Sugar Beach

Sugar Beach is a long Maui shoreline between Ma'alaea and North Kihei, with open sand, beach walks, canoe and kayak launches, breezy afternoons and no lifeguards.

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Sugar Beach, Maui

Said to be the longest beach on Maui, Sugar Beach - also known as Kealia Beach - is perfect for a long beach stroll. This sandy shoreline stretches for about 2.5 miles (4 km), from Haycraft Park in Ma'alaea all the way to north Kihei. There aren't any buildings on the beach until you reach north Kihei and you won't find many other people here. Sugar Beach is mainly used by kite and windsurfers who take advantage of the breezy offshore winds. Kayakers also launch from here.

Key Features

Long sandy Maui shoreline from Ma'alaea toward North Kihei
Also known as Kealia Beach
One of Maui's longest continuous beach walks
Open sand with fewer buildings along much of the shoreline
Breezy conditions often attract windsurfers and kitesurfers
Canoe and kayak launches may happen when ocean and wind conditions allow
Better for walking and shoreline time than clear-water snorkeling
Facilities are limited along much of the beach
No lifeguards patrol Sugar Beach
Wide views across Ma'alaea Bay toward West Maui

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Maui Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Sugar Beach?

The name is commonly connected with the beach's fine, light sand. It has a soft, granular texture that helped the Sugar Beach name stick with Maui visitors.

Why is Sugar Beach also called Kealia Beach?

The Kealia name comes from the larger coastal area near Kealia Pond and the Ma'alaea side of the shoreline. Both names are used for this long stretch of sand.

What makes the wind stronger here than at some South Maui beaches?

The open Ma'alaea Bay setting and Maui's central valley winds often make this shoreline breezier, especially later in the morning and afternoon.

What can you see from Sugar Beach?

On clear days the beach has wide views across Ma'alaea Bay toward West Maui and the island of Kaho'olawe. Winter visitors may also spot whale activity offshore.

How is Sugar Beach different from the Kamaole beaches?

Sugar Beach is longer, quieter and more open, with fewer developed beach-park features. The Kamaole beaches have busier park settings and more defined swimming areas.