There's a reason Conde Nast Traveler readers voted Maui "Best Island in the World" for 15 straight years. There are more than 30 miles of white, red and black sand beaches, each with its own scene and activities. The south and west shores of the island offer plenty of popular surfing and snorkeling spots, while north Maui is a haven for wind-powered sports.
Surf's Up
Pro and amateur surfers from across the globe flock to Maui to ride some of the biggest waves in the world. Honolua Bay and Jaws are two spots for the seasoned surfer. Hit up these spots only if you can handle 25- to 70-foot waves, or to watch the pros show off their skills. If going big isn't for you, head to calmer waters at one of the beaches on the southern or western shores, where most of the surf schools make their home.
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Maui is known as a premiere diving spot. Take a trip to Ka'anapali Beach to swim, snorkel or scuba dive around the legendary coral covered Black Rock, and you will be rewarded handsomely with some of the most abundant tropical fish and sea turtle sightings on the island. Experienced divers should try Turtle Caves in South Maui, where you can navigate around 60-foot lava pinnacles rising from 70-foot depths.
Beachfront Sports
If you prefer more turf than surf during your beach time, Kalama Beach Park in South Maui offers everything from soccer and tennis courts to baseball and soccer fields, and their sand volleyball courts are lit for night games, as well. On Sunday afternoons, locals flock to one of the island's largest beaches, Big Beach in South Maui, for the sand volleyball tournaments.
Canoeing
Outrigger canoe racing is the state sport of Hawaii. Teams of up to six people row these canoes that have one or more support floats attached. At Canoe Beach, or Hanaka'o'o Beach to the locals, you can rent a single-person canoe for the day or test your teamwork skills with a friend. Head to Ka'anapali Beach to watch the outrigger canoe teams practice.
Windsurfing/Kiteboarding
Windsurfing and kiteboarding are two of Hawaii's favorite water sports. While both rely on the wind, the main difference between the two is the former involves a sail attached to a board, while for the latter you use an unattached kite to propel your board through the water. Kite Beach on the western end of Kanaha Beach Park is a prime kiteboarding spot due to its strong afternoon trade winds, or give windsurfing a go at Ho'okipa Beach Park.
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