D.T. Fleming Beach Park
Kapalua, HI
D.T. Fleming Beach Park sits at the far northern edge of Kapalua's resort strip, a long crescent of sand backed by ironwood trees and open to bigger surf than its calmer neighbors down the coast. Bodyboarders and beginner surfers work the shorebreak most mornings, and the grassy park behind the sand fills with local families by early afternoon.
Wide, uncrowded sand and a real neighborhood feel that the resort beaches further south lost years ago, but winter surf turns this into a watch only day for most swimmers.
How we score beachesWinter swells here can be genuinely dangerous close to shore. Watch the lifeguard flags before letting kids past their knees, especially November through February.
A paved county lot sits right off Lower Honoapiilani Highway, free and fairly large, though it fills by mid morning on weekends and holidays.
A flat, grassy park leads straight onto the sand from the lot, with restrooms and showers on site and no stairs to manage.
Summer brings the gentlest water for swimming and wading, while winter's north swells build a shorebreak strong enough to knock over anyone who isn't paying attention.
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