Maui’s pristine shorelines, warm waters, and gentle trade winds make it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers. If your idea of a perfect beach day includes combing the sands for unique seashells, you’re in luck. While shelling in Hawaii is not quite the same as in Florida or the Outer Banks due to its volcanic origins and marine ecosystem, with patience and the right location, you can still discover beautiful treasures from the sea. One beach rises to the top for shell collectors: Baldwin Beach Park in Paia, Maui.
Why Baldwin Beach Park is the Best for Shell Collecting
Located on the North Shore just outside the town of Paia, Baldwin Beach Park offers long stretches of golden sand and the gentle waves of a protected reef. This makes it perfect for shell seekers of all ages, especially families with younger kids. The sandy shoreline here tends to collect small tide pools, coral fragments, sea glass, and a variety of shells that wash in from the Pacific.
The east end of the beach, known as "Baby Beach," forms a calm, shallow lagoon protected by an outer reef, making it especially safe and inviting for young children to explore. It’s in these calmer waters and tide-washed edges where shell collectors often find the best pieces – from Cone Shells (take care, some varieties are rare and protected) to Cowries and colorful bits of coral.
Best Time to Go Shelling
Shelling is best early in the morning, ideally after high tide. The receding waters leave behind a fresh gathering of shells, and fewer footprints mean you’re more likely to find the good ones. Bring a mesh bag or bucket for collecting, and remind kids to watch for live creatures – we encourage collecting only empty shells to preserve the marine ecosystem.
Other Shelling Hotspots Around Maui
- Sugar Beach – This long, open beach on the South Shore has gentle waves and occasional shell finds mixed with driftwood and coral fragments.
- Big Beach (Makena Beach) – Stronger currents and high surf make this one for the seasoned shellers, but after a storm or tide change, it can reveal surprising finds.
- Spreckelsville Beach – Close to Baldwin, this quieter beach often has charming pieces at low tide and is less frequented by crowds.
Tips for Responsible Shell Collecting
While collecting shells can be a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike, it’s important to be mindful of the environment. Many Hawaiian shells have cultural significance or serve as habitat for marine life. Always check for living creatures inside before taking anything home and familiarize yourself with local regulations. Avoid removing live coral, and never collect marine life from marine preserves or protected areas.
Carry your finds in a reusable container instead of plastic bags that can fly away easily. It’s also a good opportunity to teach kids about ocean conservation and respect for Hawaii’s delicate coastal ecosystems.
Stay Safe and Protect the Reefs
While exploring Maui’s beaches and tide pools, be sure to protect yourself from the strong Hawaiian sun. Choose a sunscreen that’s both reef safe and good for your skin, like the all-natural mineral sunscreen from Coco Botanicals. Its eco-friendly formula avoids harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, protecting both your family and the coral reefs so essential to the health of our oceans.
What to Bring for a Shelling Day at the Beach
- Sunscreen (reef-safe, broad spectrum)
- Water shoes or reef-friendly sandals
- Mesh bag or small bucket for shells
- Towel and change of clothes for kids
- Fresh water and snacks
- Beach umbrella or sunshade
- Magnifying glass or small field guide for marine life
Shell collecting offers a wonderful way to slow down, explore nature, and teach children about Hawaii’s marine biodiversity. Whether you find a perfectly intact Cone Shell or a colorful fragment of coral smoothed by the tides, each discovery is a tiny piece of Maui’s oceanfront magic. Make sure to collect responsibly, protect your skin and the reef, and enjoy every moment barefoot in the sand.