Planning on spending your next Maui vacation in Kaanapali, Maui? Then this comprehensive overview of Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts is a perfect place to start.
Kaanapali Beach recently won the title of 10th best beach in the world and was named the number 1 beach in the United States. What better place to unwind than this beautiful coastal oasis that’s home to some of Maui’s most renowned beach resorts?
Once a playground of Hawaiian royalty, Kaanapali is synonymous with a carefree resort experience. Think of soft golden sands, a warm breeze, a calm ocean, waving palms, water activities, family fun, blissful relaxation, delightful dining, casual shopping, championship golf courses, exciting entertainment, and spectacular sunset views.
My custom Kaanapali Beach map will help you find the best place to stay along this gorgeous stretch of coastline.
Are you ready to discover the amazing condo resorts and hotels in Kaanapali Beach? Then let’s dive in!
In a nutshell
This article offers an overview of all Kaanapali Beach hotels and condo resorts. It comes with a handy map of Kaanapali Beach and concludes with a FAQ section about Kaanapali Beach.
Affiliate links are sprinkled throughout the site content. Clicking on such a hyperlink and making a booking on the accommodation platform it refers to may result in a commission for PlacesToStayMaui.com at no additional cost to you. For more information, visit the Disclaimer page.
Short on time? Here’s a quick list of Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts:
(South) Kaanapali Beach hotels:
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort | The Westin Maui Resort | Sheraton Maui Resort | Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort
Top (South) Kaanapali Beach condo resorts:
Hyatt Vacation Club Maui | Kaanapali Alii Resort
North Kaanapali Beach hotel:
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Top North Kaanapali Beach condo resorts:
Kaanapali Maui at the Eldorado | The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas | Outrigger Honua Kai Resort
A quick note on Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts
Like all other Hawaiian beaches, Kaanapali Beach is a public beach. This means that the shoreline up to the upper reaches of the wash of the waves is accessible to everyone, no matter which Kaanapali Beach hotel or resort is located behind.
The only lifeguard station is located adjacent to the southernmost stretch of Kaanapali Beach, near the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort.
Kaanapali Beach Resort became a top beach destination in 1962 when it was developed as a master-planned resort. It’s part of the Lahaina CDP and is located a few miles north of Lahaina town. Depending on the exact location of your Kaanapali accommodation, it’s only a 5 to 10-minute drive. All Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts remained untouched by the blazing wildfires that destroyed Lahaina town in 2023.
Kaanapali Beach is a 3-mile stretch of coastline that’s split into two sections by Black Rock or Puu Kekaa. This natural landmark is of great cultural significance since it was the literal jumping-off point for Kahekili, Maui’s last ruling chief. Other warriors were scared to dive from what they believed was the portal between the physical and spiritual world. However, Kahekili demonstrated his bravery and strength by fearlessly leaping off this very rock.
Every evening at sunset, the torches on Black Rock are lit and a cliff-diving ceremony pays tribute to the courageous Kahekili by recreating his journey between the realms of the physical and the spiritual.
Depending on the source you research, you’ll find Kaanapali Beach being described as a 1 or a 3-mile long beach. That’s because some sources only focus on the part of Kaanapali Beach south of Black Rock, while others include North Kaanapali Beach. I’ll be including both in this article.
The Kaanapali Beach Walk is a coastal path that runs over the entire length of its coastline, interconnecting all Kaanapali hotels and Kaanapali condo resorts from Hanakaoo Beach Park in the South to the Outrigger Honua Kai Resort in the north. During winter, you have a good chance of spotting whales along the way.
Do note that, in order to cross over Black Rock, you’ll need to walk past the tennis courts around the back of the Sheraton Maui Resort.
South Kaanapali Beach
During the Hawaiian reign and up to World War I, this area used to be a very popular racehorse track. Now, the section of Kaanapali Beach south of Black Rock is a typical resort-style area with waving palms, water sports kiosks, and access to the resorts and hotels on Kaanapali Beach.
At the center of South Kaanapali Beach is Whalers Village, an open-air beachfront mall with shops, galleries, restaurants, and local entertainment options. It’s also home to the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center.
In the morning, the water in front of the Kaanapali Beach resorts is relatively calm and perfect for swimming. In the afternoon, when the swells pick up, it’s a great boogie-boarding spot. The best snorkeling site is alongside Black Rock.
South Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts
South Kaanapali Beach is home to four hotels and four condo resorts.
For every listing, I have added the classification, the number of rooms, and resort fees.
