Kapalua Beach
Kapalua Beach
4.5
About
This serene cove on the northwestern tip of Maui is known as one of the most beautiful spots in Hawaii. Sunbathe on the soft white sand and snorkel in the warm, calm, crystal-clear waters. The area is teaming with marine life, and you can easily spot fish, eels, and sea turtles swimming amongst the coral. This small beach can get crowded—arrive early to get a good spot, or come later in the afternoon for a vibrant sunset. There are restrooms and showers by the parking lot, and the walk along Kapalua Coastal Trail is a great way to take in the view.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,233 reviews
Excellent
877
Very good
286
Average
54
Poor
9
Terrible
7
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN8,529 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
I must have visited on the wrong day as my snorkeling experience didn't match the great reputation this beach has for it. It was windy and the ocean was more choppy than usual affecting visibility. I would certainly need to try this location again under the right conditions. As for the beach itself, I wasn't overly impressed. It is rather small and can get crowded. It is also not very secluded as it is very developed all around the beach with condos. There are however convenient changing and showering facilities adjacent to the beach near the parking lot. The nearby Kapalua Coastal Trail is spectacular offering great coastal views. There is a beautiful cove on the other side of Kapalua Beach on Namalu Bay and this is worth checking out. There is no beach, but swimming in the secluded cove is possible. Parking is now $29/day. You can ride on the West Maui Express Bus 29 to here and it only costs $2. Pick up is near the Seahorse Restaurant for the ride back to Ka'anapali Beach.
Written 21 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveltheworld461
Fort McMurray, Canada3,048 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We visited here twice during our trip. The beach is gorgeous. The snorkeling is fantastic. We saw lots of different fish, turtles, and an eel the first time. The second time we saw a snowflake moray eel, puffer fish, a dead giant lobster, scorpion fish, and more turtles. We also did the coastal hike (recommend going early or late in the day) and it was beautiful.
Written 1 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy C
Walnut Creek, CA15 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Very cute and small beach in a protected cove. We went early after reading the reviews about how crowded it gets and also to see early morning fish. Very disappointed in the amount of fish that we were able to see and NO TURTLES. We were in the water from 815am to 930am and went to sit on our blanket. Lots of families with small children. One 2 year old right next to us whined for an hour straight. At that point, beach was too crowded to find a better place so we left, along with another couple next to us leaving at the same time. Hint: if you want the beach to yourself, bring a small whining child and you’re sure to clear out the beach around you.
Written 15 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ava B
Houston, TX14 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
BEST snorkeling and turtle watching I have experienced. On this trip to the Hawaiian islands (Oahu, Maui, Kaui and Big Island) I was in search of the best snorkeling with the calmest waters and amazing reefs, Kapalua Bay/Beach was the best! The area is protected from huge waves. I loved it as there were tons of families and the fish were everywhere! Turtles were on the beach and in the water. It was spectacular! Great place for families to swim.
Written 5 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy E
Florida2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The best snorkeling we have seen on Maui! We saw large schools of fish, a green sea turtle, and eels, all swimming around the large coral heads. Parking is a pain, and the beach is crowded, but the water is beautiful and the snorkeling made it worth it!
Written 18 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HELEN DLR
Sugar Land, TX181 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
The Kapalua Bay Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots with easy access.
Fish as long as my arm, colorful, big sea turtles, nice corals 🪸. Shallow water for kids, deeper water for adults, the whole family can find a part of the beach they like.
Conveniently with kayak, paddle board, beach chairs to rent, sea house and a few other restaurants nearby. It has become one of my favorite spots.
The doves are so brave and would eat from your hands.
Fish as long as my arm, colorful, big sea turtles, nice corals 🪸. Shallow water for kids, deeper water for adults, the whole family can find a part of the beach they like.
Conveniently with kayak, paddle board, beach chairs to rent, sea house and a few other restaurants nearby. It has become one of my favorite spots.
The doves are so brave and would eat from your hands.
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise S
6 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We went here to snorkel for the day. I recommend going early for a parking spot! You can park in the next lot at Merrimans for $10 (lot is only available until 3pm) However, the parking app wasn't working on a Sunday when we went...but we never got a ticket. There are restrooms & showers. The beach is having some restoration due to erosion. Small beach =packed beach. We didn't stay long; maybe 1.5 hours. I recommend staying back near the brush; away from the shoreline; a southern swell was occurring and waves kept washing up on people's blankets & chairs. Lots of people and unfortunately lots of garbage; pack it in; pack it out people! We picked up a lot of garbage on our way out (other people's garbage) Snorkeling was ok. Windy day; thus lack of good snorkel report. Others around us saw sea turtles. We'd like to visit again, but will opt for an early start.
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JD C
California588 contributions
Apr 2021
We like to snorkel in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Best side to snorkel is the left side as you face the ocean. There appears to be more sea life and turtles than on the right side which, sadly, seems to suffer from coral bleaching. Parking is very tight -- when we were there in late April 2021, the public parking lot was undergoing construction which meant parking in the paid lot - $10 up until 3:00 pm. The beach has restroom facilities and outdoor shower.
