Waiʻānapanapa State Park – East Maui’s Black Sand Beauty

Nestled along the scenic Hāna Highway, Waiʻānapanapa State Park offers one of the most unique picnic spots in Maui. The striking black sand beach, framed by lush greenery and azure ocean, creates an unforgettable backdrop for a family outing. There are shaded picnic tables, clean restrooms, and trails to explore lava tubes and freshwater caves.

Reservation is required for all non-residents, so plan ahead and book your time slot via the Hawaii State Parks website. Bring your reef-safe sunscreen, like Coco Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen, to protect your skin and the local marine life if you choose to take a dip.

Mākena State Park – Big Beach with Big Views

Commonly known as Big Beach, Mākena State Park on Maui’s southern shore boasts wide sandy stretches and plenty of room for families to spread out and relax. The sunsets here are spectacular, and there are ample shaded areas near the edge of the trees to set up a scenic picnic lunch.

While the surf can be strong, the beach’s natural beauty and expansive views make it a must-visit. There are portable toilets at the site, but no drinking water, so come prepared.

Iao Valley State Monument – Lush and Peaceful

Located just outside Wailuku, Iao Valley offers a cool, serene atmosphere perfect for an afternoon getaway. Surrounded by verdant mountains and tropical flora, families can enjoy a peaceful picnic near the stream or explore the paved walking trails leading to the iconic Iao Needle.

The park recently reopened with updated facilities, and entrance/parking fees apply for non-residents. This lush valley is one of the best shaded options on warm days, and it’s ideal for those looking to combine light hiking with a scenic meal break.

Kapalua Coastal Trail – Picnic with a View

The Kapalua Coastal Trail offers multiple scenic spots to pause for a snack or full picnic while walking the rugged coastline of West Maui. Though not an official picnic park, benches and outcroppings along the trail provide picture-perfect views of lava rock formations, sea cliffs, and in winter months, breaching humpback whales.

Bring a foldable blanket and something easy to carry. Hokulani Beach and Oneloa Bay along the trail are perfect for a relaxing stop when the tide is low. Be cautious near the cliff edges and always supervise little ones.

Hosmer’s Grove – Upcountry Tranquility

Located just inside Haleakalā National Park, Hosmer’s Grove offers something rare: a picnic within a peaceful forest of towering eucalyptus and cedar trees. This area is cooler thanks to its 7,000-foot elevation and is often overlooked by tourists rushing to the summit for sunrise or sunset.

With picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of birdwatching opportunities, it’s a quiet alternative for families seeking a cooler climate and nature immersion. Since the UV rays remain strong even at elevation, don’t forget your mineral sunscreen.

Kamaole Beach Parks – Convenient and Family-Friendly

Located in Kihei, the Kamaole Beach Parks (I, II, and III) are some of the most accessible and family-friendly beaches on the island. Each has grassy picnic areas with tables and grills, lifeguards on duty, restrooms, and calm waters ideal for kids.

Kam III, in particular, is excellent for picnics as it offers a playground, expansive lawn areas, and gentle slope into the sea. Rest easy knowing your sunscreen is ocean-safe when you use Coco Botanicals, supporting both your family’s health and the marine ecosystems.

Baldwin Beach – Laid-Back North Shore Vibes

Just west of Paia, Baldwin Beach Park is a local favorite for relaxed beach days and weekend family picnics. With restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and wide open sand, it’s perfect for building sandcastles or tossing a Frisbee together.

There’s a protected cove on the east end known as Baby Beach, great for younger children during calmer ocean conditions. Enjoy your lunch under ironwood trees offering natural shade, and stroll the length of the beach to take in dramatic views of Maui’s north coast.

Final Tips for the Perfect Maui Picnic

• Pack reef-safe sunscreen: Choose a product like Coco Botanicals that protects your skin naturally without harming coral reefs or marine life.
• Keep it eco-friendly: Bring reusable utensils and containers, and always pack out what you pack in to keep Maui’s beauty intact.
• Check park access and amenities: Many parks may require reservations, especially on the Road to Hāna or inside Haleakalā National Park.
• Respect the ʻāina (land): Follow posted signage, keep to designated paths, and treat local spaces with the aloha spirit.

Maui’s natural beauty shines brightest when enjoyed respectfully and sustainably. Whether it’s beneath a grove of pines in the cloud forest of Hosmer’s Grove or along the crystal surf of Mākena, each picnic spot offers a chance to slow down and savor the island with those you love most. Let the gentle trade winds and ocean air remind you what paradise truly feels like—and don’t forget the sunscreen!