Every Kaanapali Beach hotel and resort in this list links out to the corresponding listing on Booking.com or VRBO. Simply read through the details, check the reviews, and set your preferred dates to get an exact breakdown of the costs. If you still like what you see, you can go ahead and make your online booking.
Now, without further ado, here’s an overview of all condo resorts and hotels in Kaanapali Beach Maui. At the end of the list, you’ll find a detailed map of Kaanapali Beach resorts south of Black Rock.
1. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
The southernmost of all Kaanapali Beach resorts is among the best family hotels in Maui.
The Hyatt Regency provides opportunities for children to engage with their furry and feathery residents such as parrots, penguins, swans, and koi. It also features a beautiful free-form swimming pool with waterfall features, a rope bridge, a whirlpool, and a tube slide. A rooftop stargazing program …
The stretch of beach in front of the Hyatt Regency suffers from erosion. For a wider and lifeguarded beach, head south to Hanakaoo Beach Park.
2. Hyatt Vacation Club Maui
The Hyatt Vacation Club, formerly known as the Hyatt Residence Club Maui, is situated adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Most condos at this resort are 2-bedroom residences, others are 1 and 3-bedroom units. Almost all condos feature ocean views.
Note that, even on VRBO, you do not get to book a specific unit. Instead, you reserve a floating unit. It’s just like booking a hotel room. You can choose if you want to stay on the upper, middle, or lower floors.
Note that the pool area of the Hyatt Vacation Club will undergo extensive renovations from August 18, 2024, through October 31, 2024. But that shouldn’t be a problem, since guests of the Hyatt Vacation Club get full access to all amenities of the Hyatt Regency Maui, including the beautiful pool.
3. Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club
Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club is a vast resort comprising five towers that are placed in a vast landscaped garden. The three older buildings consist of condos with a kitchenette while the condos in the newer buildings are more spacious and come with a full kitchen.
In front of the original towers lies the Lagoon pool, which serves as the activity hub. It features several interconnected freeform pools with waterfalls, a grotto, and a small water slide, as well as a volleyball net. Two smaller, tranquil pools with a poolside bar are located in front of the newer resort towers.
Note that the resort’s older Molokai, Maui, and Lanai towers will be undergoing renovations from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
4. Kaanapali Alii Resort
The Kaanapali Alii Resort offers premium accommodation within walking distance of Whalers Village. Take your pick from a collection of one and two-bedroom condos with garden, mountain or ocean views.
This beautiful resort features two freshwater swimming pools with a waterfall, whirlpool spas, and a kids’ pool as well as tennis courts and a fitness center. Golf lovers will appreciate the fact that the resort fee includes discounted golf rounds at Royal Kaanapali and Kaanapali Kai Golf Courses.
Note that the Kaanapali Beach Walk section in front of the Kaanapali Alii Resort collapsed due to erosion. A detour that goes around Kaanapali Alii is well-signposted. Rest assured that only guests and owners are allowed on the grounds of the Kaanapali Alii and that non-guests have no right of passage.
5. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
The Westin in Maui is a fantastic family-friendly Kaanapali resort that offers accommodations in two different towers. The recent Hokupaa Tower is especially luxurious and even has its own infinity edge pool.
It boasts the best pool area on Kaanapali Beach. The amazing Kawaiola Aquatic Playground features a 270-ft water slide and two pools connected by swim-through waterfalls. Little ones have their own splash zone. If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Kaanapali with your family, The Westin is definitely worth considering.
This beachfront Kaanapali hotel is located in the center of the action, steps from Whalers Village and near the Black Rock snorkeling site.
6. Aston at The Whaler
The Whaler is one of the most popular resorts on Kaanapali Beach Maui. It comprises a mix of studios and one and two-bedroom condominium suites divided over two towers. All come with a spacious lanai to take in the beautiful scenery.
This resort’s beautifully manicured grounds include a beautiful koi pond. The oceanfront pool at The Whaler is pretty basic and doesn’t compare to the pools at the other hotels in Maui Kaanapali Beach. Then again, the beach in front of this property is wider compared to properties further south.
Other amenities include tennis and pickleball courts and a fitness center. The Whaler is located right next to Whalers Village so there’s plenty of entertainment at your doorstep. For a more tranquil experience, spend the evening watching the sunset by the onsite fire pits.
7. Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort
The most authentic Hawaiian home away from home enjoys the most fantastic beachfront location. The low-key Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort, formerly known as the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, prides itself on its Hawaiian roots.
Guest rooms are divided over four wings. The Papaku south wings and Kauhale southeast wings have been recently updated while the Kauhale and Aouli wings have not. The updated accommodations are described as “premium”. All rooms come with a private lanai.
A stay at the Kaanapali Beach Resort is a daily celebration of Hawaiian culture. All staff receive Hawaiian cultural training, Hawaiian artifacts adorn the walls, and the hotel offers a wide selection of Hawaiian cultural lessons and activities.
The whale-shaped pool certainly looks fun but it’s pretty small. This property enjoys a privileged location at the widest stretch of Kaanapali Beach.
8. Sheraton Maui Resort
Nestled against Black Rock lies the Sheraton Maui with its expansive and beautifully landscaped garden. A wonderful oceanfront lagoon-style pool with lazy river and waterfall features is the place to be.
The resort features six buildings with guest accommodations. All rooms and suites, the majority of which feature ocean views, have been renovated. The same goes for the common areas.
The beautiful beach with its excellent off-beach snorkeling site is located right in front of the resort. A leisurely stroll over the Kaanapali Beach Walk will take your right to Whalers Village.
Map of Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts south of Black Rock
For your convenience, I created this map showing the location of all listings by listing number.
North Kaanapali Beach
In the 1960s, the area adjacent to the beach was actually an airstrip surrounded by cane fields. Hence the nickname Airport Beach. The Royal Lahaina Beach Hotel, now known as the Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows, was the first resort on the north side of Black Rock.
This section of Kaanapali Beach feels more laid-back and is less crowded than the south section.
The Kahekili Marine Reserve is a coral reef teeming with marine life that runs across the entire length of North Kaanapali Beach. It was named after Maui’s last ruling chief, Kahekili. That’s why this section of the beach is also commonly referred to as Kahekili Beach.
As a result of the reef located right off the beach, this is an excellent snorkeling spot. The surf tends to be rather mild making this also ideal for swimmers. Just remember not to step on the coral and to wear reef-safe sunscreen (or better yet, a rashguard).
North Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts
North Kaanapali Beach is home to one hotel and nine condo resorts.
For every listing, I have added the classification, the number of rooms, and resort fees.
Every Kaanapali Beach hotel and resort in this list links out to the corresponding listing on Booking.com or VRBO. Simply read through the details, check the reviews, and set your preferred dates to get an exact breakdown of the costs. If you still like what you see, you can go ahead and make your online booking.
Now, without further ado, here’s an overview of all condo resorts and hotels in Kaanapali Beach Maui. At the end of the list, you’ll find a detailed map of Kaanapali Beach resorts north of Black Rock.
1. Kaanapali Maui at the Eldorado
This condo resort in not located on the beach but is tucked away behind the Royal Kaanapali Course.
The atmosphere feels relaxed and cozy with the resort’s low-rise structures framed amidst the rolling landscape of the golf course. Studios and one and two-bedroom condos are clustered within a dozen buildings.
This resort may not directly overlook Kaanapali Beach but the paved walkways can lead you there. Alternatively, you can hop on the complimentary golf cart beach shuttle.
There are two smaller pools in addition to the main pool. The Eldorado also offers an oceanfront cabana just north of Black Rock, which is exclusively available for guests of the resort.
2. Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
The Royal Lahaina was one of the first resorts to be constructed on this part of Kaanapali Beach.
It comprises the 12-story Lahaina Kai Tower with its scalloped balconies as well as a variety of bungalows. All these accommodations have been recently updated. The on-site Kaanapali Inn is where the most affordable rooms are housed.
This Kaanapali hotel features two oceanfront swimming pools, shuffleboard, and bocci ball courts. The onsite Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch offers a selection of professionally maintained tennis courts. A shuttle service to Whalers Village is also available. The hotel enjoys a privileged location at a particularly wide part of Kaanapali Beach.
Note that the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is currently closed and scheduled to reopen on June 1, 2024.
3. Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
This Kaanapali resort’s bungalow-style rooms are nestled in the most serene tropical gardens.
All hotel rooms come with mini-fridges while all studios and suites offer fully equipped kitchens. The premium suites have been updated and offer the most comfortable and stylish experience.
There are two freshwater pools. The oceanfront pool is the family hub thanks to its shallow shelf, bridges, and other water features. The Coconut Pool and its whirlpool are perfect for relaxation.
This Kaanapali resort is also home to the famous beachfront Castaway Café.
4. The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
Next on our list of Kaanapali Beach resorts in Maui are The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas.
It’s a massive resort that’s actually split into two separate properties divided over seven buildings. All units are studio villas or one-bedroom villas. You can combine them into a two-bedroom villa.
