Kapalua Bay

Max Depth 1-15 feet

beginner snorkeling

Beach Location:5900 Lower Honoapiilani Highway, just north of the Napili Kai Beach Resort.
Amenities: Public restrooms, outdoor showers, drinking fountain, trash bins, walking paths.
Time to snorkel: Year round
Kid Friendly: Yes
Lifeguards: No
Parking: Heading north on Lower Honoapiilani Road, take an immediate left into the driveway just past the Napili Kai Resort. You will find 40 parking spaces marked Beach Access. If those are full, go back out and parallel park on the other side of the road, next to the golf course. Once you park, you’ll head past the restrooms, down the stairs, and through a short tunnel to the beach at Kapalua Bay.

Kapalua Bay is one of the more gentle bodies of seawater on Maui. Like all of Maui’s salt waters, it is most calm in the morning, before the wind gets going. If you are just becoming comfortable with your snorkel gear, or you are introducing your children or other beginners to the sport, this site is a great starting point. The water starts off shallow, at only two feet deep. The reef and marine life can be found just off the beach on either side of the bay. It is best to enter on the left hand side, where the bottom is sandy. (On the right, it is rocky underwater. Not only can you slip and hurt your feet on the rocks there, but you will disturb the rocky habitat beneath the surface if you walk on it.) Because Kapalua Bay can become crowded throughout the day, go early in the morning for the quietest snorkeling. Please make sure to give the sea turtles 30 feet of space when you see them. Mahalo!

Kapalua Bay Maui Hawaii - Sustainable dune

Kapalua Bay Rating by Boss Frog's

Water Clarity - 9/10

Wildlife Abundance - 8/10

Reef Abundance - 7/10

Ease of Beach Access - 9/10

Sandy Beach For Entertaining - 10/10

Summary 8.6/10

Kapalua Beach has been called the "World's Best Beach" by several travel publications. Generally calm waters with good visibility means Kapalua is a great beach for the whole family. Great snorkeling starts about twenty yards off the beach, on the left hand side.

View top 25 snorkeling beaches map and our complete beach guide page.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 1-808-661-3333.