Picture-perfect views are what attract most visitors to Hamoa Beach. That, and some surprisingly good facilities and a chance to try bodysurfing.
Read our guide to find out what to do at Hamoa Beach, and plan your visit to this East Maui gem.
Hamoa Beach Overview
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Found almost at the end of the Road to Hana, Hamoa Beach is a Maui destination known for being exceptionally beautiful.
Hamoa Beach combines the wild nature that characterizes East Maui with the postcard perfect calm that’s found on the other side of the island.
For many visitors on the Road to Hana, Hamoa Beach is the perfect spot to sit, relax, and chill out after the long drive.
Crescent shaped and with lush greenery marking the beach boundaries, the most distinctive feature of Hamoa is the salt and pepper sand.
Silver and gray, the sand runs into the sea and feels silky beneath the feet. With shady spots for sunbathers, a fun, if unpredictable, break, and a gorgeous setting, Hamoa Beach is almost a must-see on the Road to Hana.
But there is one big problem. If you want to enjoy Hamoa Beach, you have to deal with the stress of parking at Hamoa Beach.
What Can You Do At Hamoa Beach?
For visitors on the Road to Hana, one of the best reasons to stop at Hamoa Beach is to relax and soak up the scenery before tackling the trip back.
Hamoa Beach is about two miles on from Hana town, before you reach ‘Ohe’o Gulch.
Hamoa Beach really is one of the prettiest beaches on Maui, with the curving sands surrounded by verdant cliffs.
The overall vibe is one of chilled out relaxation, and the lack of major developments add to the overall atmosphere.
There’s plenty of room on the sand to lay down a towel and snooze, and even on the busiest days, the beach itself doesn’t feel crowded. Parking, on the other hand, is a different matter.
Hamoa Beach is popular with surfers, thanks to a big break that hits mostly over the winter. Boogie boarders and bodysurfers also enjoy the breaks at Hamoa Beach.
Getting your board down to the beach takes some effort, but many find it’s worth it for the waves.
In summer, the seas tend to be calmer. Swimming is good, especially as the soft sands slope easily into the sea. Kayaking is also good, although, again, you have to be prepared to get the boat onto the beach.
Summer is also the best time for snorkeling. Head to the left end of the beach, and keep an eye on the conditions.
What Can’t You Do At Hamoa Beach?
Access to Hamoa Beach can be tricky, particularly if you’re trying to carry a surfboard or kayak. If you’re traveling the Road to Hana in a day, you might want to leave your board at home.
But if you want to spend a little more time on East Maui, we recommend hitting the waves at Hamoa if you can.
Swimming might be good in summer, but be careful over winter. The waves can be unpredictable, and swimmers will find the rough swells difficult to cope with. There are also no lifeguards on Hamoa Beach, so stay aware of the swells.
Finally, if you were hoping to quickly park, take a photo of a beautiful beach, and leave, Hamoa is not the place. Parking can be difficult, and there’s a tricky path down to the beach itself.
Prepare to spend a little more time than you’d possibly like just trying to access the beach. We think it’s worth it, but if you’ve got a long journey back along the Hana Highway, you might not agree.
Expert Tips For Visiting Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is a popular spot for bodysurfing, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for people giving it a go. If you’ve never seen bodysurfing before, it’s essentially surfing across the wave without the use of a board.
When the swells are a little quieter, Hamoa Beach can be a fun place for beginner’s to try their hand (or their entire body) at this unusual water sport.
The trees lining the edges of Hamoa Beach provide areas of shade for visitors looking to get out of the sun. Hana town itself is roughly 2 miles north, where you can grab yourself a bite to takeaway.
Or stop by Huli Huli Chicken, a food truck near Koki Beach. There are normally trash cans at Hamoa Beach, so please dispose of your waste properly.
Getting To Hamoa Beach And Parking
To access Hamoa Beach, travel along the Hana Highway until you reach the turning at Haneoo Road. Turn here, and follow the road past Koki Beach.
If you have time, we recommend a stop at Koki Beach to take a look at ‘Alau Island. Haneoo Road curves along the edge of the cliff, and at times you can see some attractive views over the coast.
Following the road along, you should see Hamoa Beach appear in the curve of the cliff. And you’ll know you’ve arrived by the number of cars parked on the side of the road.
Hamoa Beach only has roadside parking. Watch out for signs telling you not to park, as some parts of the road are private property.
Once you’ve found a spot, there’s a steep staircase leading to the beach itself. For some, the staircase might be prohibitively steep.
Hamoa Beach Facilities
Hamoa Beach has bathrooms and showers, plus a foot washing station at the end of the path. There aren’t a great number of restrooms along the Road to Hana, so a stop at Hamoa Beach can feel like luxury!
There are no lifeguards at Hamoa Beach so be careful if you go into the water. Conditions can change rapidly, particularly during the winter.
Final Thoughts
Visit for the views, stay for the bodysurfing, and hope you can find a space to park. Getting down to Hamoa Beach can take some effort, but we think it’s worth it.
