Tucked away behind private homes along Front Street, Baby Beach, or Pu’unoa Beach, is a local secret. It’s protected by an offshore reef that tempers the wave action, making it great for kids. Parking is on a dirt lot on Front Street, and signs lead you to the shoreline access path. The sand is wide, white and perfect for sunbathing or sandcastle making. On weekends it does get a bit crowded when the locals bring their families down to swim, snorkel and play in the sun.
Wahikuli Wayside Park is along Route 30 just north of the harbor in Lahaina. This family-friendly beach is another local hang out, especially on weekends. The calm waters and gentle waves encourage the young ones to go in and splash around. No lifeguards are on duty, but the beach does have picnic areas, barbeque grills, showers, restrooms and plenty of parking. The snorkeling in this area is fair. The Lahaina Post Office is across the street.
Just north of Wahikuli Wayside Park is Hanakao’o Beach Park, another local favorite. Beach-goers come down to enjoy the sun and surf but also to watch Hawaiians launch their traditional and modern canoes. The water is calm and good for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty. The park offers dazzling ocean views, and between November and April it's a great place to do some whale-spotting, as the humpbacks are home for their annual visit. Bring a picnic lunch and lots of sunscreen to spend the day. An easy ocean-side walking trail connects this beach with Wahikuli Wayside Park.
Head three miles south of downtown Lahaina and you’ll find Launiupoko Beach Park. This is one of the best beaches on Maui for kids because Mother Nature carved a shallow swimming pond next to the main beach. Surfers also find decent waves just offshore. This beach also gets crowded on weekends when local families come to play. Shaded picnic tables, restrooms, showers and plenty of parking are available. This is another great whale-spotting beach. It fronts the channel between Maui, Lanai and Molokai, the main breeding area of the humpback whales.
