Relaxation or Challenging Adventures and Activities - It's Up To You!

Some Favorite Activities for Napili Kai Guests

More island adventures await you with so many historical and cultural attractions on Maui:

Bellstone
Highway 340, West Maui
This large volcanic rock sitting on the side of the road has an unusual capability - it sounds like a bell when struck in the right spot. There are several such stones throughout the islands, due to the chemical composition of the lava. If you strike this rock on the right side (mountain side) you will hear a metallic clank.

Black Rock
Ka'anapali Beach, Highway 340, West Maui
Black Rock is the site where ancient Hawaiians believed that their spirits "jumped off" or left this world. Each island has such a spot. It was believed that a spirit left this world to join its ancestors. If there were no ancestors to greet the spirit, it would wander the earth causing mischief.

Black Rock divides the beautiful beaches of Ka'anapali and Kahekili. Resorts line the coast but there are several public beach accesses available. This area is the site of one of the last volcanic eruptions on Maui. Snorkeling and scuba diving are especially good in this area when the ocean is calm, as Black Rock forms a great reef wall. Locals are often seen diving into the deep waters around the rock.

Useful Information: FREE Parking is available at the parking garage between the Sheraton and the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. However, only a few spaces are free, and they fill up quickly. Pay parking is available at Whalers Village Shopping Center.

A paved walking path stretches the entire length of Ka'anapali Beach, fronting the hotels. A variety of restaurants, snack bars, and gift shops are located at the resorts lining the beaches. Public access pathways are located between many of the hotels.

Directions: Take Highway 30 from Napili toward Ka'anapali. Turn right onto Ka'anapali Parkway. Black Rock is located at the end of Ka'anapali Beach, fronting the Sheraton.

Dragon's Teeth
Makalua-puna Point, Kapalua, West Maui
Makalua-puna Point was created from one of the last lava flows on Maui. However, the lava here is a little different from the rest of the lava on Maui - it is much lighter, denser, and fine-grained. The wind sweeping over the point caused the lava to harden in an upward fashion.

The jagged points of this formation look like dragon's teeth, thus the name. Hundreds of years of salt spray have whitened the lava and eroded holes in some areas.

Useful Information: FREE paved parking is located off Office Road. The hike to the point is approximately 5 minutes along the edge of the golf course. Honokahua Preservation Site is halfway to the point on the right side of the path.

Wear sturdy shoes when walking on the lava point, as the area is rocky and uneven. Windy area - no facilities or water available. Good view of Oneloa Bay from the left side of the point.

Directions: From Napili Kai, take Lower Honoapiilani Road to the end where it becomes Office Road. Parking is located where Office Road meets Lower Honoapiilani Road.

Honokahua Preservation Site
Kapalua, West Maui
This is the most significant historical site at Kapalua. The site was unearthed when excavation began for the building of The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. When the importance of the discovery was realized, the hotel was moved inland. The area contains over 900 ancient Hawaiian burial sites dating between 610 and 1800 and has been recognized as a sacred site.

Hawaiians believe that from such a place ancestor spirits continue to lovingly watch over the land and its people. The area is now carpeted with lush grass and bordered by native naupaka bushes. Also at the site is a portion of the 16th century Alaloa or "King's Trail," a footpath that once encircled the island.

Useful Information: Weekly "Sense of Place" tours are offered to visitors by employees of The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. View the area but DO NOT enter the actual burial grounds. Please show respect, as this is a religious site.

Directions: From Napili Kai, take Lower Honoapiilani Road to the end where it becomes Office Road. There is a small parking lot here. Park and walk along the edge of the golf course toward the ocean and Makalua-puna Point. The Preservation Site will be on your right. It is well marked with informational signs.

Kahakuloa Head
"The Tall Land," East of Kahakuloa Village, West Maui
This 636-foot-high hill is situated on a point east of the sleepy town of Kahakuloa. Part of this hill is called Kahekili's Leap. The 18th century Maui king, Kahekili, used to spend time in this area. Legend states that before breakfast, the agile king would climb over 200 feet up the hill and leap into the water below.

There is a hiking trail located between Kahakuloa Head and the 547-foot hill to the right called Pu'u Kahuli'anapa. From here, there are great views of the Head towering above. Trails lead to the top of Pu'u Kahuli'anapa and Kahakuloa Head; however, the trail to the top of the Head is very treacherous.

Useful Information: Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to walk any of these trails. Carry plenty of water if hiking, as there is no shade, water, or facilities available.

Directions: Travel east on Highway 340 past Kahakuloa Village, a short distance past the 14 –mile marker. Kahakuloa Head is on the left.

