South Maui
South Maui is home to some of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches on Maui. South Maui encompasses, Kihei, Wailea and Makena areas. If you are staying on the West side of the island (Kaanapali, Kapalua, Napili, Kahana, Lahaina) these beaches will be about 45 min to an hour drive along a scenic coastal highway. Don't let the drive deter you, they are worth the trip!
Po'olenalena/Chang's Beach, Makena/Wailea
Close to Wailea resorts, this large beach has 2 sides to it, Po'olenalena is the larger more well known side, Changs Beach is the more "secret side" great for couples and small groups.
Best For: Morning, Sunset, Large Groups, Families, Couples
Features:
- Natural Lava Rock Formations
- Great Sunsets
- Some Palm Trees
- Long Sandy Beach
- Green area with dramatic Kiawe trees and beach grass
- Easy access and large parking lot
- No restroom facilities (only porta potties)
Pictures of Po'olenalena Beach at a Morning Photography Session:
Pictures of Po'olenalena Beach at a Sunset Photo Session:
Makena Big Beach
This is a State Park on the far south shore of Maui. It is totally undeveloped and natural. The beach is really big, which makes it great for dramatic scenic shots.
Best For: Morning, Sunset, Large Groups, Families, Couples
Features:
- Whiter Sand which makes the water look more aqua/blue
- Long Sandy Beach
- Great Sunsets
- Undeveloped
- Green area with dramatic Kiawe trees and beach grass
- Easy access and large parking lot
- No restroom facilities (only porta potties)
- No palm trees
Pictures of Makena Big Beach at a Morning Photography Session:
Makena Beach at a Sunset Photo Session:
Ulua Beach
This maui beach fronts the Marriott in Wailea
Best For: Sunset, Large Groups, Families, Couples
Features:
- Long Sandy Beach
- Green grassy area with palm trees
- Easy access and large parking lot
- Can get pretty windy at times
- Mornings are not the best at this beach due to the lack of shade, it has too much direct sun.
Pictures of Ulua at a Sunset Photo Session:
Polo Beach
This beach fronts the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel
Best For: Sunset, Large Groups, Families, Couples
Features:
- Long Sandy Beach
- Natural Lava Rock Formations
- Easy access and large parking lot
- Restroom Facilites
- Can get crowded due to the resort
- Mornings are not the best at this beach due to the lack of shade, it has too much direct sun.
Pictures of Polo at a Sunset Photography Session:
West Maui
West Maui Beaches have a $50.00 travel charge.
West Maui encompeses Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili and Kapalua. Due to restrictions by the Department of Land and Natural Resources Kaanapali Beach is not an option for your photogrphy session. The beaches below are some of my favorite West Maui Beaches.
Napili Bay Beach
This is a crecent shaped beach that fronts many condo complexes in Napili. Napili is about 10 minutes north of Kaanapali.
Best For: Mornings, Sunset, Large Groups, Families, Couples
Features:
- Sandy Beach
- Natural Lava Rock Formations
- Whiter sand which makes the water look more aqua/blue
Warnings:
- Can get crowded due to the resorts
- Can be windy at times
Pictures of Napili at a Sunset Photo Session:
Napili Beach, Morning Photography Session:
Oneloa Bay Beach, Kapalua
Beautiful white sand beach in Kapalua
Best For: Mornings, Families, Couples
Features:
- Sandy Beach
- Natural Lava Rock Formations
- Whiter sand which makes the water look more aqua/blue
- Access is a little steep
- Can be windy at times
- Not suitable for sunset sessions as the sun does not set over the water
Pictures of Oneloa at a Morning Photo Session:
No Name Beach, Kahana
Small beach in a residential area between Kahana and Napili
Best For: Mornings, Families, Couples
Features:
- Sandy Beach
- Whiter sand which makes the water look more aqua/blue
- Never crowded
- Old trees
- smaller beach, can be too small if the tide is high
These are some of the most picturesque and popular Maui photography locations on the island. Just imagine you and your group in one of these beautiful Maui beach locations! You can also choose any other Maui photography location on the south side, north shore or upcountry areas of the island such as your favorite beach, hotel grounds or private residence.
The following locations are some of my favorite places to shoot:
