If you’re in the market for Kapalua real estate, you may enjoy a handy guide to its wonderful beaches so you can make the most of the stunning natural beauty that makes this such a special part of the island. Kapalua’s beaches are considered its finest treasures by many, and if you haven’t yet explored them, we highly recommend that you take the time to do so. Spending time in ocean water and the right amount of sunlight can also be great for your physical and psychological health, too. With that in mind, we hope you find the following Kapalua beach guide helpful.
Napili Bay – Let’s start with the southernmost beach and work our way north, up the coast. Napili Bay is a charming little beach with a family feel to it, not to mention it’s on the less crowded side. Just a sandy little cove nestled in a resort that’s surrounded by a peaceful neighborhood, this beach is still a bit bigger than the next one on our list. The water entry is sandy but moderately steep. Further out, you’ll find reefs and may see some turtles when the surf is calm. Rip currents can be strong when the weather kicks up. Less experienced swimmers and snorkelers should avoid going out in these conditions. That being said, on those calm, crystal clear mornings, this water is clear and its reefs beautiful. The resort features restaurants, bathrooms and a general store.
Kapalua Beach – The smallest of all the beaches we’ll list here, this one is also a bit on the rugged side. Water entry is mostly sandy, but it gets rocky once you’re out in the water. Watch for those clear, calm mornings to get the best snorkeling experience from this spot. The visibility can be so-so, but overall, this beach appeals to the adventurous sorts, or those who are content to stay on the sand and soak up the sun. This beach really is breathtaking, and its slope is mild to moderate. Bordering the beach, you’ll find sprawling lawns fronting a collection of luxury homes.
Oneloa Beach – Also known as Ironwoods Beach, this is a quarter-mile stretch of beautiful white sand beach beside the Ritz Carlton and the Kapalua Resort. While the east end of the beach is rocky, the west end has a nice, sandy bottom. One of the perks is that this beach tends to be on the less crowded side, especially considering its spacious size. The slope is mild, and water entry is mostly sandy, which is fitting because “oneloa” means long sand in Hawaiian. You can find vibrant reefs at both ends of the beach, which are anchored by the rocky promontories that stretch out into the ocean on either end. Surf can get high if the conditions are right, so be cautious and aware. You’ll find this beach midway along a 1.76-mile-long Kapalua Coastal Trail that runs along this beach and the next one on our list.
DT Fleming Beach Park – Up the Kapalua Coastal Trail, and also bordering the Ritz Carlton and Kapalua Resort, you’ll find this popular but charming beach. It tends to draw the most beachgoers out of all the beaches in Kapalua, but that’s just thanks to its finer qualities. There are ironwood trees bordering the sand in some places, providing some spots of enticing shade. The beach is sandy and its slope gentle, and you’ll find very few rocky areas, except at its edges. Snorkeling tends to be best on the east end. When the conditions kick up, there can be powerful waves and rip currents, so be cautious, and avoid swimming in such conditions unless you’re very experienced. As with the other beaches, watch for those still, tranquil mornings for a blissful beach outing. Burger Shack is tucked behind this beach, if you feel like grabbing a bite to eat. This beach was charmingly named after the fellow who introduced pineapple to West Maui.
Slaughterhouse Beach – It’s not what you think! This beach is on the rugged side, but was actually named after the Honolua Ranch slaughterhouse and tanning/storage shed that used to be perched on the nearby cliff. The buildings are long since gone, but the nickname stuck. Its much more pleasant Hawaiian name is Mokule’ia, which means “district of abundance.” The title is appropriate, especially considering that this beach is part of the Honolua-Mokule’ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District. This beach features plenty of shade from the cliffs and trees that border it, and the slope is gradual. When conditions are calm, it’s a nice place for a swim and for snorkeling, but when the swells come, it brings in powerful waves that attract experienced and even professional surfers. Even the experts shouldn’t let their guard down when such conditions kick up, which they tend to do most often in the winter months. The summer tends to be calmer and safer. You’ll find limited street parking at this location, and a set of stairs with a railing that will bring you down 100 feet below the cliffside. As it’s the most remote of the beaches, you should lock your car and bring your valuables with you, just to be safe.
This information should help to get you started on your Kapalua beachgoing adventures. We hope it helps you pick out the right experience for your interests. Be safe! If you need our assistance with your Kapalua real estate search, you’ll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo!
