Napili Maui
Napili Bay: A serene crescent beach on Maui's west side, famed for calm waters, vibrant snorkeling, and frequent sea turtle sightings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy calm waters
Napili Maui
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy calm waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Napili Bay: A serene crescent beach on Maui's west side, famed for calm waters, vibrant snorkeling, and frequent sea turtle sightings.
"Amazing small cove beach. Stunning views, calm waters and great snorkeling with a beautiful reef close to the shore."
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as street parking fills up fast. :car:
🐢 Respect the Honu
Observe sea turtles from a distance; never touch or feed them. :turtle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Napili Bay Beach
Northwest Maui
A stunning crescent of golden sand with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
Napili Bay Reef
Encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) and vibrant marine life in the calm, shallow reef.
The Gazebo Restaurant
Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger
Famous for its delicious banana macadamia nut pancakes, a must-try breakfast spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm: Napili Bay's Serene Charm
Respecting Wildlife and Local Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as street parking fills up fast. :car:
🐢 Respect the Honu
Observe sea turtles from a distance; never touch or feed them. :turtle:
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
The reef is close to shore, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities. :mask:
💧 No Restrooms or Lifeguards
Plan accordingly; nearby resorts may offer wash stations. :informationdeskperson:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as street parking fills up fast. :car:
🐢 Respect the Honu
Observe sea turtles from a distance; never touch or feed them. :turtle:
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
The reef is close to shore, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities. :mask:
💧 No Restrooms or Lifeguards
Plan accordingly; nearby resorts may offer wash stations. :informationdeskperson:
🍽️ Happy Hour at Sea House
Enjoy drinks and pupus with ocean views after a day at the beach. :cocktail:
🥞 Pancake Pilgrimage
The Gazebo's banana macadamia nut pancakes are legendary; expect a wait! :pancakes:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Napili Bay is celebrated for its stunning beauty, calm waters, and exceptional snorkeling, particularly the chance to see sea turtles. Visitors love the serene atmosphere and picturesque crescent-shaped beach. However, parking can be challenging, and the lack of facilities like restrooms is a minor drawback for some.
"Amazing small cove beach. Stunning views, calm waters and great snorkeling with a beautiful reef close to the shore. We saw a lot of different fish and also turtles! The beach is a bit hidden and make sure to enter via the public access path and not through the private properties that are on the beachfront. No restrooms or lifeguards but there was a small snack shop nearby. There is a Boss Frogs location about a mile away if you need snorkel gear."
Shreyas Shah
"Its a longer beach, and we loved swimming in the bay body surfing. Pretty sure we glanced at a sea turtle in the waves while we were out there. Just be safe!
Stopped right into The Sea House, wet and sand from the beach without any issues. Sat at the bar there for Happy Hour and it was perfect!"
Lindsey Franco
"We had a great time. My son loves snorkeing and there were many large green turtles, eels, the state fish with a funny name and other colorful fish. It was not overcrowded when we went later in the day and the water was delightful. The more you float and don't splash around the more you see."
Nessie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Kahului Airport (OGG), you can rent a car and drive approximately 45-60 minutes to Napili Bay via HI-30 W. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, though they can be more expensive for this distance. Some visitors opt for shuttle services to West Maui resorts.
While there isn't direct public bus service directly to Napili Bay's entrance, the Maui Bus system has routes that can get you close to the Kapalua or Kaanapali areas, from which you might need a short taxi or a walk. It's generally easier to access with a rental car.
Street parking is available along the roads bordering Napili Bay, but it can be very limited, especially during peak hours. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot. Some nearby resorts might offer parking for their guests.
Yes, Napili is considered a hidden gem for accommodation, offering a more laid-back vibe than Kaanapali. It's perfect for beach activities, water sports, and dining, with several resorts and condos available. 
Access Napili Bay via the designated public access paths. Be sure to avoid entering through private resort properties to respect local regulations and residents.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Napili Bay is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its beauty and amenities free of charge.
Napili Bay is accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times, but it's advisable to leave before dark for safety reasons.
