One of Maui’s most popular beaches, Napili Beach is a picturesque little protected bay with great snorkeling (it’s a sea turtle hang out) and tide pools for exploring during low tide.

The crescent shaped beach slopes down to the calm turquoise waters, making it an excellent swimming beach. 

The downside to Napili is that it can feel a little crowded with all the guests from the condos and small hotels that are built up around it, and there’s not much public parking. The best parking option is actually the Kapalua Beach parking lot. It’s a pretty short walk from there. 

I like to get to Napili Bay early to have breakfast at the Gazebo or Seahouse and then walk on the beach, but if I’m setting up for a full beach day, I usually go to Kapalua. 

Parking is the same as for Kapalua Bay Beach: 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.