The South resort is situated in buildings 2, 3, and 4, and the North resort is in buildings 5, 6, 7, and 8. The villas in the South resort are slightly larger than those in the North resort. Then again, the South studio villas feature a Juliet-style balcony while all North studio villas feature a lanai.
The main North resort pool, with its connected lagoons, is quieter and meant for relaxing. The second lagoon-styled pool is the South resort pool. This is the perfect place for family fun thanks to the waterfalls and 109-foot waterslide.
5. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas opened in 2017, making it the most recent addition to the North Kaanapali Beach skyline.
This all-villa resort is set in a beautifully landscaped garden and along a wide stretch of beach, making it a wonderful place to unwind. All apartment-style villas feature full-size bedrooms, spacious living and dining areas, and a full-size and well-stocked kitchen.
It boasts a lagoon-style swimming pool with an upper pool as well as a zero-entry beach pool and a small slide. There’s also a splash pad with turtle-shaped fountains for little ones to frolic in.
The onsite Pu’uhonua O Nanea Cultural Center offers a range of cultural classes and the resort also organizes its own torch-lighting ceremonies.
6. Outrigger Honua Kai Resort
Next is an amazing resort in Kaanapali and an absolute family favorite.
The Honua Kai Resort by Outrigger offers a mix of studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos in two towers named Hokulani and Konea. All units are individually owned and vary both in decor and amenities.
A more recent addition is that of the Luana Garden Villas, luxuriously decorated spacious three-bedroom homes tucked away at the back of the resort. These Kaanapali luxury rentals come with their own set of pools.
The Aquatic Playground boasts a network of swimming pools with waterfalls slides, water slides, caves, and hot tubs. There’s also a kids’ pool with water fountains, an adults-only pool, an infinity-edge pool that’s perfect for swimming laps, and a lazy river.
7. Aston Mahana at Kaanapali
If an oceanfront resort is what you’re looking for, then the Mahana is for you. This North Kaanapali Beach resort comprises two towers with twelve stories each.
Take your pick from a selection of studios and one and two-bedroom units, all of which come with a full kitchen and air-conditioning throughout.
All units directly face the ocean and offer front-row views of the whales (in winter) and the sunset. Do note that the beach directly in front of the resort suffers from erosion. Head to either side of the beach if you plan on basking in the sun.
The grounds at the Mahana resort are rather modest. There’s a heated pool with a whirlpool near the beachside, a shuffleboard court, and a tennis court. Guests of the Mahana can use the fitness facilities of the nearby Aston Kaanapali Shores. Just down the street is the Honokowai Marketplace with its supermarket.
8. Maui Kai Condo Resort
One of the most small-scale resorts in Kaanapali Beach is Maui Kai.
This ten-story property offers a mix of studios and one and two-bedroom units. All are air-conditioned and come with a lanai and panoramic ocean views.
The outdoor area features a pleasant pool area with a jacuzzi. Just like at the Aston Mahana, there’s hardly any beach in front of this resort. Just head a bit further up north to lay out your towel.
Grocery stores, restaurants, and some shops can be found within walking distance.
9. Kaanapali Beach Club
The Kaanapali Beach Club comprises connected twelve-story buildings with a mix of one and two-bedroom units. The accommodations are rather spacious but only offer a partial kitchen. And, unfortantely, most units are rather outdated.
The grounds are well maintained. The tropical garden features several waterfall features and a lagoon-style pool with a water slide.
This resort is located on the outskirts of Kaanapali, closer to Napili-Honokowai than to the center of Kaanapali action.
10. Aston Kaanapali Shores
The northernmost property on the map of resorts on Kaanapali Beach Maui is the Aston Kaanapali Shores.
There are hotel rooms, studios, and one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, all of which are fully air-conditioned.
The lush tropical grounds feature waterfalls, open lawns, and two freshwater pools. Kids will love the Garden Pool with its spouting streams and mini waterfall. This pool is wonderfully lit at night. The oceanfront pool, with its whirlpool and cabanas, is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.
Guests have a wide range of cultural activities to choose from and can partake in free scuba lessons. There’s also a weekly cultural arts and crafts fair as well as a Polynesian revue.
Map of Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts north of Black Rock
For your convenience, I created this map showing the location of all listings by listing number.
Which of these Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts caught your eye?
Chances are that you’ve found your dream hotel or resort for that long-awaited Maui vacation. If not, then have a look at my other wish lists to discover even more amazing Maui hotels and vacation rentals.
