Maui > Beaches > Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach – Hana, Maui
Hamoa Beach on Maui is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and it’s far away enough from the masses that it rarely gets crowded.
See Hamoa Beach Map
PROS
Amenities
Bathrooms are available and there’s shade from the trees.
Beautiful Sand
This is one of those beaches you dream of. The sand runs into the ocean making swimming easier and the ocean more turquoise.
Water Quality
With very little development nearby, the lack of runoff keeps the water clear and clean.
Fun Body Surfing
This can be one of the more fun spots to body surf.
Uncrowded
Since it’s on the east side of Maui (Hana side), it doesn’t get as much foot traffic as it should.
80% Positive
CONS
Rough Waves
Swimming can be more difficult if there’s swell.
Parking & A Hill
Parking is done at the top of the hill. Parking is limited, and the walk down is very steep.
No Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards here, so you need to watch your own safety.
20% Negative
Hamoa Beach Information
Hamoa Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Hana side of Maui, but it’s not easy to get to. With a steep path as the only access, it’s easy to drive right past it and not even know it’s there. That’s probably why Oprah Winfrey bought over 200 acres right next to it between 2002 and 2005. She promised to preserve the open spaces and cultural access fishermen have had for generations and stayed true to her word, much to the relief of the community, by donating 182 acres of it to the Maui Coastal Land Trust in 2005.*
In the 16th century, Hamoa was a village area just outside of Hana. This arid flatland was unsuitable for taro cultivation, and the people of Hamoa were known to have built huts 2 miles inland to live in during taro planting which they did in the valley above. While planting they subsisted on shrimp that was mashed and stored in gourds. This area was also the sight of several fish ponds and the surf here, known as the waves of Puhele, was reserved for royalty until the daughter of a Hana chief lifted the restrictions by surfing it herself.* Ka Iwi O Pele is a cinder cone on the far side of Hamoa where it is said the bones of the fire goddess Pele are buried,* and this is located within the preserve that Oprah established with Hana Ranch.
It is no wonder why so many celebrities have bought property in the Hana area. Its remoteness and the kindness of the people of Hana have brought out the likes of George Harrison, Chris Christoferson, Pat Benetar, and Jim Neighbors to name a few, who have made Hana their home.
Once again, Hamoa Beach has been rated one of the top 5 best beaches in the world (Comcast 2012), along with the road to Hana as one of the top 5 scenic drives of the world (Conde Nast Traveler).
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Directions to Hamoa Beach, Hana
From Lahaina – 3.5 – 4.5 hours
Drive south on the Honoapiilani Hwy (ocean on the right). Pass Maʻalaea Harbor, and take a right at Kuihelani Hwy 380. It will briefly turn into dairy Road. Turn right on Hana Hwy. Drive past Hana and turn left on Haneoo Rd. until you see an area with cars parked. Park and walk down the hill to the beach.
From Kihei – 3 – 4 hours
Take the Piilani Hwy north (ocean on the left). This Hwy bends to the right and turns into Mokulele Hwy, the same highway you took from the airport. Turn right on dairy Road. Turn right on Hana Hwy. Drive past Hana and turn left on Haneoo Rd. until you see an area with cars parked. Park and walk down the hill to the beach.
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