Need info on 2 Maui beaches (Kihei, Kapalua: live, club, beach)

[carmel67]

I'm interested in taking my daughters to Napili Beach when we visit Maui. However, I've read that there is a big drop off. I'm wondering if someone could describe the drop off to me. Does it go from 2' to 20'? I'm 5'5", is there somplace I could stand where the water hits me at about chest level?

Also, what about Kapalua beach?

Basically, I would like a beach with little or no waves, a gentle slope and a sandy bottom. We don't really snorkel but my daughtere likes to put her goggles on and see if there are any shells on the bottom.

My daughters are 5 and 9 so a gentle, swimming beach is what I need.

THANKS for any advice!!!!

[Good Karma]

I have been to Napili Bay and Kapalua and both
are wonderful ! My very first trip to Maui was
back in 1983 when I was 14 and we stayed at
Napili Kai Beach Club ( i think that's the name).
Wow, that was 23 yrs ago !
If memory serves, there was little to no waves in that
little cove and my friend and I just floated on our rafts
all day ! I don't know about any drop off, someone will
have to fill you in about that !
My other favorite place on the island is Wailea !
It's way over on the other side between Kihei and Makena.

[boneheader]

Aloha. I have lived on Maui since 1967. The drop off you are refering to is all of about 2 feet. The drop off is caused by the waves digging out a bit of sand where they break. If you look at a map of Maui County both those beaches are well protected by Lanai and Molokai. Even if there is a swell the waves will be blocked by those two islands. Your Kids will have no problems at those beaches. One thing though is that there are scattered rocks not covered by sand. The water is crystal clear and you can see them. Have a great trip.

[carmel67]

Thanks SO much for the reply!

I can handle a 2' drop off, LOL. There was a beach like that in Antigua when we were there last year. However, some of the website and some of the guide books make it sound like you are going to drop off into an abyss!

Thanks again!

[whynot?]

I live on Maui, too, and both those beaches are perfect. I'm afraid your daughter will be more likely to see fish than shells, though. Our reefs pretty much grind any shells up. Shoes are a good idea, as mentioned above, because of the rocks.