Kapalua can be translated to "arms embracing the sea" and this effectively describes the beaches and town. Kapalua is at the foot of the West Maui mountains which is also called the Kahalawai. Kapalua has many resorts including the Ritz-Carlton which has many resturants, boutique shops, historic sites, and golf courses.

Kapalua's shoreline has five bays and three white sand beaches. One beach that is very popular with tourists and locals is D.T. Fleming Beach Park which is also known as Old Fleming Beach. This beach park has picnic tables, restrooms, and lifeguards, as well as a nice sloping beach with beautiful water. You can spot turtles trying to escape the surf on this beach near the rocks.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park