Baldwin Beach, Maui

Baldwin Beach is a gorgeous white sand beach on Maui’s North shore, a few miles west of Pa’ia. It’s a short 6 mile drive along the Hana Highway from Kahului airport (traveling eastwards) to reach HA Baldwin State Park (its full name). 9 days out of 10, the ocean on the North shore is rougher and less swimmer-friendly than on the south and west sides of the island. It's also a lot windier, so many beaches along this coastline have a big reputation amongst windsurfers and kitesurfers.

But the unique topography of Baldwin Beach comes to the rescue of the weak swimmer – at the east end there’s a natural rock breakwater parallel to the beach. (There's a small dirt parking lot at this end of the beach, accessed via Kealakai Place). The breakwater creates a huge pool, without any strong currents and riptides. Even small kids can paddle here safely.

Stronger swimmers will enjoy the boogie-boarding/body-surfing along the main stretch of the beach. Most days there’s a lifeguard to keep an eye on things – watch out for red flags.

By the parking lot, there’s a large field, popular for games. Restrooms, bbqs, water fountains and picnic tables in a picnic pavilion are available.