No advance booking is required to visit Napili Bay itself. However, if you plan to dine at popular spots like The Gazebo or Sea House, reservations or arriving very early are recommended.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and wildlife, especially the sea turtles. Also, be mindful of private property boundaries when accessing the beach.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to Napili Bay. There are also snack shops and nearby restaurants for purchasing refreshments.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Napili Bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, body surfing, and sunbathing. The calm waters and reef make it ideal for spotting sea turtles and diverse marine life. Paddleboarding is also a popular activity.
Absolutely! Napili Bay boasts a beautiful reef close to shore, teeming with fish and frequently visited by Hawaiian green sea turtles. It's considered one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui.
No, there are no lifeguards stationed at Napili Bay. Visitors should exercise caution and be aware of ocean conditions.
Napili Bay has limited facilities. There are no restrooms directly on the beach, but a small snack shop is often available. Nearby resorts may offer wash stations for rinsing off.
Napili Bay can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and mid-morning. Arriving early is the best way to experience its tranquility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Gazebo is famous for its banana macadamia nut pancakes, though expect a wait. Sea House Restaurant at Napili Kai Beach Resort is another excellent option, often with shorter waits and great ocean views.
Joey's Kitchen in Napili Plaza offers good dine-in or take-out options. The Honolua Store in Kapalua also has some affordable grab-and-go choices.
While Mama's Fish House is a renowned (and pricey) option, The Sea House Restaurant offers delicious seafood with stunning ocean views. Many resorts in the area also have dining options.
Yes, the Napili Farmers Market is a great place to find local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. It's a fantastic way to support local vendors.
Napili offers a range of dining, from casual beachside cafes and farmers market finds to more upscale resort restaurants. You'll find local Hawaiian flavors, fresh seafood, and classic breakfast fare.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer magical lighting for photography at Napili Bay. Mid-morning can also be beautiful with the clear turquoise water.
The bay's crescent shape, golden sand, clear turquoise waters, and the backdrop of lush green hills make it incredibly photogenic. It's also a great spot for capturing sea turtles.
The beach itself offers numerous vantage points. For a wider perspective, consider viewpoints from the resorts or nearby coastal paths.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local advisories. It's best to check current rules and be respectful of other beachgoers and private property.
Popular shots include wide beach landscapes, close-ups of sea turtles, surfers or paddleboarders, and sunset views over the ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Consider visiting in the morning to avoid crowds and ensure easier parking. While there are no lifeguards, the calm conditions offer peace of mind for parents. Nearby resorts might offer convenient wash stations for a quick rinse-off after a day of fun.
💍 Couples & Honeymooners
+1The calm waters are ideal for a couples' snorkeling adventure, with the chance to spot turtles together. Consider booking a stay at one of the beachfront resorts for direct access to paradise and breathtaking ocean views.
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
Plan to visit in the morning for the clearest water and calmest conditions. Bring your own gear or rent from nearby shops. Remember to practice responsible snorkeling by observing from a distance and never touching the coral or marine animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Napili Bay: A Snorkeler's Paradise
Visitors frequently report sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) gracefully swimming amongst the coral and fish. Beyond turtles, expect to see a colorful array of tropical fish, and occasionally eels. To maximize your chances of seeing marine life, float gently and avoid splashing, allowing the creatures to feel comfortable.
While there are no rental shops directly on the beach, Boss Frogs is located about a mile away, and many visitors bring their own gear. Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and never touch or feed the animals to help preserve this delicate ecosystem.
Napili's Culinary Delights: From Pancakes to Local Flavors
For a slightly less crowded but equally scenic breakfast or lunch, The Sea House Restaurant at Napili Kai Beach Resort is a fantastic choice. It offers delicious food with stunning ocean views, and is known for being welcoming to beachgoers.
Beyond resort dining, explore local gems like Joey's Kitchen for casual meals or the Napili Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and unique local treats. These spots offer a taste of authentic Maui flavors and support the local community.
Navigating Napili: Parking and Access
When accessing the beach, it's crucial to use the designated public access paths. Some beachfront properties are private residences or resorts, and it's important to respect their boundaries. Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and respectful visit for everyone.
While there are no public restrooms directly on Napili Bay, some nearby resorts may allow visitors to use their wash stations for rinsing off sand and saltwater. For snorkel gear rentals, Boss Frogs is located a short distance away.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit