Popular bay that offers some shelter from wind/waves for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and family beach days.
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is a picturesque and popular beach located on the northwest coast of Maui. It is known for its natural beauty, calm and clear waters, and excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation.
Kapalua Bay is situated in the Kapalua Resort area on Maui’s northwest coast, about a 15 minute drive north from Auntie Snorkel Lahaina.
Parking and Access
Free option: you may park for free along Honoapiilani Hwy where there is ample room to park clear of traffic. Exercise plenty of caution getting in and out of your vehicle and across the busy road.
Closest option: paid parking lot at the beach entrance. From Lower Honoapiilani Road, take a left into the driveway just past the Napili Kai Resort. You will find several dozen parking spaces in a lot marked “Beach Access.” The parking lot can fill up quickly during busy times, so arriving early is recommended. If the lot is full, there can be high turnover. So, making a few circles to spot someone leaving can be fruitful.
Non-Hawaii residents will need to pay for parking here, and ranges from $25-$29 for the day. Your purchase here includes access to the paid lots at Ironwoods and DT Fleming Beach Park. More information is at the Parklinq site.
Next closest option: Merriman’s parking lot, 6am-3pm only, Monday-Saturday, $20. This lot is directly next to the beach parking lot, to the north.
Farthest walk, smaller cost option: Kapalua Tennis Garden, $10 for 3 hours, $15 all day. After paying at the parking kiosk, take the dirt path to the road, carefully cross, and walk across the beach parking lot to the access stairs.
To get to the beach, head past the restrooms, down the stairs, and through a short tunnel to the sandy beach at Kapalua Bay.
Kapalua Bay and the section of coastal trail that spans the length of the beach.
Facilities and Amenities
Kapalua Bay offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and shaded areas, making it a convenient spot for a family day at the beach.
Check a live webcam at the Plantation Golf Course at Kapalua for a look at the weather in the area.
The bay is known for its exceptional snorkeling conditions. The calm waters and protected bay provide an ideal environment for snorkelers of all levels. Underwater, you’ll encounter colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. The rocky outcrops at the north and south ends of the bay are particularly popular spots for snorkeling. It’s best to enter on the south side (left, looking from shore) where the bottom is sandy.
Besides snorkeling and swimming, visitors to Kapalua Bay can enjoy other water activities such as stand-up paddle boarding. Remember that currents and winds can be strong just outside of the bay, so stay within the shelter of the bay itself.
A full view of Kapalua Bay.
Environment and Seasonal Variation
The bay features a picturesque crescent-shaped shoreline with soft golden sand and calm, turquoise waters. Surrounded by lush, green vegetation and palm trees, it offers a tropical and postcard-perfect setting.
Responsible tourism practices, such as proper disposal of trash and the use of reef-safe sunscreen, can contribute to the long-term conservation of this stunning coastal environment on Maui.
The water conditions at Kapalua Bay can vary depending on the season. During the summer months, May – September, the waters are typically calm and clear, making it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. However, in the winter, the surf can pick up, and the beach may not be suitable for swimming or snorkeling.
Remember to respect the natural beauty and environment of Kapalua Bay by leaving no trace and following any posted rules and regulations. Kapalua Bay is a family-friendly beach that offers a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for a day of sun, sand, and water activities. Whether you’re an avid snorkeler or just looking for a beautiful place to unwind, Kapalua Bay is a must-visit destination on Maui.
About
Auntie Snorkel
Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers since 1985. We're the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop 10 years ago from Auntie, we decided to keep the name. The name "Auntie" is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I'm living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island that I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We're the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you're supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We're the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic! Mahalo and Aloha”. ~Mark Noble (Owner & Maui Fun Expert)
Spent a week on Maui using the snorkel gear that Kyle helped us pick out. It was quality gear. Kyle also gave great recommendations for snorkeling beaches around the island, which were all amazing. We would definitely use Auntie’s Snorkel again!
Samuel G.
The guys at both locations worked great for our family [mark and burton] they allowed us to get a rain check on our surfboards and boogie boards for later in the week. They even seamlessly allowed us to switch store locations since the store in Lahaina was much closer. I highly recommend this company. The first employee I think his name was mark even loaded our surfboards and strapped them to two of our cars! May you remember that Jesus alone saves.
M F.
Very easy process. Staff was super knowledgeable and easy to work with. Burton was great upon returning gear.
Kevin Johnson D.
Dave was awesome! Thank yall for making a great time even greater.
Lisa P.
Cali was awesome helping us get the gear we needed- we will be back again next time! Mahalo!
Automatic! All Auntie Snorkel guests are treated with exceptional attention and care. We pride ourselves on spreading unconditional Aloha to every customer, every time. That’s why we have thousands of 5-star reviews across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor!
