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.

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Waikiki Resort Hotel
Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Hono Koa Vacation Club

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Best Lodging Options Near Kaanapali Beach

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali

4.5 out of 5
2365 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
Lahaina
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort

OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
2525 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI
OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

4 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 Kaanapali Shores

Aston Kaanapali Shores

3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
Aston Kaanapali Shores
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
Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka'anapali Beach, Maui

Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka'anapali Beach, Maui

3.5 out of 5
180 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI
Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka'anapali Beach, Maui
Kaanapali Alii

Kaanapali Alii

4 out of 5
50 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI
Kaanapali Alii
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.

Things to do near Kaanapali Beach

At Kaanapali Beach, immerse yourself in stunning sunsets, thrilling surfing, and serene sailing. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Kaanapali Beach Walk, explore the beauty of Paradise, and embark on exciting catamaran tours. Don’t miss the vibrant snorkeling beaches and live music that adds to the local flavour. This destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for any traveller.

Shopping

Kaanapali Beach offers great shopping at Whalers Village, just 483m away, featuring a variety of stores and dining. If you're up for a drive, check out Kihei Kalama Village and One Love Farmers Market, located 20 and 33.8km away, respectively, both offering unique local finds.

Recreation

Experience the Kaanapali Kai Course at Kaanapali Golf Resort, where you can enjoy a scenic round of golf surrounded by lush landscapes, located 644m from the beach. Alternatively, explore the Kaanapali Golf Courses for a similar outdoor sports experience, also 644m away.

Adventure

Experience the vibrant underwater world with Shoreline Snuba, located 644m from Kaanapali Beach, perfect for adventure seekers. For breathtaking views, hike the Lahaina Pali Trail, 6.4km away, offering stunning scenery. Try Skyline Eco Adventure's zipline course, located 1.1km from the beach for an exhilarating ride.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Iao Theater, located 20.9km from Kaanapali Beach. Enjoy a mix of culture, romance, and family-friendly entertainment in this charming venue, where you can watch live performances and immerse yourself in the local scene.

Find the best attractions near Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach, renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor experiences, offers a variety of attractions such as beautiful beaches and urban parks. Visitors can explore the famous Ka'anapali Beach and engage in activities that showcase the area's natural beauty. Whether you're looking to relax by the bay or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, Kaanapali Beach in Maui promises a memorable vacation experience for all travellers.

  • Black Rock: Located a mere 966m from Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock offers stunning beach vibes and is perfect for snorkelling. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to explore vibrant marine life, or simply relax on the sandy shoreline while soaking up the sun.
  • Napili Bay: About 9.7km away, Napili Bay is a picturesque spot known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. Enjoy the soft sands and gentle waves, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or just unwinding with a stunning ocean view.
  • Hanakaoo Beach Park: Situated 1.1km from Kaanapali Beach, Hanakaoo Beach Park is a family-friendly urban park featuring picnic areas and a tranquil beach. It’s a great spot for a leisurely day outdoors amidst the local community atmosphere.

Best time to go to Kaanapali Beach

Visitor numbers around Kaanapali Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Kaanapali Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. February and March are its coolest month on average. At the time of March, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January73.2°F (22.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March72.7°F (22.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April73.8°F (23.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June76.3°F (24.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
July77.2°F (25.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
September78.1°F (25.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October77.7°F (25.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November76.3°F (24.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kaanapali Beach

When visiting Kaanapali Beach, take advantage of free public access and nearby attractions like Whalers Village and Black Rock. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider booking your stay between September and November, and aim for Saturday check-ins, as they tend to be cheaper. Utilize Expedia to find last-minute deals and compare hotel rates. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to significant savings. Don't forget to explore local offers and discounts for an economical and enjoyable trip to this stunning Hawaiian destination.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kaanapali Beach are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Kaanapali Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kaanapali Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Kaanapali Beach is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Kaanapali Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.