Kaʻanapali Beach
Maui, HI
One of Maui’s first resort towns, Kaʻanapali offers high-rise hotels lining idyllic white-sand beaches—the most famous among them being Kaʻanapali Beach. While not as remote as other West Maui beaches, this long stretch of coastline is a hub for activities on both water and land. Most visitors come for swimming and cliff-diving, though you can also stay busy with shopping, golfing, and ziplining—plus whale-watching and a host of water sports.
The Basics
Base your stay from one of the town’s oceanfront resorts. Staying on the beach lets you skip the hassle of driving and grants you convenient access to Kaʻanapali Beach and the many shops and restaurants that line the resort row. Once you’ve had your fill of lounging on the beach, shop at the open-air Whalers Village shopping mall and peruse the innumerable shops at the boardwalk that runs between Kaʻanapali Beach and the resorts.
Take advantage of the many outdoor adventures surrounding Kaʻanapali on a tour. The town is a jumping-off point for whale watching, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, ziplining, and more. If you aren’t staying in Kaʻanapali, visit on a tour of West Maui’s top beaches.
Things to Know Before You Go
Kaʻanapali is the go-to resort town for tourists looking for a classic Maui vacation.
The Whalers Village offers free lei-making and hula dancing lessons.
Kaʻanapali’s boardwalk makes the beach and shops wheelchair and stroller accessible. Some resorts have beach wheelchairs for guests.
Oceanfront restaurants offer ample dining opportunities.
How to Get There
Kaʻanapali is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the Kapalua-West Maui Airport for a 5-minute drive. The city is 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers) from Lahaina for a 10-minute drive. It is 29 miles (47 kilometers) from the island’s main airport (Kahului) for just under an hour’s drive. From Kahului, follow HI-380 to HI-30 South, and then take HI-30 all the way to Kaʻanapali.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Kaʻanapali is in spring and fall when there are fewer crowds and the weather is typically pleasant. For whale-watching, visit in winter. However, be aware that winter sees more rain, so it can be harder to catch sunny beach days.
Top Resort Towns on West Maui
There are three main resort towns located on Maui’s west side, and Kaʻanapali—known for luxury resorts—is located right in the middle. Just west of Kaʻanapali on HI-30, you can find the condominiums of Kapalua, which offer a laid-back, family-friendly alternative to Kaʻanapali. Head east of Kaʻanapali to find the quaint, fisherman’s village of Lahaina. A historic square and frequent cultural events make Lahaina ideal for visitors who are looking to experience local history and culture.
Ways to explore
Kaʻanapali Beach is a jumping-off point for a variety of Maui tours, which means there’s no need to drive if you stay at one of its waterfront resorts. Set off from the beach for a sunset dinner cruise or a day of snorkeling among dolphins and sea turtles. Adventurous travelers can surf and parasail at Kaʻanapali Beach, while those who prefer to stay on land can shop at Whalers Village, partake in a luau, or see the action from above on a zipline. If you’re not staying in Kaʻanapali, it’s still an approachable day trip from Kahului or South Maui.
Accessibility
While most water activities on Ka’anapali Beach are not wheelchair accessible, visitors can still enjoy views of the beach from the paved path that runs down its length.
Age limits
None, but children always need to be supervised near water, and swimming without a lifeguard present is not recommended.
What to pack
Towel, sunscreen, book to read on the beach
What to wear
Swimsuit, cover-up, sandals, sunglasses, hat
Not allowed
Rules vary by tour, but most don’t allow alcohol, smoking, or non-service animals.
Amenities
Restrooms, shops, restaurants
Address
Kaʻanapali Beach is in West Maui, just north of Lahaina and less than an hour’s drive from Kahului Airport, Wailea, and other common destinations. Driving or joining a guided tour are the best ways to get to the beach.
Driving
If you’re heading to Kaʻanapali Beach from Kahului Airport, you can get there in about 40 minutes via HI-30 S. Paid parking is available on the beach, or you can park at your hotel if you’re staying on-site.
Public transportation
Taking the bus isn’t the fastest way to get to Kaʻanapali Beach, but it’s a feasible option from some towns in West Maui. Lahaina, for example, is about 30 minutes away from Whalers Village on the 29 bus.
Best times to visit
There’s no bad time to visit Kaʻanapali Beach, though it’s worth arriving in the morning to stake out a good spot. Plus, most tours set off before noon.
Best days to visit
Kaʻanapali Beach is always busy, though it may get especially crowded on the weekends. Aim to go on a weekday if possible.
Best months to visit
Sunny Maui is a year-round destination, though summer and winter come with higher prices and bigger crowds, so aim to visit in April–May or September–November.
Special events
Kaʻanapali Beach is home to several annual West Maui festivities, such as the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival in October and a sailing canoe event called Wa’a Kiakahi in June.
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