Overview: Chalk this up as one of Maui's most underrated beaches! Located directly across from the post office and paralleling the highway, Wahikuli Wayside State Park is one of those beaches you've passed a thousand times but have never actually visited.

Sandwiched between Lahaina and Ka'anapali, this short strip of white sand is popular with locals who come here to barbecue and fish off the break wall on weekends. It's a fun spot for boogie boarding when there's a little bit of swell, and there's actually some nice little pockets of shade for escaping the sun.

It's also home to one of Maui's most underrated snorkeling sites, which hugs the break wall between here and Hanakao'o Beach, just to the north. The reef is healthy, there are plenty of turtles, and it's only about 10 feet deep.

The beach is definitely more popular on weekends, but this is a great spot for escaping the crowds (and wind) during the middle of the week.

Good For: Snorkeling, boogie boarding, ditching the crowds, buying plates of huli huli chicken from roadside fundraisers.

Not So Good For: Finding parking, crowded on weekends, hearing the noise from the highway.

Maui Expert Tip For Wahikuli Wayside State Park: The best section for snorkeling is just off the break wall between here and Hanakao'o Beach Park.

For a long coastal walk or jog you can follow the beach path all the way north and eventually link up with the Ka'anapali Beach Walk.

Directions and Parking Situation: Wahikuli Wayside State Park is located right along Honoapi'ilani Highway. If you're driving between Lahaina and Ka'anapali you literally pass right by it!

The parking lot is located by the stoplight at the junction of Leiali'i Parkway and Honoapi'ilani Highway. Parking can sometimes be tight on weekends, and there's also another parking lot just a few hundred yards north of the stoplight.

Facilities: Showers, restrooms, picnic shelters, barbecues, walking path, grassy areas, occasional roadside food vendors.