Maui Guidebook » Beaches | West Maui

West Maui – Quick Summary

Mark — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:48:36 +0000

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 and where you’ll find lower and mid-range lodging options.
Minuses: Only one narrow two-lane road in and out makes for the most congested traffic in Maui.
Sound-bite: “Today: Golf lessons, shopping, then some beach time to rest up for party-time tonight in Lahaina!”

West Maui is a large area which has seen the majority of Maui’s hotel and resort development. Ka’anapali Beach Resort is Maui’s largest (and first) master-planned resort, boasting 11 hotels and condos. Lahaina, known as Maui’s old whaling, party and shopping town also boasts loads of history and is home to one of Maui’s two main recreational ports. West Maui has four world-class golf courses, including the world-renowned PGA championship Plantation Course at Kapalua.

West Maui has only one main thoroughfare: the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30.) The Honoapiilani Highway runs right along the scenic shoreline, and in some places, right up to the shorebreak. It makes for fantastically unique drive. The highway continues all the way around the scenic West Maui Mountains, finishing up along a precarious cliff-edge drive that emerges back on the other side of Central Maui from where you started.

Being the most densely populated tourist area, and having only one narrow road in and out makes for heavy traffic. When there is an accident, forget about it – the road can be closed off entirely, cutting off access in or out of this side of the island for many hours at a time.

There are many opportunities for shopping and dining and new condos, hotels, time-shares, shopping centers and strip malls continue to spring up year after year.

For more specific information on West Maui, browse the West Maui category.

Kahekili Beach Park

Mark — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:22:40 +0000

The reef is right there, visible from the beach.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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 to the South, Ka’anapali Beach. Kahekili Beach is long, there are ample facilities – and like most Ka’anapali beaches, Kahekili does not disappoint.

King Kahekili Nui ‘Ahumanu

This beach is named for the last King of the Maui empire: King Kahekili Nui ‘Ahumanu.

An absolutely fearsome and ruthless leader, half of Kahekili’s body was tattooed entirely black so that he would match the description of his namesake, Kāne-Hekili, the Hawaiian God of thunder.

Among the list of fearsome acts, during his conquering of O’ahu he killed most of their chiefs and constructed a house made entirely of the bones of innocents, and accented by the skeletons of the chiefs he had conquored. By the time of his own death, Kahekili’s Maui Empire included all of the inhabited islands of Hawai’i except for the Big Island.

This is my absolute favorite beach to take those “not-so-strong swimmers” or first-time snorkelers to. The reef comes right up to the shore here – and the surf is typically mild. Since snorkelers don’t have to swim into deeper waters, or close to shallow/partially exposed rock, snorkeling here is as easy as it gets: you just dive in, and you’re right there.

Kahekili Beach Park is also a favorite place for SCUBA outfits to take beginning divers. An easy walk-in right from the beach, and the area is relatively shallow as far as diving goes.

Besides a wide array of fish, there are also loads of green sea turtles that frequent the entire Ka’anapali area. If you spend any significant time snorkeling (or just looking for them from your perch the beach) you’re bound to encounter them, and they are always a favorite.

During whale season, whales can typically be observed from the beach, breaching and frolicking. Even if you can’t see them, this is one of many perfect locations where you will almost always hear them. All you need to do is slip under the water and be absolutely silent for a moment.

The biggest minus here is the same as the biggest plus: since the reef starts right at the ocean’s edge, tentatively wading in to test the waters isn’t going to be a pleasure. For the stretch of beach fronting the pavilion, much of the entry is not sandy-bottomed for more than the first couple steps step or two, so you’ll definitely want to fully commit (start swimming/floating immediately upon entry!)

A popular place to learn SCUBA

Now, if a beautiful sandy entry is all you need to seal the deal, a short stroll towards the Black Rock end of this beach (south/left side) delivers. The south side of this beach mirrors the perfection of Ka’anapali Beach, with less crowds. Wow – with all that love, you’ll soon see why many locals skip right over Ka’anapali Beach in favor of Kahekili. (Note: during winter storms the south end of Kahekili beach can sometimes have exposed lava-rock at the entry to the ocean.)

