Five miles beyond bustling Kā‘anapali, high-rise resorts give way to charming coastal neighborhoods. Infinitely long beaches are replaced by rocky coastlines and protected coves. And in lieu of ABC Stores and Starbucks, you’ll find local farmers markets and mom-and-pop coffee shops.
This is Nāpili, a West Maui coastal hamlet with a laid-back atmosphere.
With old-school resorts, ‘ono local eateries, a famous slack key guitar show and a strong sense of community, Nāpili emulates the relaxed, friendly vibe for which Maui is known. Whether you’re a visitor or resident, here are some must-do activities in Nāpili.
Nāpili Bay
Nāpili Bay is the crown jewel of Nāpili. Fringed by coconut palms and turquoise waters, this sandy cove looks like a real-life postcard. Good looks aside, Nāpili Bay is an excellent spot to swim or snorkel – with pockets of reef on the north and south sides of the bay. Stick around for sunset, and you can enjoy A-plus views of the setting sun sinking between Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i.
Seahouse Restaurant
One of the few oceanfront dining options on Maui, Seahouse Restaurant is nestled on the northern corner of Nāpili Bay – just steps from the sand and surf. This landmark West Maui restaurant opened in 1963 as the Tea House of the Maui Moon and was renamed the Seahouse in 1985. Today, Seahouse is known for its ‘ono Pacific Rim cuisine and boasts one of the most popular happy hours in West Maui. It’s also been the recipient of a number of ‘Aipono Awards.
Nāpili Farmers Market
Each Wednesday and Saturday morning, vendors flock to the Nāpili Farmers Market to show off their bounty. Shoppers usually equate farmers markets with fresh, local, organic produce – and yes, there is plenty of that at the Nāpili Farmers Market. But this market also features a selection of artisan goods, from pottery and jewelry to hot sauces and salad dressings and more. The Nāpili Farmers Market is open from 7-12. Set your alarms, you’ll want to get there early for the best selection.
Honokeana Cove
Just around the corner from Nāpili Bay is Honokeana Cove, one of West Maui’s best hidden-gem snorkel spots. This long, narrow cove is a hot spot for sea turtles, and most snorkeling sessions here yield sightings. Turtles aside, you can expect to see large coral formations, tropical reef fish and the occasional eel or octopus. Ocean access at Honokeana Bay can be tricky (there is no sand here, only rocks), and parking nearby is just as challenging – but the snorkeling is worth the effort!
The Gazebo Restaurant
Ask a local where to find the best fried rice in West Maui, and the answer will almost always be, resoundingly, the Gazebo Restaurant. This iconic Nāpili restaurant usually sports a long line at breakfast time as visitors line up for the Gazebo’s famous breakfast plates – including fried rice and macadamia nut pancakes. Coupled with ocean views and old-school, no frills atmosphere (think plastic stack chairs and nautical decor), the Gazebo is a go-to for a memorable Maui breakfast.
Slack Key Show
If you enjoy Hawaiian music, then don’t miss the Nāpili Slack Key Show. This weekly Wednesday evening show is one of Maui’s premier showcases of Hawaiian music. Spearheaded by four-time Grammy Award-winning musician George Kahumoku Jr., the Nāpili Slack Key Show features traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music by a lineup of rotating artists. Some shows are accompanied by a hula performance. At its core, the Slack Key Show aims to perpetuate the art of slack key guitar.
Nāpili Plaza
Local shopping and dining proliferate at Nāpili Plaza. Surf shops and eco-conscious stores stand alongside local boutiques and tattoo shops, while dining options run the gamut from coffee shops and plant-based cafes to Filipino fusion restaurants. You can even get your Foodland favorites (hello, poke and spam musubis) at Nāpili Market, which is operated under Foodland.
Nāpili Kai Keiki Hula Show
The Nāpili Kai Foundation keiki hula show is the longest-running keiki hula show in the state, founded in 1966. Every Tuesday and Thursday, keiki members of the Nāpili Kai Foundation take to the stage to perform traditional hula and dances from around the Pacific, accompanied by Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar and a live band. The mission of the Nāpili Kai Foundation and the weekly hula shows is to perpetuate the cultural legacy of Hawai‘i through the children of Maui. Support a good cause and sit back as you watch West Maui’s keiki put on a show to remember.
Save this post for your next visit to Nāpili!
