Kaanapali – Maui’s Most Famous Beach
Sights, Hotels, Condos, Restaurants, Things to Do in Ka’anapali
Kaanapali Beach is Maui’s best-known beach, and Kaanapali is the major resort area on the West side of Maui. It’s six minutes (3 miles) north of the town of Lahaina. It is my favorite place to stay on Maui.
Kaanapali Beach has everything: long sandy beach, sunshine, shallow water close to shore, snorkeling beside Black Rock at the north end, tour boats departing right from the beach, kiosks to rent beach equipment or buy sunscreen, restaurants, shopping, and fancy resorts. There are booths on Kaanapali Beach where you can sign up for snorkeling, boat excursions, kayaking, sailing, the Sheraton Luau, surfing lessons, and water equipment rentals.
Why stay in Kaanapali?
Kaanapali Beach has major resort hotels, condos, a shopping center, a mile-long beach, snorkeling, boats, and all activities within easy walking distance. It’s on the west side of Maui, which is more lush and green than the south side (Wailea and Kihei). And it’s close to Lahaina, for lots more restaurants, entertainment, shopping, boat excursions, and history. Other places to stay on the West side of Maui include Kapalua, Napili, Kahana, Honokowai, and Lahaina.
Hotels and condos on Kaanapali Beach include the Hyatt, Marriott, Kaanapali Alii, Westin, Whaler, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, and Sheraton. Click on any of those names in this paragraph for more information and photos, or see longer lists of choices by clicking on Maui Hotels West Side or Maui Condos West Side.
Restaurants I recommend in Kaanapali include Hula Grill, Leilani’s, and Roy’s. Other restaurants I suggest on Maui’s west side include Kimos, Lahaina Grill, Penne Pasta, and Honokowai Okazuya. Click on any of those names in this paragraph for more information and photos, or see longer lists of choices in all price ranges by clicking on West Maui Restaurants.
Scroll down for Kaanapali Beach photos and videos. See a map of Kaanapali Beach hotels and condos. Click for a historical video of Kaanapali in 1964.
Kaanapali Video and Photos
Kaanapali Beach is on Maui’s west side. Click this link for Kamaole Beaches on the south side. Click for other Maui beaches.
Haven’t decided yet on a place to stay on Maui? See Maui Hotels and Maui Condos — How to decide between a hotel and a condo, what part of Maui to stay on, which specific hotel or condo best suits your needs and your budget.
