D.T. Fleming Beach Park

D.T. Fleming Beach Park is a Kapalua beach with lifeguards, picnic tables, ironwood shade, bodyboarding, winter surf and a long sandy curve on Honokahua Bay.

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D.T. Fleming Beach Park

D.T. Fleming Beach Park, Maui

D.T. Fleming Beach Park, located in Honokahua Bay on Maui's northwestern shore, offers plenty of space. It's a nice beach park for a picnic. There are picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Tall ironwood and palm trees provide plenty of shade.

The beach park is situated on low land dunes. It has a long and wide white-sand beach. Lifeguards are stationed here, but swimming and snorkeling are only possible when the ocean is calm. The shorebreak can be dangerous, and the nearshore ocean bottom has a steep slope, which can cause an undertow when the surf is up. This is when this beach is frequented by bodyboarders and surfers.

Key Features

West Maui beach in Kapalua with a long sandy curve along Honokahua Bay
Named for David Thomas Fleming, remembered for introducing pineapple to west Maui
Lifeguards are on duty, with restrooms, showers, picnic tables and a shaded park edge nearby
Ironwood trees create shaded picnic areas behind parts of the sand
Popular for swimming on calmer days, bodyboarding, surf watching, picnics and beach walks
Winter surf and strong current can make the water rough, so check with lifeguards first
Paid parking is available near the park and in a larger paid area across Lower Honoapiilani Road
More of a beach park setting than the smaller, more sheltered Napili Bay nearby
Recognized nationally as America's Best Beach in 2003 by Dr. Beach
Close to Kapalua resort roads, coastal paths and west Maui hotel areas

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was D.T. Fleming?

D.T. Fleming Beach Park is named for David Thomas Fleming, who is remembered for introducing pineapple to west Maui. The name connects the beach with Kapalua's plantation and ranch-era history.

What is Honokahua Bay?

Honokahua Bay is the bay that curves around D.T. Fleming Beach. The shape of the bay gives the beach its long sandy arc and open view toward the west Maui coast.

Why is D.T. Fleming Beach popular for bodyboarding?

When west Maui surf is active, the beach can have waves that appeal to bodyboarders. The same surf can also bring strong current, so lifeguard guidance matters.

How is D.T. Fleming Beach different from Napili Bay?

D.T. Fleming has a longer beach park setting with ironwood shade, picnic tables and surf that can get stronger. Napili Bay is smaller, more sheltered and known for its curved bay feel.

Was D.T. Fleming Beach named America's Best Beach?

Yes. D.T. Fleming Beach received national attention when it was named America's Best Beach in 2003 by coastal scientist Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach.