Hamoa Beach, Maui

©Stephanie Coffman/Shutterstock

Hamoa Beach

Top choice


With its clear water, white sand and hala-tree backdrop, this famous crescent is a little gem; author James Michener once called it the only beach in the North Pacific that looked as if it belonged in the South Pacific. When the surf’s up, surfers and bodyboarders flock here, though beware of rips and currents.

When it’s calm, swimming is good in the cove – but check conditions before you take a dip. Public access is down the steps just north of the hotel’s bus-stop sign; there’s parking for seven or eight cars opposite. Facilities include restrooms.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Koki Beach

0.64 MILES

This picturesque tan beach sits at the base of red cliffs with views toward tiny ʻAlau Island. Bodysurfing is excellent here, as it's shallow for quite a…

2. Hasegawa General Store

2.16 MILES

Need cash? Or maybe some screws? How about a bottle of Jim Beam? Or Ben & Jerry's Half-Baked Froyo? The narrow aisles inside this tin-roofed store are jam…

3. Wananalua Congregational Church

2.25 MILES

On the National Register of Historic Places, this church – built in the 1840s – has such hefty walls that it resembles an ancient Norman cathedral. The…

4. Hana Community Center

2.33 MILES

Anchors the town park, which has a baseball field, tennis courts and a playground, all behind Travaasa Hana resort. There are also public restrooms –…

5. Hana Bay Beach Park

2.47 MILES

Croquet by the beach? Why not? Welcome to Hana's version of the town plaza, a bayside park where children splash in the surf, picnickers enjoy the view…

6. Hana Cultural Center

2.55 MILES

This down-home museum displays some interesting local artifacts. The best is an entire three-bench courthouse (c 1871). Although it looks like a museum…

8. Wailua Falls

3.7 MILES

Before you reach Kipahulu you’ll see orchids growing out of the rocks, and jungles of breadfruit and coconut trees. Around 0.3 miles after the 45-mile…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "usa/hawaii/hana-east-maui/attractions/hamoa-beach/a/poi-sig/410466/1333454",
      "position": "superzone"
    }