Napili Beach
Napili Beach
4.5
About
This crescent-shaped cove on Maui's northwest coast is a popular beach for families and great for blue sea snorkeling and spotting sea turtles.
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- Dan CVentura, California336 contributionsGreat beachOne of the prettiest beaches in Maui. Well protected cove and the snorkeling is great. The beach sand is soft and lots of it. See turtles almost every time we go. There are restrooms and outside showers available. Parking is limited there but there are a couple of pay parking lots on the main road or get there early and park on the main road. That's what we usually do. Great place for families too.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 March 2023
- Sarah YEnderby, Canada10 contributionsThe most fun you will have. Get ready to laugh!Great beach. The access was a little confusing, but Iso happy we went here! It was not busy so we used seats that were available. We went in the water and unexpected to us the waves were incredible and were tossed around. It was the most fun ever!!! Could not stop laughing and filled out suits with all the sand!!!! The best unexpected find and fun!Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 9 April 2023
- kimberlybrennan13Savannah, Georgia17 contributionsWe ❤️ Napili BeachThis is the perfect beach spot for families with young kids. Shallow water that is mostly calm, lots or rocky areas to explore, and the ability to spot sea turtles with our without snorkeling. We visited 3 times during our 6 day stay, our 6 year old daughter couldn’t get enough (and we live in a FL beach town!). Get there early (before 9am) if you want any chance at close parking.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 July 2023
- Jill AlfordYucaipa, California55 contributionsLove this beach!The best beach in Maui! We stayed at Napili Point and make the easy walk from there so we don’t ever worry about parking. Sometimes the waves are kicking which makes it fun to boogie board. Snorkeling and paddle boarding are popular activities at this beach too.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 July 2023
- Christy BTracy, California32 contributionsThe best beach in Maui for calm waters and great for snorkeling!!!The best beach in Maui for calm waters and great for snorkeling!!! Get there early to find parking and it’s a short walk down to the beach. It’s not so crowded and the water is pristine blue-green. The snorkeling is perfect here as you can see the fish so clearly. It was nice that the beach was only 12 minutes from the blowhole.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 July 2023
- Freedom7749148 contributionsOne of the best beaches in Hawaii!We had the best time at Napili Beach! It is as gorgeous as the photos in travel guides display. This is a great location for beginner snorkeling...as part of the beach is protected from huge waves. We saw several sea turtles which were beautiful.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 August 2023
- Kelly CCarrollton, Texas22 contributionsNepali beachWe went to Napali beach because I read the tide pools were easily accessible. The pain parking lots were little far, but there was some free parking that was closer. The beach was a good size. Many of the beaches on the west coast are very rocky and I would recommend water shoes but this beach was not rocky. The tide pools were close and easily accessible, but I didn’t not find much marine life.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 August 2023
- Fireweed25Edmonton, Canada236 contributionsBeauty beachAnother beautiful beach in Maui. Parking was a pain trying to find free parking in a residential area but we followed the directions from The Snorkel Store and managed to snag a spot at around 9 am. We had a wonderful breakfast at the nearby Sea House restaurant and then hit the beach. Pay attention to where the regulars were set up on the beach. The water can come up quite high. We needed shade and so planted ourselves by the hedges at the back of the beach and the water still came up that far. The beach has soft sand but a bit of a hill/slanted entry from beach down to the water. Sandy bottom with a few large rocks to watch out for. Waves were not bad the day we were there but locals told us even though the bay is protected, some days it can be a huge boogie boarding area where you could ride almost from the corner of one side of the bay diagonal to the other. It is a popular beach for snorkelers. People were snorkelling in the middle of the bay as well as on both the right and left sides. On the left side were some tide pools and I saw fish and a turtle in the area. Though there are no facilities (bathrooms), Napili Bay is a great place to choose for beach time for a few hours.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 November 2023
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
2,755 reviews
Excellent
1,975
Very good
631
Average
127
Poor
16
Terrible
6
Hrothmir
Smyrna, GA202 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
At the time I was planning our trip to Maui, Napili beach showed up as 5 of 1000 on TripAdvisor when I searched for sites on Maui. We went there. I am amazed it got that high a ranking, The beach may have some good features (good swimming, etc.); but in terms of scenic beauty it did not rank high in my books at all. There are building all along the beach. There are so many more beautiful beaches on Maui.
