An idyllic white sand beach bordered by palm trees and coral reefs, Napili Bay is a spectacular natural refuge.
The honey-coloured sand, aquamarine water and shady palm trees of Napili Bay make this picture postcard paradise a popular honeymoon destination. Local accommodation is plentiful but unobtrusive, with no building rising higher than the fronds of the palms along the beach.The bay is shielded by arms of rock which keep the water free from strong currents and allow for less-confident swimmers to splash about in the water between these protective natural barriers. However, the ocean floor has a steep gradient and falls away very quickly to create a strong undertow at high tide. The hotels nearby have pools of their own, which families may wish to take advantage of on rougher days when the ocean swell gets high.Snorkelers will want to head to the outcrops of coral at either end of the cove, where fish and turtles come to feed. Whilst not as populous as some other reefs around the island, there is still plenty to see here – especially first thing in the morning. During the winter when the waves pick up, snorkelers make way for surfers and body boarders who flock here for a taste of the surf.As you wander along the beach, you may notice people lying in the water at the surf’s edge. Don’t be alarmed! They are just playing Monastery Tag, a popular west-coast activity that has been exported to the islands of Hawaii. The premise is simple: as the waves come in, their force shoots you up the beach on a slick layer of water before the undertow drags you back down again. Give it a go and see for yourself - it may sound odd but, once you’ve mastered the art, Monastery Tag is great fun!For a real treat to finish off your day, head to one of the local restaurants and enjoy a perfectly-cooked meal right on the seafront. The food is pricy but high quality and the views are worth the expense. If you are keeping to a tight budget, why not head to the local shops and pick up a picnic for some al fresco dining on the beach instead.
