Family-friendly sandy beach in a bay offering excellent snorkeling, paddle boarding, and other recreation.
Napili Bay
Napili Bay is a beautiful and popular beach located on the northwest coast of Maui. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine waters, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Napili Bay is a family friendly beach, with its calm waters and gentle slope into the ocean making it suitable for children to swim and play. Families often visit to enjoy the sun and sand.
Napili Bay is situated in the Napili-Honokowai area, about a 15 minute drive north from Auntie Snorkel Lahaina, along Lower Honoapiilani Road. It’s easily accessible and a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Parking and Access
From Lower Honoapiilani Road heading north, pass the Napili Shores Resort and take a left onto Napili Place, which offers space for parallel parking. If this is full, there are more parallel parking spots on Hui Drive, which is one street north. If both areas are full, some spaces can also be found alongside Lower Honoapiilani Road. Remember to ensure that your parking does not impede any roadways, and do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Beach access paths to Napili Bay can be found at the far end of Napili Place, and in the middle of Hui Drive.
Click to view a live webcam at Napili Bay, hosted by Napili Sunset.
Facilities and Amenities
While Napili Bay is not as developed as some of the larger resort beaches on Maui, it does offer some amenities such as showers, and picnic tables. There are no public restrooms at Napili Bay. There are dining options nearby, including restaurants and cafes.
The beach at Napili Bay on Maui with a view of Moloka’i in the distance.
Napili Bay is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. The waters are usually clear and relatively calm, making it a safe and enjoyable place for water activities. Snorkelers can explore coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, plentiful sea turtles, and other marine life.
The usually calm waters of the bay and easy access make for excellent 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.
When the surf is up, Napili Bay offers fun boogie boarding for all. Always exercise caution when waves are present, and if in doubt, don’t go out!
Napili Bay from the north end.
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.
It’s important for visitors to respect the local rules and regulations, including not touching or damaging the coral, not collecting or harassing marine life, and not disturbing the natural habitat.
The water conditions at Napili 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 Napili Bay by leaving no trace and following any posted rules and regulations. Napili Bay is a beloved spot on Maui for those seeking a serene and less crowded beach experience. Whether you’re interested in swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply taking in the beautiful scenery and sunsets, Napili Bay offers a tranquil and idyllic escape on the island of 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!
Auntie Snorkel in Kihei is about 1 block from Kamaole Beach I and Kamaole Beach II, where you can explore the spectacular reef that separates the two beaches.
