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Napili Bay

Бухта Напили
United States · Beach · Maui
high
Best month: July

Best for

Ideal for families with children thanks to the calm water and gentle entry. Also suitable for snorkelling enthusiasts and turtle watching.

Best month

July

Water
+26.0°C
Length
200 m
Napili Bay — a secluded crescent-shaped bay in northwest Maui. It features calm water and soft sand, popular for swimming, snorkelling and turtle watching. An ideal spot for a quiet retreat.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Napili Bay — a secluded crescent-shaped bay in northwest Maui. It features calm water and soft sand, popular for swimming, snorkelling and turtle watching. An ideal spot for a quiet retreat.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Picturesque crescent-shaped bay
  • Crystal-clear water with visibility up to 25 metres
  • Calm water safe for children
  • Rich marine life and turtles
  • Free entry
  • Beautiful sunsets

Cons

  • No lifeguards
  • Limited parking
  • No sunbeds or umbrellas
  • Can get crowded in high season
  • No Wi-Fi
  • Rocky sections on the seabed
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families with children thanks to the calm water and gentle entry. Also suitable for snorkelling enthusiasts and turtle watching.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Napili Bay is one of the best places on Maui to observe green sea turtles (honu), which often swim right near the shore. The bay is protected by rocky points, creating calm water even on windy days.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
200 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Underwater Visibility
25.0 m
Average Water Temp
+26.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.3 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
May June
Season end
September October
Best month
July
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
low
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. Do not leave valuables in the car.
Dangerous creatures
sea urchins
coral
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
3 pcs
Best restaurants

Sea House Restaurant

Hawaiian, Seafood

Restaurant at Napili Kai Beach Resort with panoramic bay views and Hawaiian dishes.

The Gazebo Restaurant

American, Breakfast

Popular ocean-view cafe known for its breakfasts and macadamia pancakes.

Nearby cuisines

Local

Hawaiian cuisine with emphasis on fresh fish, poke and tropical fruits.

Must try: Poke, grilled fish, macadamia pancakes

European

American and international cuisine in resort restaurants.

Must try: Steaks, burgers, salads
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Snorkel mask
Best Time to Swim
In the morning before 9:00 the water is calmest and there are better chances of seeing turtles. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Local Rules
Do not touch sea turtles — federal law requires a minimum distance of 3 metres.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Kapalua

Luxury resort area with scenic beaches and golf courses.

Lahaina

Historic town with shops, restaurants and art galleries.

Honolua Bay

Picturesque bay with excellent snorkelling and turtle watching.

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Napili Bay: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +26.0°C, warms up to +28.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Napili Bay: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Napili Bay: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Napili Bay: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 200 metres.
Napili Bay: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in May, June. It ends in September, October. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Napili Bay: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Napili Bay: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sea urchins, coral. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Napili Bay: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: showers, toilets, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Napili Bay: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Napili Bay: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Sea House Restaurant, The Gazebo Restaurant. Cuisines available: Local, European. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Napili Bay: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Snorkel mask.
Napili Bay: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning before 9:00 the water is calmest and there are better chances of seeing turtles. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Napili Bay: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not touch sea turtles — federal law requires a minimum distance of 3 metres.
Napili Bay: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Napili Bay: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children thanks to the calm water and gentle entry. Also suitable for snorkelling enthusiasts and turtle watching.
Napili Bay: what makes this beach unique?
Napili Bay is one of the best places on Maui to observe green sea turtles (honu), which often swim right near the shore. The bay is protected by rocky points, creating calm water even on windy days.
Napili Bay: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Picturesque crescent-shaped bay, Crystal-clear water with visibility up to 25 metres, Calm water safe for children, Rich marine life and turtles, Free entry, Beautiful sunsets. Cons: No lifeguards, Limited parking, No sunbeds or umbrellas, Can get crowded in high season, No Wi-Fi, Rocky sections on the seabed.
Napili Bay: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Kapalua, Lahaina, Honolua Bay. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Napili Bay: how do I get to the city of Maui?
The beach is located near the city of Maui. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Maui.

City

Maui

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.