Nakalele Point and Blowhole
Highway 30, West Maui
The drive from Kapalua around Nakalele Point and on to Wailuku is extraordinary. After passing the pineapple fields of Kapalua, you will see the famous surfing spot, Honolua Bay, and then Honokohau Valley. Nakalele Point and light beacon are immediately past the valley. Hike down the hill to the magnificent blowhole below the beacon.

The blowhole is the result of the ocean wearing away the shore below the lava shelf. With each wave, water is forced through a hole in the lava shelf resulting in the "eruption" of water similar to a geyser. The "blowing" of the water varies dramatically depending on tide levels and wave action. High tide and strong surf produce the best effects.

Useful Information: The blowhole, point, and light beacon can easily be seen from the two trailheads without taking the hike. Two trails lead down to the blowhole - the first and longer trail called the Acid War Zone, leads down from Highway 30 starting at a dirt parking lot on the side of the road.

The second and shorter trail begins less than 1/2 mile from the first site and is marked by a dirt pullout on the side of the road. Use extreme caution when walking these trails, as they are rocky and descend steeply toward the ocean. Wear sturdy shoes. Be very careful around the blowhole as the waves and resulting eruptions are unpredictable and dangerous.

Directions: Follow Highway 30 (Honoapi'ilani Highway) north from Kapalua. The Acid War Zone trail is near Mile Marker #38 where a gravel parking lot is located. A dirt road begins the trail, which takes approximately 30 minutes to hike. The second trail to the blowhole is located 1/2 mile past Mile Marker #38 and is marked by a dirt pullout along the side of the road.

Olivine Pools
Highway 340, West Maui
The Olivine Pools were named for this semi-precious gem found encrusted in the surrounding lava and sandstone. These naturally formed swimming pools are located on a lava shelf stretching along the coastline. When the sea is calm, the area is excellent for swimming, wading, and sun bathing. Notice the unusual lava formations surrounding the area as you bathe in these wonderful pools.

Useful Information: Wear reef shoes when walking on the lava. Wear sturdy shoes to walk the trail to the pools, as it is awkward and may be slippery. Do not wear lotions or oils in the pools as it may harm tiny sea life. DO NOT remove rocks, fish, or any sea life from the area. No facilities available. Monitor the ocean at all times - waves can be very unpredictable and dangerous.

Directions: Take Highway 30 past the Bellstone going toward Kahakuloa Village. A small gravel road on the left is located just prior to Mile Marker #16. Park and walk toward the ocean. A rock platform overlooks the pools. To the left of this overlook is a lava bench and a trail leading down to it and the lava shelf.

Kahakuloa Village
Highway 340,  West Maui
Traveling along the Western Coast of Maui provides one of the most scenic drives on the island. Past the Nakelele Blowhole and the Olivine Pools, Highway 340 narrows considerably for about 1.5 miles as it descends the mountain and enters Kahakuloa Village. This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui, and most of the residents work in and around the village.

Aina Anuhea Tropical Gardens, Kaukini Gallery, and Bruce Turnbull Studio and Sculpture Garden are a few examples of local businesses. As you leave the village, there is pullout with a terrific view of the village and bay. Just as the road widens past the village is another wonderful vantage point located between Kahakuloa Head, a 636-foot high hill beside the ocean, and Ku'u Kahuli'anapa, a 547-foot hill to its right.

Useful Information: Wonderful views of the village and ocean before and after the village. No gas stations or restaurants located in the village. Road is VERY NARROW for 1.5 miles leading into and out of the village - be very cautious and drive slowly!

Directions: Take Highway 30 around the west end of Maui from Kapalua. The highway turns into Highway 340 just prior to the village. Kahakuloa Village is located between Mile Markers #14 and 15 on Highway 340.

The Lahaina "L"
"Cruel Sun," Highway 30, West Maui
Lahaina may, at first glance, seem like just another sleepy port town. But this lovely and picturesque city is full of life and brimming with history! Day or night, Lahaina is a site not to be missed. Parking can be a problem in the town; however, there are several public lots that are conveniently located.

Lahaina started as an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Then Westerners and their tall ships began sailing to the islands, and Lahaina became a popular town due to its natural harbor. Several of the buildings and much of the history of the area revolves around those early years of the 1800s.

Haleakala Volcano
Sunrise Crater Tour: "HOUSE OF THE SUN"
A trip to Maui is never complete without viewing a magnificent sunrise from the top of Haleakala, Maui's sleeping volcano. Travel to the 10,023 foot summit with Ekahi Tours and experience the dawn of creation. Panoramic views, nature in the raw, and the wonders of Haleakala National Park will leave you breathless!