Punalau Beach
Kapalua, HI
Punalau Beach sits just north of Fleming's, better known to surfers by its nickname Windmills for the old wind turbines that once stood on the bluff above. A rocky, uneven entry keeps casual swimmers away, so the lineup and the shady patch of sand belong mostly to locals who know the reef break by heart.
A dependable, uncrowded winter break for locals who don't mind the rocky entry, though the lack of sand or facilities keeps it from being anyone's all day beach.
How we score beachesThe entry over the rocks at low tide is easier than it looks from the parking area. Reef shoes make a real difference here, more than at almost any other West Maui beach.
A dirt pullout along the highway just north of Fleming's serves the beach, free and informal, with room for a handful of cars.
A short dirt path drops down to a rocky, uneven shoreline. Not stroller or wheelchair friendly, and the entry itself requires some scrambling.
Winter brings the swell that makes this a real surf destination, while summer flattens out considerably and draws more snorkelers than surfers.
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