Kapalua Bay, Maui

Kapalua beach is a beautiful curve of sand in horseshoe-shaped Kapula bay, situated on the north-west corner of maui. To find the beach, drive north on Hwy 31 until just past mile mark 30, then make a left onto Office Road. Travel about ˝ a mile to a T, then turn left again onto Lower Honoapiilani Road. A couple of hundred yards later turn right into the Kapalua Bay public parking. Then walk under a short pedestrian tunnel to the sand.

The two headlands of the bay provide good protection for the beach, and the sea is normally calm, the warm water crystal clear, and the swimming very safe (perfect for kids).

Never ever tried snorkeling? Here’s the perfect place to learn the basics – plug the snorkel with your tongue when you’re underwater, then when you regain the surface, blow the tube clear before taking a breath. To make a good deep dive, propel yourself along the surface (you’ll go a lot faster with flippers), then jackknife your body to bring your head and shoulders down, and raise your fins and lower legs out of the water – this action will propel you downwards for quite a distance for little effort. Both the lava points either side of the beach are great for snorkeling – you’ll spot an amazing abundance of marine life – get a guide to the commoner species to study at breakfast!

There are basic amenities available, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables on grass. Also recommended is the walk along the coast path to Napili beach - the path is currently being improved, which should make the going easier.

Convenient accomodation is easy to find (but can be expensive). Just behind the beach, are the Kapalua Resort Condos and Ritz Carlton luxury hotel .