West Maui’s Crown Jewel
Situated on Maui’s peaceful and pristine northwest coast, the resort community of Kapalua is surrounded by the majestic West Maui Mountains, the largest private nature preserve in Hawaiʻi, and two vibrant marine sanctuaries. This uniquely beautiful region, dotted with stately Cook and Norfolk pines, features incredible beaches; a wide range of sea, air, and land activities; great restaurants; and noteworthy annual events.
Kapalua-Area Beaches
Kapalua Bay earned the distinction of being named Best Beach in America by the Travel Channel and Best Beach in the World by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Like its slightly larger neighbor to the south, Napili Bay, Kapalua Bay is a sandy-bottom cove beach that’s family-friendly and good for swimming. If you do hop into the water at either of these west Maui locations, don’t be surprised if you see honu (green sea turtles)—and you might even spot a Hawaiian monk seal lounging on the beach. Year-round, Kapalua’s beaches are also a perfect place to catch Maui’s spectacular sunsets.
Take a quick drive north of Napili and Kapalua bays, and you’ll encounter a pair of longer stretches of sand with a wilder feel: Oneloa (usually referred to as Ironwoods) and D.T. Fleming Beach Park. Surrounded by lava rock cliffs, Ironwoods is generally uncrowded and always breathtaking, with big, closeup views of the neighboring islands of Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. Not to be outdone, D.T. Fleming was named America’s Best Beach by renowned beach expert “Dr. Beach.” Both of these beauties are especially enjoyable in the morning (before the trade winds kick in), and both provide a vantage point for watching Maui’s visiting humpback whales in winter (approximately early December through the end of April).
Venture just a little farther north of D.T. Fleming to find world-famous Honolua Bay. During the summer months, Honolua’s calm waters and coral gardens make it an excellent choice for snorkeling. When the waves pick up in the winter months, though, it transforms into a well-known and much-loved surf break.
Fun Things to do in Kapalua
The stunningly scenic Kapalua Coastal Trail stretches from Kapalua Bay north to D.T. Fleming Beach Park. As you make your way along this approximately 2-mile walking path/hiking trail, you’ll find yourself on everything from sidewalk, to sand, to lava rock, to wooden walkway. You’ll have fabulous coastline views the entire time, as well as an opportunity for cliff jumping near the Cliff House event space! And don’t forget to stop for a cocktail and some pupus (appetizers) in an oceanfront setting at the Montage Kapalua Bay or the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.
If you’re looking for ocean-based activities, companies like Trilogy and Teralani offer a full range of snorkeling trips, whale-watching excursions, sunset sails, and dinner cruises leaving from Kāʻanapali, just a few minutes south of Kapalua. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can also give parasailing a try through companies like UFO Parasail.
Sticking with the flying-through-the-air theme, Kapalua is also home to Kapalua Ziplines, where you can choose a six-line or four-line tour. You’ll get incredible views either way, along with an opportunity to ride through a rainforest on an ATV and walk across the longest suspension bridge in Hawaii.
For those who prefer land-based activities, Ironwood Ranch in nearby Napili has small group rides for two to four people, private horseback riding lessons, pony rides for keiki (kids), and guided nature walks through former pineapple plantation lands.
Kapalua-Area Dining
Looking for world-class cuisine with a world-class view? Look no further than the Kapalua location of Merriman’s. The award-winning farm-to-table Maui menu is at least 90% locally grown and caught, the open-air lanai has panoramic Pacific Ocean views, and there’s live music to enjoy every night of the week.
Pop back down to Kāʻanapali to visit the Whalers Village location of Monkeypod Kitchen, where they serve up everything from hand-tossed pizzas and burgers to fresh-caught local fish. Monkeypod’s menus change seasonally, but craft beers are always on tap, and their handcrafted cocktails always include Mai Tais that are known as the best in Hawaiʻi.
If you’re on the lookout for a casual, local-style breakfast and brunch option in the Kapalua area, be sure to try The Gazebo in Napili. The menu is extensive, the portions are generous, and the macadamia nut pancakes are out of this world!
Annual Kapalua Events
Every spring, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua hosts the Celebration of the Arts, a weekend-long event that opens with a traditional hiʻuwai (water purification) ceremony. The rest of the weekend includes local art and craft displays, educational sessions by cultural practitioners from all over the Hawaiian Islands, live music, hula performances, film screenings, and of course, a luʻau.
Each summer, world-class chefs and vintners converge on Maui for the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. The festival schedule includes something for every wine and food enthusiast, from wine-tasting seminars and celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, to intimate winemaker dinners and a grand tasting gala.
It’s no wonder Kapalua is such a coveted location for vacationers and potential homebuyers alike! Take a look at this Kapalua Bay Villas condo for sale. If you have any questions about Kapalua real estate or the Kapalua region in general, I’d love to hear from you.
Leslie Mackenzie Smith, REALTOR(S), RS-42147
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