Kaanapali Beach Tours

Kaanapali Beach which includes swimming, a hotel and a sandy beach
Kaanapali Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and swimming
Kaanapali Beach featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Kaanapali Beach featuring a luxury hotel or resort, a sandy beach and mountains
Kaanapali Beach showing a sandy beach and boating


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.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Kaanapali Beach

Water activities

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Tours & day trips

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Classes & workshops

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History & culture

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Private & custom tours

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Reviews of Kaanapali Beach

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1629
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
750
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
119
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
19
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

For best swimming and Snorkeling check tide tables.

4/5 - Good

Matt

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

Verified traveler

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

Verified traveler

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

Verified traveler

Watch for rocks if you swim. They can be very dangerous!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Snorkle @ Black Rock is good

Popular places to visit


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
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

3 out of 5
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
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
Aston Kaanapali Shores

Aston Kaanapali Shores

3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
Aston Kaanapali Shores
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
Sheraton 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
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
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 a variety of exciting activities including breathtaking sunsets, surfing, and sailing. Don't miss the chance to snorkel in vibrant waters, unwind at Heavenly Spa, or embark on thrilling whale watching excursions. For a more relaxing experience, join a yoga event or try kite boarding for an adrenaline rush. There's something for everyone to enjoy on this beautiful Hawaiian beach.

Shopping

Whalers Village, located 483m from Kaanapali Beach, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, Kihei Kalama Village (32.2km away) and One Love Farmers Market (33.8km away) provide unique local products and a city atmosphere.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Kaanapali Kai Course, located 644m from the beach, offering beautiful outdoor vibes. Alternatively, visit Kaanapali Golf Courses for another exciting golfing experience nearby. For a broader sports experience, check out the Maui War Memorial Center, 22.5km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Shoreline Snuba, an underwater adventure 644m from Kaanapali Beach, where you can explore vibrant marine life. For an adrenaline rush, visit Skyline Eco Adventure, a ziplining experience 1.1km away, soaring over breathtaking landscapes. Lastly, enjoy a competitive match at Lahaina Civic Center Tennis, located 1.6km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Kaanapali Beach by catching a show at Iao Theater, just 20.9km away, or enjoy a movie night at Regal Maui Mall, 24.1km away. For a family-friendly option, visit Regency Kihei Cinemas, located 32.2km from the beach.

*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 offers a stunning blend of beach, bay, and urban park attractions, perfect for travelers seeking outdoor and scenic experiences. Notable spots include the famous Kāʻanapali Beach, the Kaanapali Beach Walk, and the beautiful beach in Ka'anapali, all inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the sun while exploring the natural beauty of the area.

  • Napili Bay: Experience the tranquil beauty of Napili Bay, just 9.7km from Kaanapali Beach. With its crystal-clear waters and soft sands, it's perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun while enjoying picturesque scenery.
  • Black Rock: Located only 0.9.7km from Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock is a popular spot for beachgoers and snorkelers alike. The dramatic cliffs and vibrant marine life create a stunning backdrop for sunbathing and underwater exploration.
  • Hanakaoo Beach Park: Just 1.1km from Kaanapali Beach, this urban park offers a family-friendly atmosphere with picnic areas, lush greenery, and beach access, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day outdoors in a vibrant city setting.

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 on your trip to Kaanapali Beach, consider visiting between September and November when prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can secure better rates, and checking Expedia for last-minute deals may yield additional savings. Saturdays typically offer the best hotel prices, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and explore package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Don't miss out on free beach activities and local events to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you're looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • 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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