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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  • Fireweed25
    Edmonton, Canada253 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfect beach
    Great beach. Well maintained with facilities (showers and bathrooms) though only two bathroom stalls and always a line. Good parking. There is free lot parking, street parking or pay across the street at the pickle ball courts. We were able to park in the lot at about 9:30 am. Short walk along a paved path to the beach. Soft sand, warm water with gentle wave action in a protected bay. Nice views out to the ocean. Lots of good snorkelling along both sides of the bay and easy entry. The only slight negative is there is very little shade so bring an umbrella. The Sea House restaurant next to the parking lot was great for a late lunch.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 5, 2023
  • David Dill
    Houston, Texas6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Snorkel Wonderland, Especially If You Go "Tankless"
    First note that I have a "Tankless Diving System"I bought on amazon.com which allows me to snorkel without surfacing for over three hours straight, which is a lot more fun than being mostly limited to the surface. I also have a "Scuba Diving Ventilator System" which along with a weight belt, allows me to adjust my depth in the water simply by how I breathe. The seafloor and corals go up and down, and with my equipment, I'm able to swim up and down with them. Be careful though. The current on the surface flows toward the beach, whereas on the seafloor, it takes you out to sea. Periodically monitor where you are if you go tankless.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written December 13, 2023
  • Christi S
    North Richland Hills, Texas33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kapalua Beach is Gret
    The beach here is beautiful. Make sure to go to the Golf Course and walk out on the outcropping of rock where the waves crash into the rock. It is a bit of a hike but well worth it. The road beyond Kapalua is scenic but it does go to a higher elevation on a narrow road so if you are afraid of heights you may not want to go that route.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 29, 2024
  • traveltheworld461
    Fort McMurray, Canada3,064 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Probably my favourite beach to snorkel
    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.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 1, 2024
  • Ava B
    Houston, Texas14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Snorkeling and Turtle Watching
    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.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 4, 2024
  • Amy C
    Walnut Creek, California15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Too small; lots of small children
    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.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 15, 2024
  • Amy E
    Florida2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Crowded but great snorkeling
    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!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 17, 2024
  • HELEN DLR
    Sugar Land, Texas181 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Snorkeling Spot
    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.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,228 reviews
Excellent
875
Very good
284
Average
53
Poor
9
Terrible
7

Bkbak
Tempe, AZ1,406 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Denise S
7 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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 July 9, 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.

Becki W
Phoenix, Arizona146 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Basinman
561 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

megklee30
Appleton, WI256 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
We loved this beach and went there several times on our trip. Parking lot is typically full but there is roadside parking as well. Showers and bathrooms right there. The beach and bay are beautiful. Great for snorkeling to see turtles. The coral isn't as great as some other places but the grassy rocks attract turtles. We saw at least 2 every time we were there and even saw 6 all at one time in a fairly small area. Remember to keep your distance from them. I almost touched one here by mistake! I was watching another turtle and one saw up up behind me literally inches from me!! The beach is very scenic as well. Around sunset you're pretty much guaranteed to see a wedding taking place here. The Kapalua Coastal Trail starts here too.
Written January 21, 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.

By the beach
Ocean City, NJ566 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ryan
Charlotte, NC604 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
Written August 5, 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.

MikeI283BL
Milford, CT1,230 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sue E
Simi Valley, CA920 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
We headed to Kapalua Beach early...like 8:00 am so we could get a parking spot in the small lot. We got our spot....headed to the beach and found we had pick of where to put our chairs & equipment for a few hours. Snorkeling was pretty good on the far right hand side..we saw a few turtles over there resting on the bottom of the ocean. There were a few turtles on the left side but the water wasn't that clear there. By 10:00 am it was getting pretty crowded so we had lots of people watching for a few hours til we had our fill of snorkeling.
Written February 11, 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.

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