Maui Guidebook

West Maui – Quick Summary

Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

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…

Kahekili Beach Park

Posted on 15. Jul, 2009 by Mark.

The reef is right there, visible from the beach.

Rating:

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…

Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)

Posted on 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Black Rock is great fun to jump from!

Rating:

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…

Ka'anapali Beach

Posted on 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

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

Rating:

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Minuses: The true Hawai’i here has been replaced by a highly profitable replica.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…

Honolua Bay

Posted on 24. May, 2009 by Walker.

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…

Napili Beach aka Napili Bay

Posted on 14. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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…

Slaughterhouse Beach and Mokule’ia Bay

Posted on 21. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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.…

Lahaina Baby Beach (aka Pu’unoa beach)

Posted on 16. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

Lahaina Baby Beach

Rating:

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…