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.
Kaanapali Beach Tours
Visit Kaanapali Beach
Plan a trip to see Kaanapali Beach
Paradise Bay Resort
Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026
Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025
Ala Moana Hotelcondo by Luana Vacation Rental
Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025
Browse tours and tickets to explore Kaanapali Beach
Tours & day trips
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Waterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure
Water activities
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Snorkeling Cruise to Molokini Crater & Turtle Town (Small Group)
History & culture
See all 15 activities
Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort
Adventure & outdoor
See all 14 activitiesWaterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure
Classes & workshops
See all 13 activities
Maui: Deluxe Whale Watch Sail & Lunch from Ma`alaea Harbor
Reviews of Kaanapali Beach
5/5 - Excellent
For best swimming and Snorkeling check tide tables.
4/5 - Good
The sand is great but there are rocky areas in the water. Water socks ($5 at the local Walmart) provided the protection we needed.
3/5 - Okay
We were there in 1983. Now it’s just hotel after hotel. Still, a must to stop on your visit and walk along the beach.
3/5 - Okay
The sand is so soft its insane. All kinds of amenities. However, the water isn't all that safe to do much in. You gotta watch the kids very closely IMO. Fairly rough surf break, strong undertow at fairly steep dropoff. Lots of boats near the shore launching tours limits areas of "quiet" access, although there is plenty of room to roam to avoid that.
4/5 - Good
Watch for rocks if you swim. They can be very dangerous!
4/5 - Good
Snorkle @ Black Rock is good
Popular places to visit
Whalers Village
You can do some window-shopping at Whalers Village during your stay in Kaanapali. Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Black Rock
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Black Rock, a lovely green space in Kaanapali. Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the snorkeling spots.
Keka'a Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Keka'a Beach during your trip to Kaanapali? Visit the area's spas or amble around its beautiful beaches.
Iki Park Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Iki Park Beach during your trip to Lahaina? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Kahana Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kahana Beach during your trip to Kahana? Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Drums of the Pacific Lū ‘au
You can enjoy a show at Drums of the Pacific Lū‘au on your trip to Lahaina. Make time for the spas and snorkeling spots in this romantic area.
Best Lodging Options Near Kaanapali Beach
Check availability on hotels close to Kaanapali Beach
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Alii
Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - Lahaina & Napili Towers
Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - Molokai, Maui & Lanai Towers
Best time to go to Kaanapali Beach
The best time to visit Kaanapali Beach is dependent 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 Month |  Temperature |  Precipitation |  Cloudiness |  Occupancy |  Pricing |
| January | 73.2°F (22.9°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| February | 72.7°F (22.6°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Slightly High |
| March | 72.7°F (22.6°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| April | 73.8°F (23.2°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly High | Average |
| May | 75.0°F (23.9°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly High | Average |
| June | 76.3°F (24.6°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| July | 77.2°F (25.1°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly High | Slightly High |
| August | 77.9°F (25.5°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| September | 78.1°F (25.6°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Slightly Low |
| October | 77.7°F (25.4°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly Low | Slightly Low |
| November | 76.3°F (24.6°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly Low | Slightly Low |
| December | 74.3°F (23.5°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly Low | Slightly High |
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