Kaanapali Beach Tours and Activities

Kaanapali Beach which includes a coastal town, a hotel and a beach
Kaanapali Beach showing a beach, swimming and tropical scenes
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach


As one of the highest-ranking luxury beaches in the U.S., this stunning stretch of sand with crystal-clear water is lined with high-end hotels and shops.

Hawaiian kings once favored Kaanapali Beach, and now the whole world is in love with it. Kaanapali was the first planned resort in Hawaii and, because of its success, its formula has been copied around the world. Kaanapali has many comforts, and just over a decade ago it was voted “America’s Best Beach.” Come here to laze on the palm-fringed sand and bathe in the warm Pacific waters.

Book an adventurous water-based activity, such as scuba diving, snorkeling or kayaking to make the most of your stay. If you feel brave, you can even go parasailing. Golf enthusiasts should hit the Royal Kaanapali or the Kaanapali Kai, two local championship courses. If you feel like a walk, take the Kaanapali Historical Trail & History and Legends Tour. This free, self-guided walk educates you about the area’s geological past and takes you to some of the best places.

Shopaholics should head for the Whalers Village on Kaanapali Parkway, where you’ll find around 90 high-end shops and restaurants. Shop for jewelry, floral shirts or swimwear, and enjoy a local sweet treat or all-American fast food. Stay a while and join a free daily Hawaiian language class if you want to greet the locals with more than just “aloha.” Visit the museum dedicated to the humpback whales which frequent the waters. In winter, you can also join one of the whale-watching trips that depart from Kaanapali Beach.

A memorable way to end any day on Kaanapali Beach is to watch the daily cliff-diving ceremony. Head to Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) as the sun sets to watch the participants light torches along the cliff top before diving into the sea. The spectacle is in honor of King Kahekili, who once performed this feat.

Kaanapali Beach is in West Maui. The beach resort has no shortage of accommodation, with many five-star hotels taking up the prime spots along the oceanfront. The condos are a better deal for families. If you have kids in tow, ask at your reception if they have “keiki” programs, with games, arts and crafts.

Plan a trip to see Kaanapali Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Paradise Bay Resort
Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Hono Koa Vacation Club

Reviews of Kaanapali Beach

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
235
" "5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
135
" "4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
21
" "3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

tough to find parking

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Really hard to find parking. They are blocked my huge hotels. I liked the beaches in Kihei and Wailea/Makena better.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

beach access parking here is a pain. arrive early to get parking!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Bring you sea -shoes as parts are rocky

3/5 - Okay

Sharon

Limited parking. Went elsewhere.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Kaanapali Beach

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
200 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
4 out of 5
2365 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort
OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
2525 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI
OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Kaanapali Alii
Kaanapali Alii
4 out of 5
50 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI
Kaanapali Alii
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
3.5 out of 5
2780 Kekaa Dr, Lahaina, HI
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach
The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach
4 out of 5
2481 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach
Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
4 out of 5
2481 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - Lahaina & Napili Towers
Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - Lahaina & Napili Towers
4 out of 5
100 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, HI
Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - Lahaina & Napili Towers
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.