in both Wailea and Ka’anapali.

Humu Humu Bar: If you’re visiting Wailea, this is a fun and indulgent spot to enjoy dinner. Located within the Grand Wailea resort, the restaurant is named after Hawai‘i’s state fish—the

Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a—which suits the venue perfectly thanks to a striking bar that runs through the center, designed as a live fish aquarium. With beautiful beach views, it’s also an ideal place to catch a sunset over dinner.

The menu focuses on fresh seafood, complemented by creative cocktails and an extensive wine list. My personal favorites are two standout appetizers: the Maui Nui Venison Lumpia and the Macadamia Nut Prawns. The lumpia is uniquely flavorful, with tender venison and a refreshing sunomono salad on the side. The prawns are cooked to perfection, and the lilikoi sweet and sour sauce is so good, I’d happily eat it with anything.

Kapalua restaurants

Merriman’s: In my opinion, this is hands down the best restaurant on the island of Maui. A high-end dining experience, it’s the perfect place to cap off a romantic getaway. Perched just above Kapalua Bay, the restaurant offers stunning ocean views—so I highly recommend booking a dinner reservation around sunset to make the most of the scenery.

The menu is outstanding, featuring a well-balanced selection of seafood, steaks, and vegetarian options. The fish here is among the freshest I’ve ever tasted. On my most recent visit in April 2025, the sashimi special—ono and ahi—was a standout: incredibly fresh, simple, and absolutely delicious.

While the restaurant’s signature Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi is a buttery, flavorful favorite worth trying, my personal top pick is the Wok Charred Ahi. Infused with Asian-inspired flavors, this dish truly highlights the quality and freshness of the fish. And don’t miss the Merriman’s Mai Tai, topped with a lilikoi foam—similar to the one served at Monkeypod, which is also part of the Merriman’s family. It’s a tropical must-have to complete the experience.