Kapalua beach is a gem on the west side of Maui. Smaller than most beaches, it has a more private and secluded feel, even though it is the main beach for the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Kapalua Maui. The surroundings are manicured to perfection and the beach itself, with its crystal clear water, white sand, and steady warm breeze only exude the feelings that you are in paradise. Unless you have the privilege of staying at the Ritz Carlton Hotel or living in one of the few, immaculate condos surrounding the hotel, you will have to park in the Napili Kai beach access parking lot just north of the Napili Kai Hotel. At the bottom of the parking lot, down by the water, you will see a sign that marks the start of the Kapalua Hiking Trail. This is how you will get to Kapalua Beach. A few short steps down the trail will take you through a small overpass that reveals the beauty of the beach when you come out the other end. The trail winds its way around the small beach between the sand and the lush lawns of the overlooking condos. Watch our Maui video and follow us along this trail.
Out in the water you will see many people snorkeling and swimming in the warm water. It’s not exactly shallow, but it’s not deep enough that you can’t see the bottom, perfect for putting on a mask and fins and kicking around. Out in the distance there is a nice surf break where you will see surfers and body boarders having fun.
As you can see from our video, there is an activities hut on the north side of the beach that can assist in rentals of equipment from snorkel gear to sea kayaks, to umbrellas, towels and boogie boards.
Following the path will take you up and around the north bluff where you can walk out on a small peninsula and look around. On the bluff there is a beautiful lawn with benches to relax on.
To get to Kapalua Beach you must head north on Highway 30 to Office Rd in Kapalua. Take Office Rd. down the hill to Lower Honoapiilani Rd. and make a left. About a mile down the road, before you reach Napili Kai make a right into the beach access parking lot.