Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
beaches in the world. One look
and you'll see why: Perfect cream-
colored sand slopes down to
crystal-clear waters that are great
for swimming, snorkeling, and
bodysurfing in summer; come
winter, waves thunder in like
stampeding wild horses. The facil-
ities for picnicking and camping
are top-notch, and there's plenty
of parking. See p. 216.
•
Kapalua Beach
(Maui): On an
island with many great beaches,
Kapalua takes the prize. This
golden crescent with swaying
palms is protected from strong
winds and currents by two out-
stretched lava-rock promontories.
Its calm waters are perfect for
snorkeling, swimming, and kayak-
ing. The beach borders the
Kapalua Bay Hotel, but it's long
enough for everyone to enjoy.
Facilities include showers, rest-
rooms, and lifeguards. See p. 285.
•
Papohaku Beach
(Molokai): One
of Hawaii's longest beaches, these
gold sands stretch on for some 3
miles and are about as wide as a
football field. Offshore, the ocean
churns mightily in winter, but the
waves die down in summer, mak-
ing the calm waters inviting for
swimming, picnics, beach walks,
and sunset watching. See p. 324.
•
Hulopoe Beach
(Lanai): This
golden, palm-fringed beach off
the south coast of Lanai gently
slopes down to the azure waters of
a Marine Life Conservation Dis-
trict, where clouds of tropical fish
flourish and spinner dolphins
come to play. A tide pool in the
lava rocks defines one side of the
bay, while the other is lorded over
by the Manele Bay Hotel, which
sits prominently on the hill above.
Offshore, you'll find good swim-
ming, snorkeling, and diving;
onshore, there's a full complement
of beach facilities, from restrooms
to camping areas. See p. 337.
•
Haena Beach
(Kauai): Backed by
verdant cliffs, this curvaceous
North Shore beach has starred as
paradise in many a movie. It's easy
to see why Hollywood loves Haena
Beach, with its grainy golden sand
and translucent turquoise waters.
Summer months bring calm waters
for swimming and snorkeling,
while winter brings mighty waves
for surfers. There are plenty of
facilities on hand, including pic-
nic tables, restrooms, and showers.
See p. 385.