Key Info:
Location: Kai Ala Dr. @ 25.1 mile marker of Honoapi’ilani Hwy (Hwy 30)
GPS Coordinates: 20.93670,-156.69171
Facilities: Restrooms, water, picnic tables, covered pavilion area, bbq’s, showers, lawn.
Get directions

View Kahekili Beach Park in a larger map

Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)

lilikoi — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:56:12 +0000

Black Rock is great fun to jump from!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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 island. It is a rocky outcrop at the far North end of Ka’anapali Beach and blocks off access (from the beach) to the lesser-known Ka’anapali Resort beach called Kahekili Beach Park.

The Hawai’ian name for Black Rock is Pu’u Keka’a, and ancient Hawaiians believed that this was the place where their spirits went to jump off to join ancestors forever. Unlucky souls who could not be shown the way by their family ‘aumakua (guardian animal spirit), would wander and attach themselves to rocks in the area. This is likely where the “it is bad luck to take a Hawai’ian lava rock” superstition comes from.

Kaanapali beach facing black rock (in background.)

Nowadays Black Rock is used by the younger generation as a leaping-off point for fun in the ocean. There is also a resort-sponsored sunset torch lighting (that also ends with a jump.)

Snorkeling is also very good around this point – although weaker swimmers should beware of strong currents known in this location. See the Ka’anapali Beach page for a snorkel map, and more information about the beach.

Key Info:
Location: At the far north end of Ka’anapali Beach.
GPS Coordinates: 20.926540,-156.696807
Facilities: Resort owned beach showers and most shop bathrooms are publicly accessible.
Get directions

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D.T. Fleming Beach Park

Mark — Sun, 02 May 2010 20:18:11 +0000

D.T. Fleming Beach Park

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: Long, sandy sometimes crowded beach backed by ironwoods.
Minuses: Crowded on weekends. Afternoons can be very windy.
Sound-bite: “…fantastic place to just set up some chairs and watch…”

QUICK SUMMARY:
Long, sandy sometimes crowded beach backed by ironwoods (read: shade) and full facilities. Next to Kapalua resort and the Ritz Carlton. Decent snorkeling. Not safe for swimming when surf is high. Good for boogie boarding and surfing during North swells.

This world-class beach is much less developed far less touristy than Ka’anapali Beach.

Weekends, holidays & pau hana can be crowded.

Key Info:
Mile Marker: #31.1 (Hwy 30 aka Honoapiilani Hwy) turn on Lower Honoapiilani Rd. to parking at end
GPS Coordinates: 21.003913,-156.651263
Facilities: Lifeguards, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables, BBQ, Showers
Get directions

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Ka'anapali Beach

lilikoi — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:47:03 +0000

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

Rating: 4.35 out of 5 stars

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 seven resorts, Whalers Village Mall, and many fine shops & restaurants. The beach itself is perfection. Long, wide and sandy, the water entry and swimming are glorious. Black Rock offers cliff jumping (and cliff-jumper watching.) There are activities galore. There is also a long concrete walk that you can stroll along as you meander between shops, eats, drinks, sunset, and the beach.

Walkway that follows Ka'anapali Beach

If a world-class resort destination with all the trappings is what you’re looking for, it really doesn’t get any better than this. Sitting along every last inch of the entire length of this beach is the epitome of the high-end commercial interpretation of Hawai’i. For those that desire nothing more than a resort experience to recharge from the stresses of work, and life back home, you may very well be content staying within the boundaries of the collective resort area and not ever venturing beyond.

For those seeking the more genuine Maui, Ka’anapali Beach has been so commercially sanitized, it really could be dropped into any similar latitude closer to your home and billed as a “Hawaiian-themed luxury resort destination.” Most folks of this mindset will likely tire of the relentless commercialism after a half-day visit.

