Maui Town Guide

Kapalua

Kapalua is a quieter West Maui resort community known for Kapalua Bay, D.T. Fleming Beach, coastal trails, golf courses, luxury rentals and sunset views.

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Kapalua, Maui

Kapalua is a resort community on the northwestern tip of Maui, about 6 miles (9.7 km) north of Ka'anapali. A 23,000-acre resort complex developed by the Maui Land and Pineapple Company, Kapalua features upscale vacation condos and villas, shops, restaurants, golf courses and sandy beaches framed by hundred-year old Cook pines.

Kapalua's beaches have been considered some of the best in Hawaii. Kapalua Bay has earned several accolades. It has been named the “Best Beach in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers, the “Best Beach in America” by Travel Channel and “America's #1 Beach” on Dr. Beach's first annual list of America's best beaches.

Kapalua also has world-class golf courses. Two of its golf courses, the Bay Course and the Plantation Course, were named the #1 golf course resort in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure Golf magazine.

Key Features

Quieter West Maui resort community north of Napili and Kaanapali
Known for Kapalua Bay, D.T. Fleming Beach Park and coastal views
Green hillsides and passing showers give the area a different look from dry South Maui
Former ranch and pineapple lands helped shape Kapalua's modern resort layout
The Plantation Course is one of Maui's best-known golf settings
Coastal paths, lava points and bays make the area popular for walking and sunset photos
Kapalua is more spread out than a traditional town center
Nearby Napili adds beach access, dining and vacation rental options
Population: 334 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96761

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Frequently Asked Questions

How did Kapalua develop?

Kapalua grew from former ranch and pineapple lands into a planned West Maui resort community, with golf courses, beaches, coastal paths and residential neighborhoods now shaping the area.

What does the name Kapalua refer to?

The name is often associated with the idea of arms embracing the sea, a fitting image for the bays and headlands along this part of West Maui.

How is Kapalua different from Kaanapali?

Kapalua is usually quieter and more spread out, with greener hillsides, smaller bays and resort roads. Kaanapali has a busier beachwalk, more hotels together and a larger concentration of shopping and dining.

Why is Kapalua often greener than South Maui?

Northwest Maui catches more moisture than dry leeward areas, so Kapalua often has greener hillsides, passing showers and a cooler look than Kihei or Wailea.

What is the Kapalua Coastal Trail like?

The coastal trail links beaches, lava points and ocean views in the Kapalua area. It is a short, scenic walk rather than a wilderness hike, but wind, surf and uneven lava sections can affect the visit.