Ironwoods Beach
Kapalua, HI
Ironwoods Beach curves between two of Kapalua's resort points, its official name Oneloa though almost nobody local calls it that. A dense stand of ironwood trees screens most of the sand from the road above, so the beach feels more private than a five minute walk from the Ritz-Carlton parking lot has any right to.
Quiet even when Kapalua Bay down the road is packed, since most visitors never find the unmarked trail in, though there's no lifeguard and the shorebreak can surprise people in winter.
How we score beachesThere's no direct sign from the road. Park at the Coastal Trail lot near the Ritz-Carlton and walk the short trail through the ironwoods rather than hunting for a beach entrance.
A small public lot serves the Kapalua Coastal Trail near the Ritz-Carlton, free of charge, with a short walk through the trees to reach the sand.
A sandy, tree shaded trail connects the lot to the beach, mostly flat but soft underfoot, not ideal for strollers or wheelchairs.
Summer keeps the water calm enough for casual swimming, while winter's north swells can bring a stronger shorebreak and pull the sand back from the tree line.
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