6 Best Places to Paddle Board on Maui, Hawaii

Aloha, adventurers!

Have you ever dreamed of discovering the best places to paddle board in Maui?

The beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii awaits your exploration.

So grab your paddle board and let’s dive into the crystal clear waters with breathtaking views. Ready to make a splash?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Maui, Hawaii

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. August is the warmest month, averaging 84 °F.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists one place within 16 miles that hires out boards, kayaks or canoes: Hi-Tech Surf Sports. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in Maui

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Kihei, South Maui

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Kalama Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm mornings, afternoon trade winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, dolphins, humpback whales (in season)
🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Haleakalā Volcano, Kaho‘olawe Island, Molokini Crater
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to lifeguard warnings, avoid coral reefs

Kihei’s coastline in South Maui is perfect for paddleboarding, offering calm mornings suitable for beginners and adventure enthusiasts.

Enjoy the stunning shoreline views while keeping an eye out for turtles and dolphins swimming by.

#2 Lahaina, West Maui

🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Lahaina Harbor (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered waters, afternoon trade winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, dolphins, humpback whales (in season)
🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Historic Lahaina Town, Lāna‘i Island, Moloka‘i Island
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect marine life, avoid coral reefs, watch for boat traffic

Right off the shore of historic Lahaina Town on West Maui, the tranquil waters provide an excellent spot for paddleboarding.

Discover picturesque views of neighboring islands and enjoy the vibrant marine life as you paddle through clear waters.

#3 Napili Bay

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Napili Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round, best during summer months
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, tropical fish, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Crescent-shaped bay, Moloka‘i Island
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of beachgoers, respect marine life

Napili Bay offers a peaceful and protected paddleboarding experience.

Enclosed by a beautiful crescent-shaped bay, the calm waters are perfect for observing turtles and colorful fish just below the clear turquoise surface.

#4 Makena Landing Beach Park

🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Makena Landing Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm mornings, afternoon trade winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, dolphins, colorful reef fish
🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Makena coastline, Pu‘u Olai cinder cone
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect marine life, avoid coral reefs

Located on Maui’s southern coast, Makena Landing Beach Park offers an excellent spot for paddleboarding.

Paddlers can explore the beautiful coastline while enjoying the abundant marine life and stunning views of the nearby cinder cone.

#5 Honolua Bay

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Honolua Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Protected bay, can be wavy during large swells
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Tropical fish, turtles, dolphins
🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Lush cliffs, crystal-clear waters
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Boat traffic can be heavy, reef conservation awareness, avoid winter swells

Honolua Bay, located on Maui’s northwest coast, is a pristine paddleboarding location, especially during summer when the waters are calm and clear.

Surrounded by lush cliffs, the bay offers spectacular snorkeling and marine life viewing opportunities.

#6 Olowalu Beach

🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Olowalu Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm mornings, afternoon trade winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, dolphins, tropical fish
🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: West Maui Mountains, Olowalu reef
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Protect the coral reef, avoid shallow areas, respect marine life

Olowalu Beach offers a peaceful backdrop for paddleboarding with crystal clear waters and views of the majestic West Maui Mountains.

Explore the abundant marine life, including turtles and colorful fish while preserving the fragile coral reef ecosystem.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case