Awarded “America’s Best Beach” in 2018, Kapalua Beach is definitely one of Maui’s treasures. 

It’s a bay so the snorkeling is decent (two reefs protect the bay) and the conditions are usually perfect for paddleboarding. 

There’s a gear rental stand at the far end of the beach that will hook you up. 

During whale season, it’s not uncommon to spot whales breeching in the distance in the channel between Maui and Molokai. 

This is also the start of the Kapalua Coastal Trail which is one of my favorite hikes on Maui. Start at Kapalua Beach and walk north all the way to DT Fleming Beach.

This is one of the most popular beaches in West Maui, and they’ve recently started charging for parking. The main lot (just past the Napili Kai Beach Resort) is fairly large and it’s $29 to park for the day (5AM-10PM).

Merriman’s charges $20 to park in their lot for the day (from 6AM to 3PM expect Sundays). 

You can park at the Kapalua Tennis Garden for $15 for the day (or $10 for 3 hours). 

And there’s free street parking on Lower Honoapi’ilani Rd. 

You can pull through the main lot and unload near the showers (as close as you can get to the beach) before you park at any of these places. 

Kapalua Bay Beach has restrooms and outdoor showers.