Napili Bay, Maui: Best for Swimming and Sea Turtles
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Read about our affiliate policies here.
Napili Bay is easily one of the best beaches on Maui and even makes our list of the best beaches in all of Hawaii! It’s great for swimming, snorkeling, and sea turtle spotting. There are even restaurants on either side of the beach, so you’ll have plenty to do and see here.
Napili Bay Beach Overview
| Napili Bay Beach Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | Yes, part of the resorts |
| Showers | Yes, near the resorts |
| Parking | Street Parking, Free (directions below!) |
| Lifeguards | No |
| BBQ Grills | No |
| Picnic Tables | No |
| Playground | No |
Napili Bay has two webcams! See the West Maui section in our Best Maui Webcams for a view.
Who is Napili Bay Beach Best For?
Napili is truly amazing for everyone since there is so much to do, but it’s especially nice for families and snorkelers. The protected bay makes for minimal waves and great visibility. And did we mention sea turtles? They love it here.
Is Napili Bay Beach Good for Swimming?
Yes, Napili Bay is excellent for swimming! However, during the winter on Maui, you may sometimes experience wind, rain, and rough surf. Swim with caution during the winter months, as there are no lifeguards on duty at this beach.
Is Napili Bay Beach Good for Snorkeling?
It’s not just suitable for snorkeling, it’s one of the best snorkel spots on Maui! Unbelievably clear water and a rocky shoreline on the bay’s south side make for an excellent habitat for sea life. Don’t just take our word for it; let us show you in the video below!
To swim with sea turtles, head to the sides of the bay, as they like to feed on the rocks. Remember to stay 10 feet away from them in the water, don’t swim over them, and never touch them. Thank you!
How To Get to Napili Bay Beach
Napili Bay Beach is located on West Maui, 5 miles north of Ka’anapali.
If you’re coming from South Maui, in the resort areas of Wailea or Kihei, it will take about an hour to get here.
Napili Bay Maui Beach Parking
Parking for the beach can be tough. There is no public lot for the beach and very little public parking. There is an alley with about 40 parking stalls near the Gazebo restaurant (click here for directions), but otherwise, your best bet will be to look for street parking. Please do not park illegally or block driveways.
Things to Do at Napili Bay Beach
Name your favorite beach activity, and Napili has it. We’ve covered swimming, snorkeling, and sea turtle spotting, but it’s also great for exploring tidepools, having a picnic, walking along the soft sand, and whale watching.
During Maui’s whale season, the best spots to see them from shore are from South Maui up to Ka’anapali, but if you’re already planning a beach day at Napili Bay between December and March, keep your eyes peeled and you may get lucky!
Since the waters tend to be pretty calm, surfing is one thing you won’t find here. If you want more to do nearby, check out our full article on things to do in Napili and Kapalua.
More Things to Do at Napili Bay
This video is one of our oldest and one of our favorites. When we lived on Maui, this was the beach where we would play in the sand. We would also do staycations here to enjoy the family-friendly hotels that line the beach or the vacation rentals. Check out our video below to experience Napili Bay.
Places to Eat Near Napili Bay Beach
If you’re hungry, you’re in luck. Two amazing restaurants sit on the bay: Sea House and The Gazebo. Sea House is best for lunch and dinner. They have a good happy hour, live music, and a good spot for sunset.
The Gazebo is a famous breakfast spot on the island. The long line is worth the wait, or you can call for take-out.
Napili Bay Beach Safety
The waters at Napili tend to be calm and an excellent choice for swimming and snorkeling, but no beach is inherently safe. There is no lifeguard on duty, so pay close attention to the conditions when you head out and never turn your back on the ocean.
Even though it’s a protected bay, conditions can change quickly. As always, when in doubt, don’t go out!
Where to Stay on Napili Bay
Napili Bay has some lovely, vintage Maui hotels and vacation rentals. Check out our review articles below on our two favorites. Both are located on Napili Bay!
Visit Napili Bay Beach and More
Don’t stop at a beach day; Napili Bay has some excellent activities nearby. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Kapalua Ziplines: Just 1.5 miles away from this beach, you’ll have a blast at this zipline course – Erica sure did!
- Tales of the Kapa Moe Luau: Located at the Ritz Carlton 1.5 miles away, this luau makes our list of the best on Maui!
- Check out our activities directory for more options!
