Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach showing a coastal town, tropical scenes and a hotel
Kaanapali Beach featuring swimming, tropical scenes and a sandy beach
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.
Ala Moana Hotelcondo by Luana Vacation Rental
Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Mana Kai Maui- Official Onsite Rental

Water activities

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Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Private & custom tours

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

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, HI
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
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

3 out of 5
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

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

Kaanapali Alii

4 out of 5
50 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI
Kaanapali Alii
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
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, you can enjoy stunning sunsets, thrilling surfing, and delightful sailing adventures. Explore the diverse recreational activities on Maui, embark on exciting day trips, and engage in various ocean adventures. Don't miss the Ocean Activities Centre for a range of experiences that showcase the beauty and thrills of this tropical paradise.

Shopping

Whalers Village is the closest shopping destination, just 186m from Kaanapali Beach, offering a vibrant mix of shops and dining. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting Kihei Town Center or the Shops at Wailea, both featuring a great selection of boutiques and local crafts.

Recreation

The Kapalua Golf Club Plantation Course offers stunning views and a challenging experience, perfect for golf enthusiasts. The Kaanapali Kai Course, located a short distance from the beach, provides a relaxed atmosphere for a leisurely round. The Maui War Memorial Center showcases local sports culture, making it a vibrant destination.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Shoreline Snuba, located 249m from Kaanapali Beach, where you can explore underwater wonders. For an exhilarating ziplining adventure, visit Skyline Eco Adventure, 435m away, soaring high above the lush landscape. Don’t miss Lahaina Civic Center Tennis, situated 621m from the beach, for some competitive fun.

Nightlife

Kaanapali Beach boasts a vibrant nightlife, with the Iao Theater 8.1km away offering cultural performances, while the Regal Maui Mall and Regency Kihei Cinemas, located 15 and 12.4km away respectively, provide family-friendly film experiences and romantic outings under the stars.

Find the best attractions near Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach offers a delightful array of attractions for all types of visitors. You can bask on the renowned Kaanapali Beach, enjoy the scenic views, or challenge yourself at the Ka'anapali Golf Course. For those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, the nearby urban park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you're after relaxation or adventure, Kaanapali Beach and its surroundings will ensure a memorable holiday experience.

  • Napili Bay: Nestled 3.7km from Kaanapali Beach, Napili Bay offers stunning scenery and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. The soft sands and clear waters create a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, making it ideal for families and couples alike.
  • Black Rock: Located a mere 0.3.7km from Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock is famous for its striking beauty and excellent snorkelling opportunities. The beach vibes here are vibrant, with spectacular sunsets that are perfect for evening strolls.
  • Kapalua Golf Resort Bay Course: Situated 3.7km away, this picturesque golf course combines tropical landscapes with romantic views. It's perfect for golf enthusiasts looking for excursions amidst breathtaking scenery.

Best time to go to Kaanapali Beach

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 (dry). February and March are its coolest month on average. At the time of March, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

To save on your trip to Kaanapali Beach, consider visiting from September to November when prices are lower, and book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Saturday is the cheapest day to stay, while Wednesday tends to be the priciest. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and package offers that combine flights, hotels, and activities, potentially saving you more. Additionally, look for eco-certified hotels to enjoy sustainable options. Take advantage of free beach activities and utilise public transport to explore the area economically.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Kaanapali Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking for Kaanapali Beach with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.