Overview: If you're looking for one of the best beaches on Maui and some of the best snorkeling on Maui, then look no further than Kahekili Beach Park, just north of Ka'anapali.

The reef here pretty much extends right to the sand so it's a super accessible and easy entry. The beach is large enough to accommodate crowds—which have definitely grown in recent years considering the growth of timeshare resorts that now line most of the beach.

There was once a time when Kahekeli Beach Park was nothing but coastal kiawe trees and a small, oceanfront airport. When the airport closed in 1986 it paved the way for all the resorts seen standing here today, though despite the rapid surge in development this beach continues to be much less crowded than Ka'anapali Beach to the south.

Kahekili Beach Park is popular with scuba operators and you'll frequently see divers entering the water or loading gear in the parking lot. Mornings are popular with paddleboarders, as dozens of joggers take to the beach path that links with Ka'anapali Beach.

Good For: Snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, swimming, picnics, bar hopping, walking, jogging, sitting and watching the sunset.

Not So Good For: Finding parking, windy afternoons, escaping the tourist resort zone

Maui Expert Tip For Kahekili Beach Park (aka "Airport Beach": The best snorkeling and most colorful reef is in front of the public beach pavilion by the middle section of the park. You can also snorkel on the far southern end by the rocks right next to the jetty, and the reef unfortunately is pretty dead on the northern end of the beach.

Directions and Parking Situation: The main parking area for Kahekili Beach is one stoplight north of the main entrance to Ka'anapali Resort. The cross street is Kai Ala Drive and you follow the road to the bottom of the hill where it ends in the parking lot for the beach.

If this lot is full, continue north on the highway until the next stoplight at Kai Malina Parkway. Make a left and another quick left as if you're going to drive inside of the Westin Nanea Villas. Continue past the valet parking and there's a public parking lot with about 20 stalls. From there you can then cut across the grass the beach.

On the north end of the beach, there's a big parking lot located inside of Honoapi'ilani Park. The entrance is off of Lower Honoapi'ilani Road across the street from Times Supermarket (this is the best entrance if you're staying in Honokowai). Follow the road to the roundabout at the end where you'll also find picnic tables and restrooms.

Finally, if you're staying inside of Ka'anapali Resort on neighboring Ka'anapali Beach, just follow the signs for the Ka'anapali Beach Path and visit the beach on foot.

Facilities: Showers, restrooms, picnic tables, barbecue grills, oceanfront beach path, and multiple restaurants within walking distance.