Beaches | West Maui by Rating

West Maui – Quick Summary

Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

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General Geographic Area: West Maui

General Geographic Area: West Maui

In a nutshell: West Maui is home to loads of beautiful beaches, and the towns of Lahaina and Ka’anapali. To the north of this region, Ka’anapali and Kapalua boast plenty of higher-end condos and resort hotels, plus four word-class golf courses. Lahaina, the most-visited spot on Maui, is midway around the head…

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Kahekili Beach Park

Posted on 15. Jul, 2009 by Mark.

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The reef is right there, visible from the beach.

The reef is right there, visible from the beach.

Rating: ★★★★½

In a nutshell: Drive-up snorkeling convenience on a wonderful, less-than-crowded resort beach.
Minuses: The plus is the minus: ocean entry directly onto reef.
Sound-bite: “Welcome to McSnorkels, may I take your order?”

DETAILS:
This beach is the Northern most beach in the Ka’anapali Beach Resort, but is less crowded and commercialized than its sister…

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Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)

Posted on 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

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Black Rock is great fun to jump from!

Black Rock is great fun to jump from!

Rating: ★★★★½

In a nutshell: Black Rock is at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach, and is a great place to cliff-jump into the ocean, and snorkel.
Minuses: The uncoordinated may experience an up-close once-in-a-lifetime lava experience.
Sound-bite: “Wooohoooo!” [SPLASH!]

DETAILS:
Black Rock was formed from one of the last-gasp lava flows on this side of the…

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Ka'anapali Beach

Posted on 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

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Ka'anapali Beach at the Ka'anapali Ali'i

Ka’anapali Beach at the Ka’anapali Ali’i

Rating: ★★★★½

In a nutshell: Ka’anapali Beach is a mile-long, spectacularly perfect beach that is home to seven resorts, high-end shopping, various restaurants and activities.
Minuses: The true Hawai’i here has been replaced by a highly profitable replica.
Sound-bite: “What-ever. Louis Vuitton snorkel gear is so last-year.”

DETAILS:
Ka’anapali Beach runs from Black Rock to Canoe Beach, fronted by…

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Honolua Bay

Posted on 24. May, 2009 by Walker.

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Honolua Bay, view towards beach

Honolua Bay, view towards beach

Rating: ★★★★☆

In a nutshell: Honolua Bay is a spectacular place to snorkel or dive, if you know where to go.
Minuses: Beach uses are mediocre.
Sound-bite: “Honey, your back is really red…”

DETAILS:
Honolua Bay is part of a Marine Life Conservation District, so there is no fishing (or taking of any natural resources, including marine life…

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Napili Beach aka Napili Bay

Posted on 14. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Napili Beach is postcard perfect

Napili Beach is postcard perfect

Rating: ★★★★☆

In a nutshell: A less crowded, low-key resort beach with a much more family feel than many in West Maui.
Minuses: Parking can be difficult.
Sound-bite: “What is the definition of resort, anyway?”

DETAILS:
Napili Beach is on Napili Bay, a sandy cove nestled in a lower-end resort (compared to Ka’anapali) which is itself nestled in a residential…

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Slaughterhouse Beach and Mokule’ia Bay

Posted on 21. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Winter surf break at Slaughterhouse

Winter surf break at Slaughterhouse

Rating: ★★★★☆

In a nutshell: A dramatic cliff-framed marine sanctuary bay with large surf in winter.
Minuses: Water can get murky if it has rained recently.
Sound-bite: “Will we get Slaughtered surfing here?”

DETAILS:
The name “Slaughterhouse Beach” comes from two slaughterhouses that used to be located on the ranch above this beach over 40 years ago.…

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Lahaina Baby Beach (aka Pu’unoa beach)

Posted on 16. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Lahaina Baby Beach

Lahaina Baby Beach

Rating: ★★½☆☆

In a nutshell: Shallow and safe for little kids because of the offshore reef.
Minuses: Very poor swimming.
Sound-bite: “Hey, it’s nicer than the beach in Atlantic City!”

There is also a (much higher rated) Baby Beach on the North Shore.

DETAILS:
Lahaina’s Baby Beach is mostly visited by local families with young children. The beach is protected by…

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