With the sun and the waves, there’s not much about Maui not to love. As you make your way around the island in search of different memory making locations, we hope you will consider heading out west for a lovely ocean experience. Located on the northwest side of Maui, Kapalua is a resort area that has a calm and serene ambience. Kapalua Bay, with unique black lava outcroppings, is home to a rare gem, Kapalua Bay Beach.

Kapalua Bay Beach with its beautiful white sand and premier location, is sheltered and usually calm. In contrast to many Hawaiian beaches, Kapalua Bay Beach has a limited number of waves. The best part? If you have always wanted to give snorkeling a try, or feel that you are not the most adventurous, this is a wonderful beach for you. If you are a bit more experienced and want to see what the ocean out west has to offer, a variety of local fish and other sea dwellers can be found in the protective reefs on either side of the bay.

Dr. Beach himself recognized the uncommon characteristics of the beach and moved it up to the number 2 spot in the 2017 Top 10 Beach List. Coastal expert Stephen P. Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University, aka Dr. Beach, noted the unique sheltering lava rocks as playing a key role in making the beach great for safe swimming.

Kapalua Bay Beach was first featured on the list back in 1991, the top 10 list’s first year, as it’s first national winner.  Unfortunately once a beach is declared the winner, it is retired from the list.  Dr. Beach started over in 2016 however, and Kapalua once again became eligible. It was no surprise to see the beach made the top 10 list right away. Want to stop at more than one location while you are out that way? Just a ways down the road you will find D. T. Fleming Beach, which was named top beach in the country in 2006.

Trying to figure out how best to plan your day, and stay dry? Strolling along Kapalua Bay Beach also makes for a lovely early morning excursion that you can finish off with lunch in Lahaina town and still have time for a walk down the famous Front Street area of Old Lahaina.

We look forward to you coming to visit! Please consider Rentals Maui when booking your next stay.  Check our rentals online, or call us for more information. Our contact information is at the bottom of the page.