Beaches

Beaches in West Maui, Hawaii

Napili Beach 

Good For: Families

Located along the northwestern coastline in an area commonly known as Napili Bay. This white- sloping sand beach is protected by the crescent-shaped shoreline, which is what keeps the waters calm. Sea turtle sightings are common in this area, as there are some reefs further out from shore. Being that it fronts a residential neighborhood with some condos, one of the perks is that you get to avoid the commercial elements and the hustle and bustle of the hotels. There are conveniences at this beach that include bathrooms, a general store, and some nearby restaurants. Parking can be found not very far from the beach; however, it may be a bit tricky, so plan to arrive early to find a good spot.

Kapalua Beach

Good For: Snorkeling, Swimming, and Relaxing

Beautiful white sandy beaches, vibrant marine life below, which makes it an exceptional snorkeling location. It is usually a popular spot for both residents and visitors, so getting there is not difficult. The two reefs that extend on both ends of the beach form a C-shaped cove protecting it against high winds and currents; thus, the calm water is perfect for family bonding and beginner snorkeling. The corals along the rocky point on the right side are the healthiest, so make sure to check them out first.

Oneloa – aka Ironwood 

Good For: Surfing

In Hawaiian, Oneloa means “long sand,” which is appropriate, given it is a quarter of a mile long. If you are looking for a beach location that does not make you feel cramped, this is the beach to head to for the space and the beauty. The eastern end of the beach is home to a shallow reef that is closer to the the parking lot path, but the western end has a pleasantly sandy bottom. You can find nice snorkeling areas on both sides. Its finest feature is its peaceful atmosphere. Most people overlook it, although it can be conveniently accessed by the Kapalua Coastal Trail, which fronts the Ritz Carlton Kapalua Resort. If you’re looking for a quiet, tranquil place to settle down on the sand and watch the sunset, or go for a peaceful morning swim, Oneloa Beach is a real gem.

Honokowai Beach Park

Good for: Families and Snorkeling

This cozy little beach is scenic and calm. The reefs lie along the shoreline, forming a safe little pool that young children find delightful to play in. The lush canopy of trees along its edges provides nice spots where parents can sit in the shade, chatting, admiring the views, and watching the little ones. The beach itself is on the narrow side, but one of the pluses is the gradual slope out in the water. Because it’s shallow for quite a long distance, waves don’t tend to get very far. The reefs house a lovely array of marine life as well. Nearby, there are several great places to grab food that you can bring with you. To add to its family-friendly quality, this beach is alcohol-free.

Slaughterhouse Beach – Mokuleʻia

Good For: Surfing and Snorkeling

This beach, fortunately, did not earn its name from its conditions; instead, it was given back in the day when the Honolua Ranch slaughterhouse was located up on the cliff, but it has long been removed from the location. The location’s Hawaiian name is Mokule’ia, which means “district of abundance.” People come to surf and to admire the wild, dramatic scenery from this pleasant stretch of sand. When the swells are up, the waves can get dangerously large, especially in the winter months, even for advanced surfers. The waves are much milder in the summer and better suited to beginners. If you prefer uncrowded beaches, this one offers plenty of space for basking in the sun or sitting in the shade cast by the trees and cliffs above. If you’d like to go for a swim, opt for calm, clear, early mornings for the safest and most peaceful conditions. The same is true if you’d like to snorkel. Both ends of the beach feature an exciting collection of marine life. Just make sure to respect the ocean and make your way back to land as soon as conditions start to get rough. You will find a small parking lot here, and a set of concrete stairs (with a railing) to take you down the 100-foot cliff to the beach.

Honolua Bay

Good For: Surfing and Snorkeling

This is the one beach we are suggesting that is too rocky for good sunbathing or swimming. However, it is an absolutely amazing location for snorkeling when conditions are calm, and surfing when the swells are up. Honolua Bay is part of a Marine Life Conservation District, so taking anything is strictly prohibited, and that includes everything from fish to broken pieces of coral to rocks. When you go snorkeling here, you’ll find out why it’s such an important place for good stewardship. At this location, you’ll discover a rainbow of gorgeous fish and probably spot some turtles as well. If you opt for one of those calm, clear, early mornings, you are guaranteed to discover some truly amazing marine life. The visibility tends to be best away from the shoreline, even though it’s rocky. Although this bay is relatively large, its whole expanse is just teeming with life, especially on the western side. During the winter, the swells bring amazing waves, thus it is widely considered one of the best surf breaks in Maui waters, and even in the world. Conveniently, it features an overlook on the east cliff where you can watch the surfers tackle the mesmerizing waves.

