Sugar Beach
Kihei, HI
Sugar Beach runs for nearly three miles along North Kihei, one of the longest continuous stretches of sand on Maui, backed by low dunes instead of hotels. Locals walk it at sunset more than they swim it, since the water tends to run shallow and windy compared to South Kihei's more sheltered beaches.
The sheer length and the low key, dune backed scenery make it a favorite for a long walk, but the wind and shallow water keep it from being anyone's top swimming beach.
How we score beachesPark near Kalepolepo Beach Park at the south end, where an ancient Hawaiian fishpond wall sits right along the shore, worth a look even for people who just came to walk.
Small free lots and roadside pullouts line North Kihei Road at several points, including Kalepolepo Beach Park's lot at the south end.
Flat, open sand runs the length of the beach with easy access from multiple points along the road, though there's little shade anywhere along it.
Trade winds pick up through the afternoon most of the year, calmest in early morning, with summer bringing the warmest water for a swim.
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