Napili Bay Is The Low-Key Hawaii Resort Beach That Is Always Worth A Visit
By Megan Shute|Published August 03, 2020
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
We hate to repeat ourselves too much, but it’s a simple fact that the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country — and perhaps even the world. And while we love the islands’ most remote stretches of sand — some of which are only accessible via four-wheel drive, or even kayak — the beaches that front some of our favorite resort destinations are quite stunning as well. After all, why would the owners of any Hawaii resort choose a location that was anything less than paradise? With crystalline turquoise waters and fine, white sand, Napili Bay is the one Hawaii resort beach that currently tops our travel wish list.
Tucked away on the northern tip of Maui in the resort destination of Kapalua, Napili Bay is a classically crescent-shaped beach with plenty of sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and crystal-clear water.
With various kinds of lodging, basic shops, and plenty of rental business, Napili Bay is fully developed, but remains the definition of “old school Hawaii,” with all of the natural beauty and charm of a secluded paradise.
Sea turtles frequent the bay, and when the surf is mellow, snorkeling is a popular activity. Though the bay often features glassy ocean conditions, big swells can cause massive waves and rip currents not ideal for less experienced swimmers.
Luckily, due to several lines of submerged reef barriers starting approximately 100 feet from the shore, the bay is relatively calm year-round. Add few seashells and pebbles as well as tidal pools on either end of the bay, and you have a quintessential destination for families looking to make a splash.
The bay is also perfect for morning strolls, picnics, swimming, diving, floating, paddle boarding, and, of course, sunbathing. No matter what you consider an ideal beach day, you’re sure to endlessly enjoy a visit to this sandy oasis.
Whether you’re vacationing in the area or just have an afternoon to kick back and relax, Napili Bay is always worth a visit — especially if you stay to watch a signature Hawaiian sunset like this!