Napili Bay

The year-round appeal of Napili Bay can be credited to its first-class facilities. The wide choice of accommodation makes it one of Maui’s most popular destinations for honeymoons and romantic getaways, while its sheltered waters and palm-fringed golden sands provide perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing and simply doing nothing.

The crystal-clear bay is a particularly good spot for snorkelling during the summer months. You might be lucky enough to spot friendly Hawaiian green turtles skimming through the water, while the coral reefs at the extremities of the bay are home to many species of fish. The visibility is usually better in the morning, so grab your gear and head out to sea before taking it easy on the beach.

In winter the steep drop-off of the ocean floor causes a strong undertow, which is a deterrent for many swimmers and snorkellers, especially as the beach has no lifeguard supervision. However, these more extreme conditions are appreciated by surfers and bodyboarders, who flock to Napili to ride the waves. Many hotels have their own swimming pools which offer a safe alternative to the ocean at such times.

The accommodation options in Napili range from luxury hotel suites with premium-rate sea views to modest studio rooms with self-catering facilities. The resort has been carefully designed so as not to intrude on the natural beauty of the bay, with no building higher than the surrounding palm trees, capturing the authentic charm of a typical old Hawaiian village.

The range of dining options is equally broad. Splash out on a romantic beachside table at sunset, or shop for local produce to cook at home. Whatever your taste and budget, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this well-planned resort, where everything has been designed to satisfy the needs of international tourism.

Napili Bay is situated on the north-western tip of Maui. The resort is open throughout the year, although individual concessions may vary according to season. Even if you’re not staying here, the bars and restaurants make a pleasant destination for a lunchtime or evening outing.