Explore West Maui
One of the best things about staying at The Hokulani at Papakea is having so much of West Maui within easy reach. Spend your days snorkeling in clear blue water, discovering beautiful beaches and coastal trails, shopping and dining in Kaʻanapali, or simply following the coastline north toward Kapalua for some of Maui’s most memorable scenery.
Beaches, Snorkeling & the Ocean
West Maui is home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. Head south toward Kaʻanapali or north toward Napili, Kapalua and Honolua Bay, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding and relaxing by the water.
Kaʻanapali Beach & Black Rock
Spend the day on one of Maui’s best-known beaches. Black Rock is especially popular for snorkeling when ocean conditions are calm, and the Kaʻanapali Beachwalk makes it easy to combine a beach day with lunch, shopping or sunset drinks.
Napili Bay & Kapalua Bay
Two beautiful West Maui beaches that are wonderful for swimming and snorkeling when conditions cooperate.
Honolua Bay
A gorgeous marine-life conservation area known for snorkeling during calmer summer conditions. In winter, larger surf can make conditions very different.
Ocean conditions in Maui can change quickly. Always observe posted warnings, speak with lifeguards where available, and never enter the water when conditions exceed your ability.
Scenic West Maui
Dragon’s Teeth at Makaluapuna Point
Take a short coastal walk through striking lava formations with beautiful ocean views near Kapalua.
Nakalele Blowhole
Continue north for dramatic coastal scenery and one of Maui’s distinctive natural landmarks. View the blowhole from a safe distance and stay well back from wet rocks, cliff edges and the opening itself.
Mahana Ridge
For guests looking for a more substantial hike, the Kapalua area offers beautiful trails through the greener side of West Maui. Check current trail and weather conditions before heading out.
Kaʻanapali, Shopping & Dining
Spend an afternoon or evening at Whalers Village, an open-air beachfront destination along Kaʻanapali Beach with shops, restaurants and easy access to the beachwalk.
This is also a great area for sunset sails, snorkeling excursions and seasonal whale watching. Several ocean excursions depart directly from Kaʻanapali Beach.
Stock the Kitchen & Shop Local
One advantage of staying in a condo is having your own kitchen, along with access to BBQs.
Nearby options include:
Times Supermarket – Honokōwai — 3350 Lower Honoapiilani Highway. This is one of the most convenient full-service grocery options near Papakea and is currently open daily.
Napili Farmers Market — 4900 Honoapiilani Highway. A nice option for locally grown produce and Maui-made foods; its current schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Foodland Farms Lahaina — 345 Keawe Street, Suite 104. A good stop for groceries, prepared foods and fresh poke.
Island Grocery Depot — 58 Kupuohi Street. A locally owned Maui grocery option in Lahaina.
Let Someone Else Plan the Adventure
If you’d rather spend your vacation enjoying Maui than researching it, concierge services can help arrange snorkeling trips, sailing, seasonal whale watching, island activities and dining recommendations. Blue Hawaiian Concierge currently offers Maui activity planning and concierge assistance.
A little local advice: Maui is at its best when you don’t overschedule it. Leave room for an unexpected beach stop, a long lunch, or simply coming back to Papakea early enough to enjoy sunset from the lanai.
