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 world-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.

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• China Boat
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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.

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

You may also be interested in:

• Ka'anapali Beach
• Olowalu Beaches
• Honolua Bay

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 and diving are also excellent all around this point. Weaker swimmers should beware that the water becomes deep quickly, and strong currents can occur in this location. See the Ka’anapali Beach page for 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

View Ka’anapali Beach in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Beaches: Ma’alaea to Lahaina
• Olowalu Beaches
• Honolua Bay

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.

This world-class beach is much less developed far less touristy than Ka’anapali Beach, however conditions can become dangerous during high surf with strong rip currents and powerful waves common.

For experienced surfers or spongers there is often good surfing and boogie boarding during North swells.

Weekends, holidays & pau hana can be crowded.

The beach is named for the man who introduced pineapple to West Maui; his legacy came to an end at the start of 2010 when the last commercial pineapple operations formally ceased in West Maui.

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

View Larger Map

You may also be interested in:

• Olowalu Beaches
• Oneloa Beach (aka Ironwoods Beach)
• Hamoa Beach

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

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• Olowalu Beaches
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• Beaches: Ma’alaea to Lahaina

At beaches with lifeguards, 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 almost never closes beaches during dangerous conditions. Flags and warnings will also not be up 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:

image: NOAA

Conserve your energy -Don’t fight
Remain calm and conserve your energy. Float, breathe and don’t panic. Always remember that you can not escape the current by swimming against it.

Swim parallel to shore
If you swim parallel to the shoreline, you can escape the current. When out of the current, swim at an angle towards shore.

Float
You can easily float in the current, do not panic if it is taking you further from shore than you believe you can swim. Waive your hands for help and wait calmly for assistance.

You can get current beach conditions, warnings, and safety tips here:

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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 Bay has a sandy cove nestled in mid-range resort which is itself nestled in a residential neighborhood.

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

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.

Entry is sandy, and the bottom is sandy with moderately steep entry and then reef further out (you can see the reef in the Google satellite image below.)

Sea turtles frequent the bay, and snorkeling can be fair when the surf is mellow. When the surf is up visibility, and thus snorkeling, is poor.

The water is frequently glassy, but when big swells come in waves can become quite large, and the rip currents which form here pull directly out to sea. Less experienced swimmers should avoid the water here during such conditions.

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

View Napili Beach aka Napili Bay in a larger map

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• Napili Gardens 8
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Oneloa Beach

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. Oneloa means “long sand.”

Kapalua Coastal Trail map (click for high resolution)

There is a shallow reef at the shoreline that often becomes exposed and the eastern end of beach (where the parking lot path drops you off.) Many visitors assume this stretches for the length of the beach and turn back – you won’t make that mistake; the far end usually has nice sandy bottom.

During calm oceans, decent snorkeling can be found at both ends of the beach, and diving is best around the rocky point to the north (Makaluaouna Point.)

Strong rip currents form here in big surf. Swimming can quickly become unsafe when surf is high, even at the shoreline. A good break for better boogie boarders during north swells.

Overall, this out of the way beach is a winner – and 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

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• D.T. Fleming Beach Park
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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.

Honolua means “two harbors” in Hawaiian, and this bay was historically used by Honolua Ranch to receive supplies and ship products.

The primary draw here today is snorkeling and surfing; you’re always guaranteed to see lots of fish, turtles and coral as long as you’re willing to swim out a bit from the beach.

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 snorkeling and SCUBA opportunities for all levels if you’re interested in investing a couple of hours into fully enjoying what Honolua Bay has to offer.

Honolua Bay

The best areas to snorkel at Honolua are further from the beach. That said, the west (left-hand) side is the best for snorkeling, follow the rocky shoreline all the way out and around Kalaepiha Point (see map below.) Diving is best on the east side which is deeper and contains many interesting coral formations.

In winter months storms bring excellent surf to Honolua – among one of the best surf breaks on Maui (and thus the world.) Needless to say, when swells come in surfers flock here in droves. There is an overlook on the east cliff where you can pull up to watch the action. Snorkeling & diving are to be avoided in such surf conditions.

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.

It should also be noted that the parking areas around these parts are favorites for smash-and-grab break-ins. As is suggested for all locations that are popular with visitors, always take 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.

Tips:
- At the beach you’ll see a DNLR sign at the start of a cement boat ramp that enters the bay. The sign is a must-read as it gives some great info you can use here, and at other snorkeling spots.
- 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

You may also be interested in:

• Beaches: Ma’alaea to Lahaina
• Olowalu Beaches
• Slaughterhouse Beach (aka Mokule’ia Beach)

Winter surf break at Slaughterhouse

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

In a nutshell: A dramatic cliff-framed beach and bay.
Minuses: Beach can vanish and surf can become dangerous in winter.
Sound-bite: “Will we get Slaughtered surfing here?”

DETAILS:
The name “Slaughterhouse Beach” comes from the Honolua Ranch slaughterhouse and tanning/storage shed that were (oh, so conveniently) located on the cliff’s edge above the ocean. The buildings were torn down in the 60′s, but the lovely name stuck. In contrast, the Hawaiian name Mokule’ia means “district of abundance”, and like most Hawaiian names, is a very accurate description.

Mokule’ia Bay is part of the same preserve as its neighbor Honolua Bay: the Honolua-Mokule’ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District. But unlike its rocky neighbor to the north, much of the year this bay has a nice sandy beach to relax on.

During the winter months there are often large well-formed waves that are perfect for the more experienced boogie boarders and surfers. But the large surf can often become dangerous, and even the most experienced need to keep a healthy respect for the ocean in mind. In summer months the waves are much more mellow and are often suitable for beginners. When the ocean is tame there is also very good snorkeling around the the north point and into Honolua Bay.

Much nicer beach than Honolua Bay next door

The cliff faces and trees give shade early and late in the day. Parking is on-street and minimal. There are concrete stairs with a railing that will take you from the ~100′ elevation parking down most of the way to the beach. This area suffers from break-ins so take your valuables with you and leave your car unlocked so you don’t lose a window.

Key Info:
Mile Marker: #32.2 (Hwy 30 aka Honoapiilani Hwy)
GPS Coordinates: 21.01106,-156.642144
Facilities: None
Get directions

(Note: Many information sources, including the Google Map below, spell the name of the bay wrong.)

View Mokule’ia & Honolua Bay & Slaughterhouse Beach in a larger map

You may also be interested in:

• Olowalu Beaches
• Honolua Bay
• Polo Beach