Written 13 March 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.
Wanda O
Edmonton, Canada27 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
My favourite beach on Maui. I swam with a family of turtles every day.. easy access and a beautiful spot to watch the sun go down..
Written 5 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.
Fireweed25
Edmonton, Canada236 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Another beautiful beach in Maui. Parking was a pain trying to find free parking in a residential area but we followed the directions from The Snorkel Store and managed to snag a spot at around 9 am. We had a wonderful breakfast at the nearby Sea House restaurant and then hit the beach.
Pay attention to where the regulars were set up on the beach. The water can come up quite high. We needed shade and so planted ourselves by the hedges at the back of the beach and the water still came up that far.
The beach has soft sand but a bit of a hill/slanted entry from beach down to the water. Sandy bottom with a few large rocks to watch out for. Waves were not bad the day we were there but locals told us even though the bay is protected, some days it can be a huge boogie boarding area where you could ride almost from the corner of one side of the bay diagonal to the other.
It is a popular beach for snorkelers. People were snorkelling in the middle of the bay as well as on both the right and left sides. On the left side were some tide pools and I saw fish and a turtle in the area.
Though there are no facilities (bathrooms), Napili Bay is a great place to choose for beach time for a few hours.
Pay attention to where the regulars were set up on the beach. The water can come up quite high. We needed shade and so planted ourselves by the hedges at the back of the beach and the water still came up that far.
The beach has soft sand but a bit of a hill/slanted entry from beach down to the water. Sandy bottom with a few large rocks to watch out for. Waves were not bad the day we were there but locals told us even though the bay is protected, some days it can be a huge boogie boarding area where you could ride almost from the corner of one side of the bay diagonal to the other.
It is a popular beach for snorkelers. People were snorkelling in the middle of the bay as well as on both the right and left sides. On the left side were some tide pools and I saw fish and a turtle in the area.
Though there are no facilities (bathrooms), Napili Bay is a great place to choose for beach time for a few hours.
Written 5 November 2023
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.
JDTravelhome
Canada734 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Another beautiful beach to enjoy in Maui. Water was very calm the day we were there with only small waves.
Written 29 August 2023
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.
Kelly C
Carrollton, TX22 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We went to Napali beach because I read the tide pools were easily accessible. The pain parking lots were little far, but there was some free parking that was closer. The beach was a good size. Many of the beaches on the west coast are very rocky and I would recommend water shoes but this beach was not rocky. The tide pools were close and easily accessible, but I didn’t not find much marine life.
Written 23 August 2023
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.
Sam C
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Great looking beach, but the snorkeling visibility was very poor. I’d recommend slaughterhouse beach or Kapalua bay. Fine if your not planning to snorkel.
Written 13 August 2023
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.
Freedom774914
8 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We had the best time at Napili Beach! It is as gorgeous as the photos in travel guides display. This is a great location for beginner snorkeling...as part of the beach is protected from huge waves. We saw several sea turtles which were beautiful.
Written 6 August 2023
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.
Christy B
Tracy, CA32 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The best beach in Maui for calm waters and great for snorkeling!!! Get there early to find parking and it’s a short walk down to the beach. It’s not so crowded and the water is pristine blue-green. The snorkeling is perfect here as you can see the fish so clearly. It was nice that the beach was only 12 minutes from the blowhole.
Written 31 July 2023
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.
Jill Alford
Yucaipa, CA55 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The best beach in Maui! We stayed at Napili Point and make the easy walk from there so we don’t ever worry about parking. Sometimes the waves are kicking which makes it fun to boogie board. Snorkeling and paddle boarding are popular activities at this beach too.
Written 16 July 2023
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.
kimberlybrennan13
Savannah, GA17 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This is the perfect beach spot for families with young kids. Shallow water that is mostly calm, lots or rocky areas to explore, and the ability to spot sea turtles with our without snorkeling. We visited 3 times during our 6 day stay, our 6 year old daughter couldn’t get enough (and we live in a FL beach town!). Get there early (before 9am) if you want any chance at close parking.
Written 4 July 2023
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.
194600
Mesa8 contributions
We will be close to there on Feb 26 Is that a good place to Snorkle if you don't know how to swim that well?
