Eco-Friendly Mission
Maui Sands Beach
Here's what the beach looks like in front of the seawall at Maui Sands. The amount of sand on the beach changes each day based on storms, surf conditions, and the tides.
Hawaiian Monk Seal
Occasionally an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal will come to rest in front of Maui Sands. This Hawaiian Monk Seal is a female. She is known as "R6AJ" and spends time on Maui, Lanai and Molokai. Her last pup was born on Lanai in 2019.
Maui Sands Ocean Access
In the fall of 2020, Maui Sands' seawall was upgraded and a new ocean access stairway was put in between building 4 and 5. The sandy beach at Maui Sands sometimes dissapears after a storm and can take a few weeks to return.
Humpbacks at Maui Sands
In the waters between Maui and Molokai can be found Hawaii's highest concentration of humpback whales during the breeding and birthing season. The waters that border Maui Sands are part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary and constitutes one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats. Here's a video of humpback whales that were filmed directly from the shores of Maui Sands.
Maui Sands Timelapses
These are a collection of timelapses of the view from the lanai of the condo with the tropical island of Molokai in front. The sunset timelapse at the end of the video was taken in February when the sun sets behind the island of Lanai. At some point in March the sun begins setting on the ocean where if lucky enough, one might glimpse the elusive Hawaiian green flash talked about in guide books.
Palm Trees of Maui Sands
Maui Sands is blessed with plenty of land for what feels like a forest of mature coconut palm trees throughout the property. The grounds are also bright with heliconia and hibiscus, fragrant with plumeria and ginger and is a peaceful place to sooth the senses. Here's a relaxing video of the palm trees swaying in the Hawaiian tradewinds to the sound of Hawaiian local music legend, Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole.
Sea Turtles common during high tide at Maui Sands
During high tide, Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles can be seen feeding on seaweed on the unique shallow water reefs in front of Maui Sands . The sea turtles take advantage of the higher water level at high tide to reach the seaweed that is harder to get at during low tide.
The waters in front of Maui Sands is part of the Kahekili Marine Reserve - an area that protects many species of fish and sea life.
Child-friendly ocean fun at Maui Sands
During low tide, the inner reef at Maui Sands blocks the ocean waves and allows a near perfect infant and toddler water playground complete with calm warm crystal clear waters, the occasional small water falls over the reef, schools of small fish and a sandy bottom.
If low tide happens during an afternoon sun, then the water can sometimes warm up to near bathtub temperature.
Snorkeling directly in front of Maui Sands
Tropical fish, eels, sea urchins, sea turtles, sea cucumbers and other marine life live in the protected waters just in front of the condo. The water between the shoreline and the first reef acts as a fish nursery for many schools of native hawaiian fish with some schools over a thousand strong in size. Between the first and second reef the marine life use the overhang of the rockshelf and reefs for protection. Beyond the outer reef the water is deeper and clearer with pockets of coral and the singing humpbacks can be heard underwater in the winter months. Maui Sands waters are inside the Kahekili Marine Reserve.
Snorkeling just south of Maui Sands at Rainbows
Just 500 yards south of Maui Sands is one of the best spots in Maui for snorkeling and shore dives. It is part of the Kahekili Marine Reserve where many species of fish and sea urchins are protected from fishing. As a result, the marine ecosystem is in good shape where many species of fish, octopus, sea horses, sea turtles and marine life can be spotted. The visibility of the water can often exceed 100ft and many argue that the area's snorkeling quality rivals the famous offshore island of Molokini. Please note: this video was taken just after a winter swell that reduced the water clarity.
Surfing at Honolua Bay north of Maui Sands
Honolua Bay is a short 15 minute drive up the coast from Maui Sands. It consists of a rocky shoreline with small beach, coral reefs in a marine preserve and world-renowned surf break. Honolua Bay hosts the annual “Billabong Pro” women's surf competition in December. Honolua Bay is part of the Honolua-Mokuleʻia Marine Life Conservation District and has great snorkeling in the summer months. Whether you surf or don't Honolua Bay is an exciting place to watch local surfers carve of the water when the big swells come in.
Big Wave Surfing at Jaws, Maui
"Jaws" (Pe'ahi) is the name given to a big wave surfing reef break on the island of Maui. It is located on the northern side of the island between mile markers 13 and 14 on the Hana highway (about an hour drive from Maui Sands) and sits at the base of rolling sugar cane field hills. The surf break, a deep water reef break, is called "Jaws" due to the size and ferocity of the waves. The waves at "Jaws" are rumored to reach heights of 120 ft (36.6 m) on the face of the wave, moving as fast as 30 mph (48.3 km/h) - The largest and fastest in Hawaii.
