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Best Things to do in Kapalua Maui
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Located just north of Napili and Ka'anapali on West Maui, the luxury resort destination of Kapalua offers a relaxed vibe with world-class beaches and unforgettable experiences on land and sea.
The area provides sights, sounds and activities for all to enjoy, making it well-suited for an amazing getaway. Here are the 14 best things to do in Kapalua from someone who's done them all.
1. Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail
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The unforgettable Kapalua Coastal Trail is an out-and-back route covering a total of 1.76 miles each way for a total round trip mileage of 3.52 miles. This is a flat, relatively easy trail that takes roughly an hour and a half to walk.
However, with many sights and activities to enjoy along the trail, you could easily make a half day out of it. Must-see attractions are the Cliff House, the dragons teeth point, Kapalua Bay Beach and D.T. Fleming Beach.
2. Enjoy a Day at Kapalua Bay Beach
While many people walk along the Kapalua Coastal Trail when visiting Kapalua Bay Beach, you can also directly access the beach. A large parking area is conveniently located on the southern end of the beach, allowing you to reach the white sand beach and serene waters with ease.
Kapalua Bay Beach is recognized by USA Today as the “Best Beach in America.”
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3. Play the Kapalua Plantation and/or Kapalua Bay Golf Courses
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At the Kapalua Resort, you will find one of the most memorable golfing experiences in the country. The courses take full advantage of the coastal location, providing exceptional views from every hole.
The Bay Course(currently closed and awaiting a renovation) was designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane in 1972 while the famous Plantation Course(reopened) was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 1991 with a recent refresh in 2019. These courses both offer great ocean views as well as a great test of golf.
Tee times are available seven days a week. The Kapalua Bay Course is set to have a massive renovation over the next few years, and we're excited to see the changes being made to improve the course, but the Plantation Course is still providing an amazing experience with incredible views.
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4. Play Tennis or Pickleball at the Kapalua Tennis Garden
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Not far from the golf courses at the Kapalua Resort, the Kapalua Tennis Garden provides other fun ways to spend the day. Both tennis courts and pickleball courts are available. Drop-ins are available at select times during the week, or you can call ahead to reserve a court.
5. Enjoy Big Events Like the Kapalua Food and Wine Festival or Sentry Golf Tournament
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While there are a wide variety of fun things to do in Kapalua throughout the year, a few special events are hosted that provide a different way to experience the island.
The Kapalua Food and Wine Festival, for example, runs for a few days each June. It includes live music, cooking demonstrations and extensive tasting opportunities. The Sentry Golf Tournament runs at the Plantation Golf Course every January(except 2026), and it opens the PGA Tour’s season. During this week, you're likely to run into the who's who of the PGA Tour at the Montage Residences at Kapalua Bay.
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6. Snorkel Honolua Bay
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Exploring the beautiful underwater world at Honolua Bay is a memorable experience. The beach at Honolua Bay is rocky, and the water is usually calm most of the year because of the unique geography.
By swimming out to the reef, you could spot sea turtles, sea urchins, black sea cucumbers, trumpet fish, eel, emperor fish, butterfly fish, barracudas and many others.
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7. Experience Fine Dining at Merriman's Restaurant
Dining out is the perfect way to experience local cuisine and culture in Kapalua, and Merriman’s Restaurant is not to be missed. This exclusive restaurant offers an elegant dining room as well as a spacious outdoor dining area that boasts spectacular sunset views.
The farm-to-table fare is prepared with locally caught or grown products. Merriman’s Restaurant has been recognized by Hawaii Magazine and CN Traveler. Reservations are strongly recommended.
8. Body Board at DT Fleming Beach Park
DT Fleming Beach Park is a county-maintained park covering 3.4 acres. Amenities here include picnic tables with grills, restrooms and showers. The long beach features soft sand lined by shade trees.
While the area is excellent for snorkeling when the water is calm, body boarding and surfing are also popular ways to spend time at DT Fleming Beach Park.
9. Have a Spa Day at Spa Montage Kapalua Bay
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If you are looking for relaxing things to do in Kapalua, a spa day at Spa Montage Kapalua Bay will not disappoint. This fine spa resort integrates the Hawaiian experience into its treatment spaces and services.
Both indoor and outdoor spaces are available. Services include facials, massages, body therapies, and salon services. A fitness program and wellness classes are also available.
10. Enjoy a Glass, or Two, of Wine at the Pour House
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The family-owned Pour House Kitchen and Wine Bar specializes in authentic Italian dishes. Dozens of reds, whites and sparkling wines are available on the menu to pair with your meal.
The Pour House is exclusively open for dinner throughout the week and provides a dramatic yet relaxed ambiance. Reservations are recommended.
11. Visit Slaughterhouse Beach in the Early Morning
A visit to Slaughterhouse Beach is the perfect way to start a day in Kapalua. This is a protected marine reserve that is recognized for its calmer waters in the summer months.
This makes the beach popular for swimming and snorkeling. In the winter, you can enjoy bodyboarding and surfing here. The currents are strong, so it may be best to watch the action if you are not a strong swimmer.
12. Hike The Kapalua Village Trails
The Kapalua Village Trails are a collection of seven trails with four distinctive trailheads. The longest trail is the 5.75-mile Mahana Ridge Trail. The 3-mile Honolua Ridge and Maunalei Arboretum Trail is an extension, allowing you to enjoy more time with nature. There are also several trails under a mile long.
13. Cliff House Rock Jumping
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The 1940s-built Cliff House is located along the Kapalua Coastal Trail. While it is often used as an elite venue for special events, the area around the bay it is located in is a recognized rock jumping spot. Rock jumpers should be aware of snorkel boats in the bay as well as the water level and conditions before jumping.
The protected waters of this bay, Namalu Bay, are also a great place to snorkel and see sea turtles.
14. Lipoa Point Tide Pools
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The Lipoa Point tide pools are accessible via a half-mile trip, one-way. The trail is moderately difficult, and you will be well-rewarded for your effort with incredible views of Honuulua Bay. Here, you can appreciate natural rock arches and tide pools. From the rocks, you can easily access the calm water for a swim.
Enjoy The Best Things to Do in Kapalua on Your Next Visit!
As you explore things to do in Kapalua, pay attention to seasonal recommendations. In addition, some venues require reservations, so consider planning ahead to fully enjoy all that the area offers.
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