For those interested in snorkeling, there is excellent snorkeling around Black Rock, which is at the north end of the beach. (best snorkeling area is marked in Google map below – weaker swimmers should be aware of strong currents known to appear around the deeper areas.)

Kaanapali beach facing black rock (in background.)

Like all Maui beaches, this beach is open to the public. But public parking is woefully inadequate. There are five small partially-public lots scattered between the Ka’anapali Parkway and the beach. Look for the (sometimes hidden) “Beach Access” signs to discover them. The parking areas on the better end of the beach (north) can be very tough to find an open spot – and I frequently have found myself parking in the Whalers Village parking lot. You can have your parking ticket validated for three free hours of parking by stores in Whalers Village with most purchases. After three hours, rent on a parking stall is equivalent to renting a $3,000 a month condo (okay, it is broken down into more convenient $2/half-hour increments!) But be aware, at $2/half-hour, you’ve apparently not paid enough for the right to do as you please once you leave your vehicle – even though their marketing materials sell the idea of shopping and beach being “separated by the mere flick of a towel.” the sign at their parking lot states you’d better not be thinking of flicking your towel if parking there! (Why, if, and how they enforce this rule, I’ve got absolutely no idea.)

Key Info:
Location: All along Ka’anapali Pkwy. (24 mile marker of Honoapi’ilani Hwy aka Hwy 30)
GPS Coordinates: 20.922221,-156.695895
Facilities: Resort owned beach showers and most shop bathrooms are publicly accessible.
Get directions

View Ka’anapali Beach in a larger map

Honolua Bay

Walker — Mon, 25 May 2009 06:59:07 +0000

Honolua Bay, view towards beach

Rating: 3.95 out of 5 stars

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 and even rocks.) We could take a lesson from the early Hawaiians, who were superb stewards of the land and carefully managed all of their important fishing grounds – including this area – in order to protect the abundant natural resources for future generations. The bay has been been recognized as an area of significant cultural, historical, and environmental value by present day Hawaii as well.

Okay, now some caveats (but stick with me here, and don’t bail out without reading through.) The beach is very rocky, and between a sometimes stagnant stream inlet to the ocean, and a rural/agricultural property right at the beach where farm animals are kept (think odors) it is not the kind of beach that you go to to lay out and sun yourself. The water is also very murky at the shoreline, so you need to swim a bit out for good visibility – combined with parking that is further away than many other snorkel locations – Honolua Bay isn’t a “drive-by” snorkel.

BUT the bay here is huge, and the visibility improves greatly further form the beach. Add the fact that it is a reserve where taking of fish is prohibited; the place is teeming with life – so there are abundant, world-class snorkeling and SCUBA opportunities for all levels if you’re interested in investing at least a couple hours into fully enjoying what Honolua Bay has to offer.

Honolua Bay

As I said earlier, visibility (and swimability) conditions can vary quite a bit here. But even on a below-average day you will see lots of fish, turtles, coral, and other amazing and stunning sea life. The best areas to snorkel at Honolua are always far from the beach. On the right there are spectacular coral formations and generally speaking, visibility, and therefore the snorkeling, tends to be better. That said, the left side isn’t exactly to be avoided, and can provide spectacular snorkeling as well (not so much SCUBA because it is shallower.) The only place that is sub-par is closer in toward the beach. You’ll still see stuff in the “murky-zone”, but generally only when it is practically right in front of your face.

Sometimes the ocean can be radical out here – typically in winter months when big swells are common. Since I already told you that the snorkeling closer to the beach is below average, (and what I didn’t tell you yet: there are no lifeguards) you are going to have to use your judgment as to how far to venture depending on the ocean conditions. (There is also great surfing here when the surf is up.)

For the same reason surfing is good in winter, the visibility for snorkeling is going to be better in the summer. A good rule of thumb is if you see lots of people surfing, chances are it isn’t the best time to snorkel.