Written 22 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
getaways
Lahaina, HI6,093 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Kapalua Beach and most parking lots along the Kapalua Coastal trail have become pay parking lots.
I was in the parking lot and phoned the Kauai based parking company for rates. They were only offering all day rates of $29.
Hope these parking fees change because Kapalua Beach and the coastal trail to D T Fleming Beach is beautiful.
The beach was in good condition and nice and calm .
Hope the new parking fees get adjusted at the Kapalua & DT Fleming area parking .
I was in the parking lot and phoned the Kauai based parking company for rates. They were only offering all day rates of $29.
Hope these parking fees change because Kapalua Beach and the coastal trail to D T Fleming Beach is beautiful.
The beach was in good condition and nice and calm .
Hope the new parking fees get adjusted at the Kapalua & DT Fleming area parking .
Written 14 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basinman
560 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This was our favorite snorkeling beach for corals, fish, and green sea turtles. It's small, so arrive early to find parking and get a spot on the beach. Plan on having others close by as the beach is popular. Not a beach for quiet solitude. But great swimming and snorkeling family beach. Best ocean access for snorkeling is directly in front of the stand that rents beach chairs, etc. There is sand access here, vs rocks elsewhere. There is a restroom and showers by the parking lot. A hose to rinse off is also near the concession stand stairway. Best snorkeling is on right side of the bay when facing out. Parking fills by 9am. Street parking is available but also fills quickly. Merrimans Restaurant has a lot next to the public lot that chages $10 for parking from 6am-3pm that usually has space. The Kapalua Coastal Trail starts at this beach.
Written 14 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Best way to do excursions in kahului Hawaii. Also nawiliuli, kauai, Honolulu, Oahu and Hilo,Hawaii
Written 6 January 2025
This beach looks lovely but we are planning a vow renewal (13 people total) for March 2022. I keep reading that it is busy. Anyone know what it's usually like around 4pm? Wondering if we will be able to carve out space for our family with a pretty view for photos. Thanks!
Written 16 February 2022
Are you "wedded" (my silly pun, sorry) to this site? If I had my choices, I would hurry on down to Kaanapali Beach (between the Hyatt and the Sheraton) and get set up on those beautiful stretches of sand and grass for my vows.
We were there (both beaches) recently and thought the Kapalua Beach rather pathetic (sooo very much damage) and you may need to get a permit or something to put up a gathering for 13+ people. Who knows? You may need to ask.
The Kaanapali beach area is way more desirable over this beach (IMHO). Kaanapali sunsets? Off the charts! Stuff to do? No comparison. We've been regular visitors for 25+ years here to this part of Maui and would strongly steer you towards Kaanapali.
Please, do PM me with more requests for info. I hate to see anyone waste money and time on a just "so-so" location for such an important gathering.
Written 17 February 2022
Well, you’ve just spent thousands of dollars going to Hawaii. If the lot is full (keep in mind, people do start leaving in the early afternoon), drive one block to the Kapalua tennis center. Pay $10 and get a ticket for your dash. You can come in and out all day. Lot is nice and big, with some shady parking spaces. And right across the street from the beach lot. If you park on the street, you must get all 4 tires off of the pavement or you will be ticketed.
Well worth the $10
Written 3 March 2020
Can you rent chairs or umbrellas on this beach? Facilities?
Written 25 November 2019
Yes
Almost all public beaches in close vicinity of resorts have that option.
We usually go to the Costco or Walmart and buy and at the end of the week give it to a new in coming family or leave it with the front desk.
Written 1 December 2019
How far is the beach from the cruise port? Looking for a beach for snorkeling that can take an uber to
Written 23 March 2019
It depends on which cruise port you're talking about. If it's from Lahaina no problem. It's a $10 max uber ride. If you're talking about Kahului then it will be a $125 uber ride. Look for something closer.
Written 24 March 2019
It's public. I highly recommend getting there early in the morning, as parking (as well as the beach) fills up. Parking is limited.
Written 28 June 2018
Can you rent snorkel gear here?
Written 25 January 2018
Yes, there was a small hut on one end of the beach where you could rent snorkel gear. I don't know about prices, didn't pay attention, as we had bought snorkel masks on Amazon and brought them with us.
Written 25 January 2018
I am researching where to rent and where is a good spot for SUP. &
My wife & I are looking forward to our first Maui trip in April. She has SUP'd before,... so I'm looking for a good outfitter and beach for her to enjoy... I would prefer to Kayak... but I'll try SUP'ing...
Any suggestions out there.. ?
Thanks in advance...
Written 28 February 2016
The Ritz Carlton has a beach rental shed at Kapalua Bay that includes SUP's and kayaks. Don't know their rates or whether you have to be a Ritz Carlton guest to rent. Check with the hotel.
The bay is very sheltered so it'd be a good place to learn.
Written 1 March 2016
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