Kurt H
Salt Lake City, UT441 contributions
This heavily depends on the surf. Since you are going in winter, you could either get strong waves and would need to be a strong swimmer, or not so strong. I'd still try it carefully, unless you really can't swim. in that case, suggest life preserver and staying in the shallows to see what you can see. Also, if too wavy, then the beach coast that faces south on the southern sides of Maui would be better.
Kristen C
Clifton Park, NY3 contributions
Are there bathroom facilities at this beach? My husband and I are ziplining nearby in the morning and would like to go to this beach after but wondering if there’s a place to change into our swimsuits. Are there chairs for rent also or do we have to lay on towels? Thanks!
pkehs
Cherry Hill, NJ
Bathroom at North end, in public parking lot behind Napili Kai Resort, as you go to path that leads to Kapalua beach
Jscbird
California55 contributions
We have two kids 2 & 4 and are debating between staying at Napili Lani or a house rental on baby beach (Lahaina). Was Napili gentle and calm enough for little kids? We think this beach looks nicer so wanted to know what everyone thinks
elizabeth534
San Francisco, CA175 contributions
Napili Bay is great for young kids. The bay provided a lot shelter.
hushebeck
Friday Harbor, WA6 contributions
Where do you park your car ??
lemieuxg
Thunder Bay, Canada543 contributions
Most of the people park along the Street closest to the beach; this is a very busy beach with limited parking - definitely an advantage to get there early or take the city bus like we did - the bus stops very close to the beach (no hassles then).
Sunybuni
High Desert, California19 contributions
We will be traveling here and staying nearby. Just curious, did you leave personal belongings (towels, lunch bag) on the beach while you snorkeled? If so, was anything missing when you came out of the water? Trying to find out if our belongings will be safe. Mahalo!
ChrisHamnett
Yarra Junction, Australia243 contributions
We found folks left belongings on the beach without any concern
My wife always sat with ours as she does not snorkel, but just waited
AaronZ67
St. Albert, Canada75 contributions
I am going to be in Lahaina on April 22 and 23 on a cruise ship. How would I best get to this beach?
john f
Zephyrhills, FL22 contributions
access on google maps 5315 lower honopiilani rd. From this map you'll see napili place,turn left park on this street, proceed to end of street . You will see The Gazebo restaurant. beach access walk is behind this restaurant(great place for breakfast or lunch but be prepared to wait unless you get there early. this beach has a beautiful view of Molokai. Be careful of currents here. rescue crews have had to retrieve swimmers who have gotten out too far and been caught in the Pailolo channel
margekate
Saint Louis13 contributions
Is there transportation from a cruise ship to this beach
Zman47
Oakland California227 contributions
The ship will deliver you to the main dock in Lahaina via tender
Have sandwiches sent to your room via room service and bring ashore
On Front Street-- the main drag are ABC stores that sell cheap styrofoam coolers. Get a bag of ice, some chips and a favorite beverage or two
Take a cab to the beach ( with three friends ) this is cheap
Have cab drop you off in beach parking lot. Wear a rash shirt and bring sun screen
Near by restaurants or condo complex's will help get a cab back to down town
Four to five hours in the direct sun will fry most folks. With some planning this will be a great day. At the beach end they rent snorkeling. equipment. Do not me
Miss this opportunity
2010uk
Edmonton, Canada59 contributions
We are planning a trip March 2015, 2 families of 4 and want a upper floor that has been newly renovated, are there any garden view rooms on the upper floors or are they the ocean/partial ocean views only?
JPOS_CA
Marin County, CA209 contributions
When we were there in August they were renovating several garden view buildings, but you will get the best answer from calling Napili Kai, there phone reps are great AND they sometimes offer "specials" you only get via phone.
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Claim your listingNAPILI BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Napili Beach
- Hotels near Napili Beach:
- (0.14 mi) Napili Kai Beach Resort
- (0.15 mi) Napili Sunset Beachfront Resort
- (0.14 mi) Hale Napili
- (0.19 mi) Napili Surf Beach Resort
- (0.09 mi) The #1 Vacation Rental on Maui!! Steps to Maui's Best Beach!
- Restaurants near Napili Beach:
- (0.12 mi) Sea House Restaurant
- (0.15 mi) Merriman's Maui
- (0.18 mi) Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Shores
- (0.21 mi) Big Wave Shave Ice Company
- (0.27 mi) Kitchen 5315 Restaurant & Tiki Bar