Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Oneloa or Ironwoods beach is a quiet stretch of shoreline located in the northern portion of West Maui between Kapalua and Napili. Public parking and beach access is present but hard to find, most folks don't realize there is a beach. That makes this beach nice, quiet and uncrowded. The beach is surrounded by private property so it is near several private residences. Please don't block any access, and respect the privacy of the residents. This is a quiet, romantic beach. Afternoon and evening walks are wonderful along this beach. There is plenty of room to play and a great view of Molokai. The beach itself is wide and sandy. It is bordered on the north by 20 foot lava cliffs that are a portion of the natural water hazard for the golf course above the beach. If you decide to 'beach' at the north end, be careful of golf balls occasionally coming down around you.
The beach is somewhat exposed to a north swell. The rocks at the north end of the beach shield it somewhat from the big waves, but it can still be dangerous if the waves are big. There can also be a very swift current outside the protection of the rocks and rip currents can form right off the beach. Be careful swimming and snorkeling. The parking lot is well away from the beach so don't leave valuables in your car. The beach is about 7.4 miles north of Lahaina on highway 30 off Lower Honoapi'ilani Highway just north of the Kapalua Bay Hotel Resort and the Kapalua Bay Shops. Starting from the Honolua General Store or the main entrance to the Ritz Carlton Resort, proceed toward Kapalua Bay for .4 miles. You'll see a sign saying "Ironwood Lane", the parking lot is only a few feet from the turn.
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