When you get to Honolua Bay:
Parking can be tough because it is limited to a few turnouts around the area. On the Google Map below, I placed the marker at what should be your first preference to park, the set of cars just on the other side of the bend there is also just as good. There is a well-marked path through a nice jungly area down to the bay from both of these areas. That said, parking is very limited and you may be forced to find parking elsewhere.

It should also be noted that the parking areas around these parts are also favorites for the car smash-and-grab breakins since the area is more remote, and the cars can’t be seen from the beach. So (as suggested for all locations that are popular with visitors) take all your valuables with you and leave your car unlocked so the dirtbags don’t have to break the glass to find out you outsmarted ‘em.

Once you walk down to the beach you’ll see a DNLR sign at the start of a cement boat ramp that enters the bay. Two tips: The sign is a must-read – it gives some great info you can use here, and at other snorkeling spots, and the boat ramp is the easiest way to enter the water for snorkeling and SCUBA as well.

Key Info:
Mile Marker: #32 (Honoapi’ilani Hwy aka Hwy 30)
GPS Coordinates: 21.011896,-156.636854
Facilities: No facilities/no lifeguards
Get directions

View Honolua Bay in a larger map

Napili Beach aka Napili Bay

Mark — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:53:24 +0000

Napili Beach is postcard perfect

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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 neighborhood.

This “resort” is reminiscent of an older low-rent mainland beach town; multiple low-rise condos make up the resort area. Much more basic than the high-end resorts, and also less expensive and less commercialized which seems to attract families and European travelers.

Napili Bay Hotels/Condos

Napili Shores
Napili Surf Beach Resort
Napili Bay Resort
Napili Sunset
Hale Napili
Napili Village
Mauian on Napili Bay
Napili Kai Beach Resort

Don’t let the class of lodging fool you, the beach here is spectacular and world-class – a five-star resort would be at home here, and some day I’m sure it will.

The water is frequently glassy, but when big swells come in waves can be quite large. Entry is sandy, and the bottom is sandy with moderately steep entry and reef further out (you can see the reef in the Google satellite image below.) Sea turtles frequent the bay, and snorkeling can be fair to good when the surf is mellow. When the surf is up visibility, and thus snorkeling, is poor

There are restaurants, bathrooms and a general store in the resort. There is a shopping center with supermarket between the main highway and the resort.

Key Info:
Location: Along Lower Honoapi’ilani Dr. – via Napilihau Rd. @ 29 mile marker of Honoapi’ilani Hwy (Hwy 30)
GPS Coordinates: 20.995219,-156.66652
Facilities: Public showers, no lifeguards, restrooms in various resort buildings.
Get directions

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Ironwoods Beach & Oneloa Bay (West Maui)

Mark — Sun, 02 May 2010 19:48:33 +0000

Ironwoods Beach & Oneloa Bay

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: 1/4 Mile long, sandy and uncrowded beach next to Kapalua resort.
Minuses: Can become very windy in afternoons.
Sound-bite: “Where is everyone?”

QUICK SUMMARY:
This is a beautiful 1/4 Mile long, sandy and uncrowded beach next to the Ritz Carlton and Kapalua Resort. It lies roughly midway along a 1.76 mile boardwalk/trail called the Kapalua Coastal Trail that starts at D.T. Fleming Beach and continues to Kapalua Bay.

Kapalua Coastal Trail map (click for high resolution)

A bit out of the way fro those not staying in Kapalua, and the eastern part of beach (to the right facing ocean, and where the parking lot path drops you off) does not have sandy bottom and is poor for swimming causing most to abandon this beach for others. The far end usually has nice sandy bottom, and decent snorkeling. Not safe for swimming when surf is high. Good for better boogie boarders during North swells. A wonderful place to just sit and take it all in.

