A small, deep crescent of sand between two lava points, lined with low-rise condos. A reef about 30 yards offshore takes the edge off the waves, and sea turtles feed along the rocks.
Why we love it
It feels like a neighborhood beach rather than a resort strip, with gentle summer water and turtles surfacing within sight of your towel.
What to expect
Nāpili is compact, so you can see the whole bay from your spot on the sand. In summer the waves reaching shore are usually small, and the sandy middle is good for swimming; snorkelers work the reef along both lava points, where depths run 2 to 20 feet. Winter swells can wrap in. There are no lifeguards. Parking is the catch: parallel stalls on Nāpili Place and Hui Drive, then the shoulder of Lower Honoapiʻilani Road. Turtles surface most often around sunrise and sunset. Plan a relaxed half day.
Know before you go
- Lifeguards
- None. It isn’t on the state’s lifeguarded-beach list.
- Parking
- Street parking only, on Nāpili Place and Hui Drive, then along Lower Honoapiʻilani Road. Arrive early.
- Access
- Two public paths: at the far end of Nāpili Place and in the middle of Hui Drive.
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers along the beach and one restroom beside the Sea House restaurant. Signed restrooms elsewhere are locked.
- Turtles
- Turtles feed along the rocks. Stay at least 10 feet away, in and out of the water.
