Overview: Shielded from the tradewinds and just painfully beautiful, Napili Bay is a white sand enclave of snorkeling, swimming, relaxation, and postcard images of Maui. Surf can sometimes get large in winter, but summer days are calm as glass (at least inside of the bay), and there are multiple reefs where colorful fish cavort with Hawaiian Green sea turtles.

Parking is a challenge, but if you're staying at one of the oceanfront condos you have one of the best beaches on Maui directly in front of your door.

Worked up an appetite from all of that snorkeling? Head to the oceanfront Sea House restaurant inside of Napili Kai Beach Resort, where pupus are discounted 50% for the 2-5pm happy hour!

Good For: Snorkeling, swimming, sea turtles, suntanning, paddle boarding, and watching the sunset.

Not So Good For: Parking, crowds, and swimming when the surf is up.

Maui Expert Tip For Napili Bay: To snorkel with sea turtles, walk around the southern point to neighboring Honokeana Cove.

There isn't a beach and the entrance is rocky, but you find lots of sea turtles when the ocean is calm. If there are waves in the cove, then forget about it.

Also, people have been getting into trouble on their paddleboards when they paddle too far from shore. The afternoon tradewinds—especially in summer—can be strong outside of the bay, so you don't want to get so far from the beach that you aren't able to get back.

Directions and Parking Situation: You can access the beach from three different points along Lower Honoapi'ilani Road.

One is to park on Napili Place along the side of the road, and there is also parking on Hui Drive which dead ends by the beach. The third option is park on Lower Honoapi'ilani Road across the street from Napili Kai and access the beach through the resort.

Facilities: There's a beach shower on Hui Drive and also in front of Napili Kai Beach Resort. You'll find restaurants, a snorkel shop, and a general store within walking distance of the beach.