Key Info:
Mile Marker: #30.1 (Hwy 30 aka Honoapiilani Hwy to Kapalua Resort Office Rd.) Follow Office Rd. to end, and refer to Google map below for exact location.
GPS Coordinates: 21.004144,-156.659793
Facilities: None
Get directions

View Oneloa Beach & Oneloa Bay (West Maui) in a larger map

Hanaka’o'o Beach Park (aka Canoe Beach)

Mark — Mon, 03 May 2010 00:47:02 +0000

Rating: 2.25 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: Less touristy extension of beach past Ka’anapali beach.
Minuses: Crowded on weekends.
Sound-bite: [roar of a jet ski]

QUICK SUMMARY:
Connected to the south of Ka’anapali Beach. This beach park is where outrigger canoes launch (hence the nickname.)

There is good swimming, but poor visibility for snorkeling. Beach is more popular with locals, and less touristy than further north on this stretch of sand – although activities sold on Ka’anapali Beach, like Jet Skis are launched here. Kahana Canoe Club, Lahaina Canoe Club and Napili Canoe Club launch from here and store impressive outrigger canoes here. Full facilities.

Info:
Mile Marker: #23.4 (Hwy 30 aka Honoapiilani Hwy) – See Google map below for exact location.
GPS Coordinates: 20.910616,-156.689882
Facilities: Showers, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables, Pavilions, BBQ, No Lifeguards
Get directions

View Hanaka’o'o Beach Park (aka Canoe Beach) in a larger map

Beaches: Ma’alaea to Lahaina

Mark — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:18:03 +0000

Ukumehame Beach Park is practically on the road.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: A cliff-side and shoreline drive to Lahaina passes along a spectacularly scenic shoreline with many beaches.
Minuses: The road.
Sound-bite: [cars]

QUICK SUMMARY:
The Honoapiilani Highway hugs the coastline, passing cliffs, ocean lookouts and beaches. Parts of this drive are so close, that the beach is quite literally the shoulder. Most of the beaches are not visitor go-to places for sunning and playing, but they sure are nice to drive by. Learning to surf is one of the most popular reasons visitors end up in the water here – and if you just can’t resist a spontaneous dunk, you can just pull over and jump right on in!

Regular long, small waves make this stretch of beaches one of the most popular to learn how to surf.

Notable Beaches between Ma’alaea & Lahaina
(None of these beaches have lifeguards.)

Papalaua Wayside Park mm11 | GPS: 20.793039,-156.570957
Right on the road. Narrow strip of sandy beach with #keawe trees and the ocean right there. You can camp here (except Thursdays) with advance permit from county (be sure to call well ahead of your visit: 808-661-4685) & paid fees – but it can get crazy windy later in the day and overnight! Some fair snorkeling. Surfing. Picnic tables, BBQs, no potable water, Port-a-potties.

Ukumehame Beach Park mm12.5 | GPS: 20.796078,-156.585645
Also right on the road. Picnic tables, BBQ, port-a-potties. Surfing is good here. Fair snorkeling.

Olowalu Beach mm14 | GPS: 20.8099336,-156.623674
No facilities. Surfing. Fair to good snorkeling.

Launiupoko Beach Park Keiki Pool

Launiupoko Beach Park mm18 | GPS: 20.8431258,-156.652706
Popular with families and crowded on weekends. When you can’t find a spot in the lot, there is plenty of overflow parking across the highway. There is reef close to water entry, and swimming is marginal. For the little ones, there is a small, protected man-made pool that connects to ocean. Good beginner surfing and plenty of surf schools offer lessons here. Picnic tables, BBQs, Bathrooms, Showers.

Puamana Park mm19.2 | GPS: 20.8553228,-156.663789
Picnic tables & port-a-potties. Good beginner surfing, although it can get big seasonally.

See Google map below for exact locations.

View Shoreline: Ma’alaea to Lahaina in a larger map

Maui Guidebook » Beaches | West Maui

West Maui – Quick Summary

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