Beaches in Maui

This is the beach the Grand Wailea shares with about 3 other hotels. I never felt crowded. The water was perfect: refreshing, smooth (no waves, LOVED that) and peaceful. Every morning we would go down about 8 and get our lounge chairs and towels. We would hang out until lunch and then go exploring other areas of the island. Around 12 the wind would whip up and it was not enjoyable to lay on the beach.
It was a great cove. The family loved to snorkel at the two rocky spots on both ends. They saw turtles and lots of colorful fish.
On our first day we met up with the Caulfields in Kaanapali. We headed over to Black Rock where they snorkeled and jumped off the rock.

Delaney jumping off Black Rock.

Just enjoying the water.

On the second night, it was raining hard (for about an hour) so we had dinner in our suite, explored the hotel and found their arcade for John (the little guy).

Pictured are: Handsome Husband, me, Karen Caulfield, Tom Caulfield. Seated are: Matt Caulfield (all the teenagers have gone to school together since Kindergarten), Katie, Tommy Caulfield, John Caulfield and Delaney.

We then headed down to McKenna Beach which is much more rocky and wild. Bigger waves and less beach. It is surrounded by a lava field which was pretty interesting to see.

This is a great blow hole that the water rushes into and squirts out like a whales blow hole (Delaney's words).

The beach was bordered by trees in various stages of health. A lot of dying trees mixed with healthy. Drift wood everywhere. This was an eerie looking little grove.

Loved this walk through these trees. It was hot and they gave us great shade. It was so pretty.
We caught sight of a herd of goats. They not only climbed all over the rocks but into the trees.
We turned off the beach path and walked through the lava flow. Our goal was to see some ancient ruins, but after walking a mile, we saw a sign that said two more to go. It was really hot on that path and there was no shade so we turned around. Notice we are all wearing teva sandals. These were the best purchase we made for the trip. You can wear then in the water and they are great for hiking. They are UGLY to say the least, but comfortable and practical for this terrain and weather.