MauiGuidebook.com 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?”
Napili Bay
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.
– 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.
Napili Beach is postcard perfect
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
Theresa Burch says:
Anyone know the best way to get into the cove by Napili Point since they won’t let you go through their property?
Steve says:
There is now a very nice gravel path into Honokeana Cove, between Napili Point and Honokeana Cove Resort. Park in the turnout across the street from the latter and just walk right in.
Roxanne Whitbeck says:
I have never figured out when to park for this beach. Any ideas?
JC says:
Get there early for parking. If the lot is full, you can park across the street with the Tennis Club. I think it was about $10-15 dollars and is a short walk to the beach. The Tennis Club has free parking after 2 pm.
Marsha says:
Appreciate the helpful, well organized info presented here in MauiGuidebook. Stayed at Napili several years ago on 1st visit to HI. So looking forward to staying again, enjoying the area again. Looks like a few faves are still there, like Kimo’s & Nick’s Fishmarket. Also, looking forward to driving up to Hana…this time on my own, opps to stop wherever, as many times as I’d like & take my time exploring the sacred pools (I hope) at my own pace 🙂 If anyone is monitoring comments here…recommendations for independent, budget car-rental agencies would be much appreciated (June’18).
Ruby Rose says:
Ditto! I enjoy visiting, exploring various places without feeling pressured or on someone else’s schedule. I was missed out on several sights at the expense of others. Have returned, and now I’m doing it “my way”! Aloha!