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

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Kahana Beach Vacation Club

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Apr. 11 - Apr. 18

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Kahului (OGG)

8.4/10 Very Good! (640 reviews)

The lady at the front desk is very professional and friendly. I extended my stay an additional 2 days and even though we had to change rooms she made it very smooth. Very impressed. I've stayed at 5 different places on Maui since January 1st. This is the nicest.

Reviewed on Feb. 21, 2025

Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals

Waikiki

per person

Apr. 2 - Apr. 9

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Honolulu (HNL)

8.6/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)

Everything about this property was perfect for the two of us. Location was great, bus stop right out front to get around the city and easy to walk to a variety of different shops and restaurants. Pots, pans, and dishes were sufficient for us to make breakfasts and quick lunches most mornings, no dishwasher but they did have a drying rack to hand wash dishes. TV could probably do with an upgrade, it worked fine but it’s not a smart tv, on the other hand we weren’t spending a whole lot of time sitting around in the condo so it didn’t matter much to us. I think it’d be cramped for more than 2 people but for a couple of vacation it was perfect, would definitely book this spot again!

Reviewed on Jan. 21, 2025

Ala Moana Hotelcondo by Luana Vacation Rental

Ala Moana

per person

Apr. 5 - Apr. 12

found 17 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Honolulu (HNL)

7.4/10 Good! (252 reviews)

Thank You Very Very Very nice Place

Reviewed on Dec. 13, 2023

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Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort

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Waterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure

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Adventure & outdoor

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Waterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure

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2-Hour Whale Watch Tour from Ma'alaea Harbour

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Reviews of Kaanapali Beach

4.5

Top destination

5 - Excellent

235

4 - Good

135

3 - Okay

21

2 - Disappointing

1

1 - Terrible

1

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.

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