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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- traveltheworld461Fort McMurray, Canada3,048 contributionsProbably my favourite beach to snorkelWe 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.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 June 2024
- Ava BHouston, Texas14 contributionsSnorkeling and Turtle WatchingBEST 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.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2024
- Amy CWalnut Creek, California15 contributionsToo small; lots of small childrenVery 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.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 June 2024
- Amy EFlorida2 contributionsCrowded but great snorkelingThe 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!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 June 2024
- HELEN DLRSugar Land, Texas181 contributionsSnorkeling SpotThe 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.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,230 reviews
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JD C
California589 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.
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.
Hammer5505
Ripon, CA47 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
One of the most breathtaking snorkeling experiences I’ve ever had, and at such low cost! We rented snorkeling gear for $10/person (for two hours!) and then swam around finding beautiful fish and coral. We even got to swim with a beautiful sea turtle and watch one take a nap on the beach!
The water is very salty so it was easy to snorkel without a floatation device, and we were so close to the shallow coral that it sometimes took a lot of work to avoid touching it.
I can’t recommend this spot highly enough. Absolute highlight of my trip! Parking is the toughest part so bring a healthy dose of patience. Public restrooms at the parking lot so you can change and wash off sand
The water is very salty so it was easy to snorkel without a floatation device, and we were so close to the shallow coral that it sometimes took a lot of work to avoid touching it.
I can’t recommend this spot highly enough. Absolute highlight of my trip! Parking is the toughest part so bring a healthy dose of patience. Public restrooms at the parking lot so you can change and wash off sand
Written 5 August 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.
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.
Bkbak
Tempe, AZ1,404 contributions
Jun 2021
Maui is overrun with tourists right now and this beach was no exception. We arrived by 9 am and were LUCKY to find a parking spot although we had to pay $10. People were parking up to 1/2 mile away and hoofing it to this beach. This beach is on a cove so it's a little more protected than others like Ka'anapali Beach. Even though we arrived in the morning, the beach was already packed. Yet, when we left around 12, the beach at tripled in capacity. it was TOO crowded. The beach area is also going through restoration so it's not quite as attractive as it could be. Snorkeling wasn't very good the day we were there as there was a lot of turbidity. Also, it was just too crowded to be snorkeling close to all those people and the sharp coral.
Written 26 June 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.
Travel4life
Los Angeles, CA113 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
The beach is beautiful, with a great atmosphere perfect for spending time with my family. We enjoyed six hours on the beach and even spotted turtles. However, at a small shop, there were individuals, possibly from nearby hotels, charging a whopping 75 dollars for an umbrella and two chairs. There were no signs or displayed prices, so be cautious as these people might take advantage of unsuspecting tourists and engage in dishonest pricing for rentals. Despite this, I did meet some wonderful people in Hawaii, but it's important to stay alert to avoid potential rip-offs
Written 1 January 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.
Becki W
Phoenix, Arizona155 contributions
Jul 2021
Amazing snorkel experience! The beach is very crowded, but paying to park and walking the short distance was well worth it. We saw turtles, tons of tropical fish, and coral. We had a big group that ranged in age from 10-70+ and everyone was comfortable in the water. The water was very calm, and turtles and fish are easy to see on either side of this beach. Would highly recommend this beach to anyone wanting to spend a few hours snorkeling!
Written 25 July 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.
dune2010
Edmonton, Canada38 contributions
Nov 2022
We took the complimentary shuttle from the Ritz-Carlton to Kapalua Beach. It is a very weather protected beach, great for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling. While there, we saw a rare monk seal and green turtles.
There is a shack that rents all sort of things (snorkelling gear, umbrellas, lounge chairs…) and will set them up for you. On the expensive side, but I found everything expensive on Maui. The beach got a little crowded by mid afternoon, but tolerable. Part of the reason was an endangered Monk Seal showed up and they had to close about a quarter of the beach around the seal.
Wonderful day - only complaint was on the shuttle ride back to the Ritz-Carlton the driver was quite disparaging about the beach saying locals never go there only white people. He spoke for several minutes trash talking the beach and sounded resentful of tourists who are keeping him employed. Maybe having a bad day, but left a bad taste in out mouths.
Otherwise, a great day! November 1, 2022.
There is a shack that rents all sort of things (snorkelling gear, umbrellas, lounge chairs…) and will set them up for you. On the expensive side, but I found everything expensive on Maui. The beach got a little crowded by mid afternoon, but tolerable. Part of the reason was an endangered Monk Seal showed up and they had to close about a quarter of the beach around the seal.
Wonderful day - only complaint was on the shuttle ride back to the Ritz-Carlton the driver was quite disparaging about the beach saying locals never go there only white people. He spoke for several minutes trash talking the beach and sounded resentful of tourists who are keeping him employed. Maybe having a bad day, but left a bad taste in out mouths.
Otherwise, a great day! November 1, 2022.
Written 4 November 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.
flashncrash
Berkeley, CA668 contributions
Jan 2020
We have always enjoyed Kapalua Beach. Great for snorkeling and paddle boarding. The beach is a little steeper for my liking but it doesn't keep me away. We like finding a spot up against the plants that sit higher than the sand and serve as a partial wind blocker that whistles in from the east. Most people will enter from the main south entrance and trudge on the sand; my recommendation is to get onto the path above and to the east of the sand as there are many paths to the sand from there. Lately we haven't had any problems grabbing a spot in the beach parking lot because we arrive by 9am when most people are just getting up and figuring out what they want for breakfast. We leave right about noon when we've had plenty of time in the water before it gets crowded. Plenty of fish to enjoy and enough sea turtles too. Recommend you scout out where you will enter/exit the water as there are areas of rocks that will affect your ingress/egress and these entry points aren't always straight down from where you have your beach chairs/towels. If you have a flimsy beach umbrella it may not hold up on many days because of the wind.
Written 29 December 2020
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.
Steveh3Texas
Southlake, TX747 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Kapalua Beach has always had exceptional snorkeling but today was fantastic! We saw at least 8 turtles, once 4 at one time. We mainly swam down the right side of the bay. If you see one turtle, follow him and he’ll probably lead you to others. If public parking is full, park at Kapalua tennis center for $10 (free in and out, all day).
Written 27 February 2020
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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