Located near Maui’s northwest tip, Napili Kai delivers old-world Hawaiian charm and an unhurried way of life in a spectacular location.
We arrived early in the afternoon and were greeted with a cold drink and a warm welcome. We parked our car at the far end of the resort, dragged our bags up a short set of stairs and opened the door to reveal the most spectacular hotel view I have ever seen. No joke. It was incredible. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors opened to an ample terrace perched just above the blue-green Pacific. Daily, we watched turtles popping their heads out or waving a flipper to say hello. Okay, they probably weren’t actually waving, but when a giant sea turtle waves his flipper, you can’t help but feel he is waving to you.
You could come to Napili Kai, check into Puna Point Room 212 (all of the rooms are slightly different) and never leave the lanai (balcony). No one would blame you. But if you did, you’d be missing out on so much more that this charming resort and wonderful region have to offer.
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Making memories, year after year
Napili Kai has a storied history. The first resort to be built on Napili Bay, Napili Kai is the manifestation of a dream hatched by a group of Canadian friends in the early 1960s. Together, they transformed an overgrowth of thorny trees into the privately-owned, independent resort it remains today.
One of the benefits of being the first resort on Napili Bay (now home to several five-star hotels), Napili Kai snagged a premium crescent-shaped beach with a sandy bottom and excellent snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is complimentary for guests, so stop by to grab towels and gear from Lorene who has manned the towel hut for decades.
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After an early morning snorkel, head over to the yellow and red beach cabana for complimentary morning coffee and fruit. You will learn a little Hawaiian culture, meet other guests, and perhaps begin conversations that continue on the beach into the late afternoon. This is a place where friendships are forged beachside, and families return year after year.
When the kids get hungry, head back to the poolside snack shack for light fare or to the Sea House Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour overlooking the beach. The extensive menu offers something for everyone and the sunset is the perfect dessert. Either that or the pineapple tiramisu. Or both.
Unforgettable Adventures
If you can bear to pull yourself away from the resort property, you will find yourself right on the Kapalua Coastal Trail, 3.5 miles of adventure that wind past volcanic rock formations, expansive ocean vistas, and cliffs that are perfect for climbing and jumping.
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Though Napili Kai feels like you have been transported to old world Hawaii, you are a mere 10-minute drive to Kaanapali and 15 minutes from the bustling Front Street of Lahaina, should you have a sudden need for shaved ice or a Maui T-shirt.
After just a few days, Napili Kai begins to feel like home and it is no wonder that 65 percent of their visitors are returning guests. Napili Kai works hard to honor those who have come to love the property just how it is, and while improvements are made constantly, the goal is “updated but unchanged” so as to never lose the unique spirit of Napili Kai.
And that’s good, because I don’t really want to find anything changed when I come back.
The author and her family were guests of Napili Kai for two nights. No other consideration was received and all opinions are her own.
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