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

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Sands of Kahana
Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Ala Moana Hotelcondo by Luana Vacation Rental

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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
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

4 out of 5
2780 Kekaa Dr, Lahaina, HI
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort

OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
2525 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI
OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

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

The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach

4 out of 5
2481 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
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
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
Aston Kaanapali Shores

Aston Kaanapali Shores

3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
Aston Kaanapali Shores
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

Kaanapali Beach offers a range of exciting activities and experiences for visitors. You can enjoy stunning sunsets, go surfing or sailing, and explore nearby golf courses. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with hula dancing, or indulge in relaxation at the Zensations Spa. For the adventurous, underwater experiences await, making Kaanapali a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

The closest shopping destination is Whalers Village, just 483m from Kaanapali Beach, offering a mix of entertainment and local shops. If you're up for a drive, check out One Love Farmers Market and Kihei Kalama Village, both featuring unique gifts and local vibes 32.2km away.

Recreation

At Kaanapali Golf Resort, enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes just 644m from the beach. For sports enthusiasts, the Maui War Memorial Center offers engaging activities 22.5km away, while the Kaanapali Golf Courses, also 644m from the beach, provide thrilling outdoor vibes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Shoreline Snuba, located 644m from Kaanapali Beach, where you can explore underwater wonders. For an adrenaline rush, try Skyline Eco Adventure's zipline course, 1.1km away. Alternatively, enjoy a game at Lahaina Civic Center Tennis, situated 1.6km from the beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Kaanapali Beach offers a mix of culture and entertainment. Catch a show at the historic Iao Theater, located 20.9km away, or enjoy a romantic film at Regal Maui Mall, 24.1km away, and Regency Kihei Cinemas, 32.2km away, for a cozy cinema experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach in Maui is renowned for its stunning scenery and vibrant outdoor experiences. Visitors can indulge in the beautiful ka'anapali beach, explore the nearby bay, and enjoy the urban park settings. This tropical paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable vacation. Don't miss the chance to experience the famous ka'anapali beach, where sun, surf, and sand await.

  • Napili Bay: Located 9.7km from Kaanapali Beach, Napili Bay offers stunning beach scenery and a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or swimming in crystal-clear waters. Its picturesque surroundings make it ideal for sunbathing and picnics.
  • Black Rock: Only 0.9.7km from Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock is famous for its vibrant beach vibes and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The rocky outcrop provides a unique backdrop for sunset views and adventurous cliff diving.
  • Hanakaoo Beach Park: Situated 1.1km away, Hanakaoo Beach Park is a family-friendly urban park featuring lush green spaces, picnic areas, and beach access, making it an ideal spot for a fun day out in the sun.

Best time to go to Kaanapali Beach

The best time to visit Kaanapali Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kaanapali Beach falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Kaanapali Beach falls in February and March. March has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.2°F (22.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March72.7°F (22.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April73.8°F (23.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June76.3°F (24.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July77.2°F (25.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September78.1°F (25.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October77.7°F (25.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November76.3°F (24.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kaanapali Beach

To save money on your trip to Kaanapali Beach, consider visiting from September to November for lower accommodation rates. Booking a hotel about a month in advance can yield better prices, and check for last-minute deals on Expedia, indicated by a green banner. Saturdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia's search tool to sort results by price and filter for eco-friendly options. Lastly, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kaanapali Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Kaanapali Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia