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Hawaii (HI)
Maui
Kapalua
Things to Do in Kapalua
Kapalua Beach

Kapalua Beach: Address, Phone Number, Kapalua Beach Reviews: 4.5/5

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Kapalua Beach

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Kapalua Beach
4.5
1,199
#1 of 17 things to do in Kapalua
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Kapalua Beach and nearby attractions

The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
35 within 3 miles
Merriman's Maui
3,707
455 ft$$$$ • American • Seafood • International
Sea House Restaurant
3,086
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Polynesian
Cane & Canoe
467
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Seafood • Vegan Options
Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Shores
3,235
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Hawaiian
Big Wave Shave Ice Company
11
0.3 mi$ • Dessert • American • Hawaiian
Kitchen 5315 Restaurant & Tiki Bar
149
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Grill
Honolua Store
804
0.8 mi$ • Specialty Food Market • American • Cafe
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
2,135
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi
Banyan Tree
488
0.8 mi$$$$ • Bar • Hawaiian • Vegetarian Friendly
THE POUR HOUSE Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
118
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Wine Bar
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Attractions
38 within 6 miles
Kapalua Coastal Trail
1,165
353 ftNature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Napili Beach
2,721
0.2 miBeaches
Cliff House
2
0.2 miHistoric Sites
In-House Retreats (Yoga)
30
0.3 miSports Camps & Clinics
PoHaku Park
22
0.3 miParks
Dragon's Teeth
409
0.9 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations
Honokeana Bay
65
0.5 miBodies of Water • Beaches
Oneloa Bay
47
0.5 miBeaches
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
746
1 miBeaches • Parks
Slaughterhouse Beach
108
1.7 miBeaches
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,199 reviews
Excellent
851
Very good
280
Average
52
Poor
9
Terrible
6
jdc8mbc
California624 contributions
Favorite Maui snorkeling location
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 May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Basinman
326 contributions
Kapalua Beach-Favorite snorkeling beach
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 March 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Becki W
Phoenix, Arizona102 contributions
We saw beautiful turtles!
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 July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bkbak
Tempe, AZ1,338 contributions
Expected better conditions and less people
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 June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
flashncrash
Berkeley, CA745 contributions
Another great beach
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 December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steveh3Texas
Southlake, TX696 contributions
Snorkeling highlight
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 February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Monica M
Morgan Hill, CA4 contributions
Great Beach for Families
Feb 2022
Kapalua Beach is stunning. Lots of fish and turtles! Water is clear and great for snorkeling. Easy access to the beach. Food is available nearby at the Montage but I recommend bringing a picnic lunch.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MikeI283BL
Milford, CT876 contributions
Perfect beach!
Aug 2021 • Couples
This was our favorite beach from our two weeks on the islands of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. The bay here was perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles and seeing them from the shore. There was also many beautiful fish here. Water was very calm and was perfect for relaxing in the waves. We paid $10 to park by a local hotel and returned another day and paid $10 by the tennis courts. Well worth it!
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ryan
Charlotte, NC576 contributions
Soft sand, calm waters, decent snorkeling
Aug 2019
If you're going here for snorkeling, the left side of the bay just passed the restaurant is where we saw the most sea life. Kapalua also has some of the softest sand I felt in Maui. Calm water makes this a good option for kids.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
By the beach
Ocean City, NJ453 contributions
Nice little beach
Mar 2020 • Couples
My wife and I found this nice little secluded beach during the Coronavirus issue where the National parks were closed. We saw plenty of surfers and I can see where it is desirable because of the wave action. The beach does not offer any amenities, so bring your own snacks and drinks. Also the parking is very limited. There is another small lot nearby where we parked. We also walked down to the “dragons teeth”. It is worth a drive from Lahaina for a change of pace or a stop on the way to or from the blow hole.
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kapalua Beach
We recommend booking Kapalua Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Kapalua Beach tours on Tripadvisor