Ka’anapali Beach

Good For: Families and Snorkeling

This mile-long stretch of gorgeous white sand is a lovely place to swim, lay out on the sand, and watch the people go by. At its north end, you’ll find Black Rock, which anchors plenty of reefs for snorkelers to explore. The rock is also used by some adventurous folk for cliff jumping. Kaanapali Beach is home to no less than seven resorts, as well as Whaler’s Village, which offers a high-end shopping experience and several dining options. This beach is best if you want convenient access to food and shopping, and if you enjoy the active buzz of the crowd while still having plenty of space to pick out your own spot on the sand. If you prefer the tranquility of an uncrowded beach, you’ll want to skip this one.

Kahekili Beach Park

Good For: Families and Snorkeling

Just north of Kaanapali Beach, you’ll find this quieter, less commercial stretch of beautiful sand. Although the beach is soft, you’ll find a shallow reef as soon as you enter the water. It makes for an excellent place for beginners, including young ones, to snorkel. The reefs protect the beach from larger waves, helping to block the currents and keep conditions calm. It is not so ideal for swimming, unless you’re snorkeling, but the beach itself is perfectly pleasant for lounging. You will often see beginning diving classes held here as it is such a nice place to learn, and there is not much depth to be concerned about. Green sea turtles frequent the area, and there are plenty of fish and other marine life to see when exploring the reef.

Olowalu Shoreline

Good For: Snorkeling

Olowalu Shoreline includes numerous little beaches that are the first you’ll see as you drive from Central Maui to West Maui. Take your pick! These beaches are easy to spot because they’re so close to the main road, Honoapi’ilani Highway, and the beach is a little narrow. You will notice the sound of cars passing by while you’re on the beach, but once you’ve donned your snorkeling gear and begun exploring the incredible coral reefs at this location, the road noises will simply disappear from your mind. Between the fish, shrimp, sea urchins, crabs, octopus, and other reef dwellers that live amongst these corals, you never know what exciting new sighting to expect. The reefs in this area are shallow and come very close to the surface, but there are sandy channels you can follow to and from the beach. For the best results, pick your spot bright and early on one of those sparkling clear mornings when the water is barely rippling. Just be careful of the thorns dropped by the kiawe trees.

Ocean Safety Tips

Current Conditions
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Respect the ocean! Under normal conditions, the ocean can be enjoyable and safe. However, conditions can change, and the size of the waves and surf can change fast, rip currents form, and swimming can become dangerous at even what appear to be the tamest of beaches.

Maui only has seven beach parks with lifeguards. They are:

North Shore:

Baldwin Beach Park
Hoʻokipa Beach Park
Kanaha Beach Park

South Maui:

Kamaʻole Beach Park
Makena Big Beach

West Maui:

D.T. Fleming Beach Park
Hanakaʻoʻo Beach Park

At our beaches with lifeguards (we mark them with) look out for orange high-surf flags in the sand. If they are present, visit the lifeguard stand to read or talk to a lifeguard about the conditions.

Keep in mind that the county virtually never closes beaches, or places special warnings on unguarded beaches during dangerous conditions. Flags and warnings will also not be up on guarded beaches outside of lifeguard hours. It is up to you to understand that Hawaii’s oceans can become dangerous, and that it requires each individual’s attention, respect and understanding of conditions.

If you ever get caught in a rip-current, please keep in mind the three most important things to your survival:

Conserve your energy! Don’t fight!

Remain calm and conserve your energy. Float, breathe, and don’t panic. Always remember that you cannot escape the current by swimming against it.

Float

Float in the current, do not panic if it is taking you further from shore than you believe you can swim. You will be released, and you will need all of your energy.

Rip currents will release you

When out of the current, swim at an angle, out of the rip, towards shore. There are often currents heading into shore adjacent to rips; take advantage of them. If you can not make it in, wave your hands for help and wait calmly for assistance.

Reef Safe Sunscreen 

In May 2018, Hawaii became the first state in the nation, and the most prominent tourist destination in the world, to pass legislation banning sunscreen containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which destroy coral reefs. The bill, which was signed into law on July 3, was the result of more than a decade of scientific studies looking at the impacts of these personal care products on the delicate marine habitats.

Use a water-resistant sunscreen that will be more likely to stay on your skin and out of the water. Sunscreen washes off your body when swimming and enters the marine environment.

Avoid oxybenzone (the most common compound), octinoxate (which is more toxic), and octocrylene, which can kill coral and damage coral reefs.

Use lotions and creams instead of sprays, which are more likely to stick to the sand than your skin. When the tide comes in, this chemical-covered sand is then carried out into the ocean, which can lead to additional contamination.

We look forward to hosting you at Napili Surf Beach Resort, our Maui, Hawaii, resort! Haven’t secured your accommodation? View our rooms!