Napili Beach on Maui
Located in Scenic Napili Bay in Northwest Maui
Napili Bay and Beach stand tall along Maui's northwest coastline— beautiful, scenic, and famous. The white-sloping sand and turquoise waters of Napili Bay and Beach make it one of the most popular beaches on Maui.
Overview of Napili Beach
Napili Bay’s Beach is perfect for swimming, sun tanning, and snorkeling. As one of Maui’s most natural secret gems, Napili is a favorite of many. For this reason, an assortment of full-time residents, part-time residents, and vacation condominium communities decided to call Napili Bay home.
As the calmest beach on the West Maui coastline, the waves remain consistently small and gentle. Nonetheless, boogie boarders can still enjoy some worthwhile waves here. Additionally, snorkelers of all ages flock there for great opportunities for safe snorkeling as the waters are relatively calm.
From Napili Beach, you can see two islands—Moloka‘i and Lãna‘i. Views of the two islands give visitors a taste of Hawaii's offers. When you turn your back to the sea, you see lush rolling hills and mountains that provide breathtaking views.
Directions to Napili Beach
You can access the beach and bay from the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30); however, be sure to plan accordingly and try to get there as early as possible, as again, parking is limited, and finding a space in the afternoon can be a frustrating experience.
Essential Tips for a Great Napili Beach Visit
The reef protects these shorelines from most swell action. Thus, you can enjoy clear waters and gentle waves at this spot. Patrons crowd this beach when the surf swells, but you can avoid most of the crowds by going during off-peak hours.
The beach lacks any public restrooms. Yet, you can visit the nearest condos and restaurants and ask to use their restrooms. There isn’t a lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk! Street parking is available – you should arrive early to find a good spot.
Napili Beach Amenities
Also, within the proximity of the beach, visitors will find:
- Restaurants
- Limited street parking
- General store
- Nearby resort
- Shopping center with a supermarket
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Napili Beach located in Northwest Maui
Good Times at Napili Beach
Family Activities at Napili Beach
Napili is a great family beach with a broad and sandy shoreline, calm waters, and rolling waves. It's perfect for swimming, kayaking, boogie boarding, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and lounging on the soft sand. This beach offers plenty of sunshine and a wide range of accommodations, especially luxury or amenities-filled resorts.
Napili Beach Activities
Snorkeling: Napili beach has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii, as lava rock formations protect swimmers from big waves. You'll see sea turtles in abundance. Head to Honokeana Cove to snorkel with the sea turtles at the southern point of this beach. You can rent snorkeling gear nearby.
Swimming: Enjoy serene days during the summer. The waters are sheltered from the tradewinds. The rocky formations make it a secluded spot where guests can swim. However, during the winter, it can be dangerous to swim here.
Surfing: The beach draws bodyboarders and surfers when the surf can be large and powerful during the winter.
Boogie boarding: Enjoy the consistent waves for boogie boarding.
Paddling: This is an excellent area for paddling, especially during the calm summer months. Watch out for the tradewinds, which can take you far from shore.
Nearby Attractions and Sights
Kapalua Golf Resort: Golfers who visit the Kapalua Golf Course on Maui in Hawaii experience a pure golfing sensation. Golfing at its finest, play on fairways that are lush and challenging.
Beach-hopping: You can find several stellar beaches near Napili Beach. Hop north of Napili beach to reach Kapalua Bay Beach, Oneloa (Ironwoods) Beach, and Fleming Beach. For the best kayaking, hop to Kapalua Bay. Fleming Beach features some of the best boogie boardings and bodysurfing. Fleming Beach also offers an abundance of shade courtesy of the ironwood trees along the shore. Oneloa Beach is similarly graced by many Ironwood trees, which earned it the 'Ironwoods' beach nickname.
