West Maui Guide: Ka'anapali Beach (Black Rock Cliff Dive), Napili Bay & Kapalua Coastal Trail

Stretching along the sunny northwestern coast of Maui facing the neighbour islands of Lana'i and Moloka'i, the resorts and coves of West Maui (Ka'anapali, Honokowai, Napili and Kapalua) are open and welcoming visitors. Respectful Note: while passing historic Lahaina Town further south, please remember that the August 2023 wildfire devastated the town centre; drive respectfully along the bypass toward Ka'anapali and support West Maui's local businesses and tour boats.

1. Ka'anapali Beach, Whalers Village & 'Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)'

Ka'anapali Beach is a continuous 4.8-kilometre (3-mile) crescent of golden sand linked from end to end by a paved Oceanfront Beach Walk:

• Where to Park for Ka'anapali Beach: free public beach-access parking spaces sit beside each resort (arrive early in the morning), or park in the garage at open-air Whalers Village Shopping Center, where dining or shopping at Monkeypod Kitchen, Hula Grill, Leilani's or Island Vintage Coffee validates several hours of free beach parking.
• Snorkelling & The Sunset Cliff Dive at 'Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)': at the northern end of the beach in front of the Sheraton Maui rises Pu'u Keka'a ('Black Rock'), a sacred lava bluff from which 18th-century Chief Kahekili leaped into the sea. In the morning, swim along the base of the black lava wall, where Hawaiian green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and colourful tangs feed on the coral. Return before sunset for the free Torch-Lighting & Cliff-Diving Ceremony.

2. Ten Minutes North: Napili Bay, The 'Kapalua Coastal Trail' & Honolua Bay

1. Napili Bay & Kapalua Bay: two sheltered golden crescents protected by rocky reefs where the water stays gentle (eat breakfast on the sand at The Gazebo at Napili Shores or dine at Merriman's Kapalua).
2. Walk the Free 'Kapalua Coastal Trail' (5.6 km Round-Trip): starts at Kapalua Bay and follows the basalt lava shoreline past Oneloa (Ironwoods) Beach to D.T. Fleming Beach.
3. Honolua Bay & Nakalele Blowhole: five minutes north of Kapalua, walk through a jungle tunnel of mossy trees to snorkel the calm coral reserve of Honolua Bay, and drive 10 minutes further to watch ocean geysers shoot into the air at Nakalele Blowhole.