Kaanapali is West Maui’s number one tourist destination. And with good reason, because the list of things to do in Kaanapali is pretty much endless.
From ocean activities to nightlife and whale-watching to golf, this beautiful three-mile stretch of golden sand stretching from Lahaina to Napili has something for everyone. And the fun doesn’t end there because many more West Maui activities can be found just around the corner from Kaanapali.
Black Rock, a lava rock promontory opposite the Sheraton Maui Resort, divides Kaanapali Beach beach into two. Popular Maui hotels with water slides and family-friendly amenities are situated south of Black Rock; the north is lined with Kaanapali condo resorts and a handful of luxurious beach house rentals.
So, are you ready to discover the best things to do in Kaanapali, West Maui? Then let’s dive in!
In a nutshell
This article features a selection of fun, romantic, and family-friendly things to do in Kaanapali. Plus, it highlights some amazing things to do in West Maui’s other towns.
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Kaanapali activities to book ahead of time
The following Kaanapali tours tend to sell out quickly so be sure to secure your reservation.
West Maui zipline, suspension bridge, and ATV tour
15 top things to do in Kaanapali
If you’re staying in Kaanapali, then you have an array of fun activities at your doorstep. So much so, that you don’t even need to rent a car if you plan on staying within the boundaries of this wonderful resort community.
Kaanapali is very walkable. Plus, there’s the complimentary classic Kaanapali Trolley that drives daily between the most popular resorts, Whalers Village, and the golf course.
Here are the best things to do in Kaanapali Maui.
1. Watch the cliff-diving ceremony
Every night at sunset, the torches are lit and a conch shell is blown on Black Rock or Puu Kekaa, the promontory opposite the Sheraton Maui Resort that splits Kaanapali Beach in half. This ritual announces the cliff-diving ceremony, a tradition that pays tribute to Kahekili, the last ruler of Maui.
He was the only warrior brave enough to leap off this sacred landmark, which was believed to be the portal between the realms of the spiritual and the physical.
2. Bask on Kaanapali Beach
The most obvious attraction in Kaanapali is of course its magnificent beach. The soft, golden sand and clear ocean waters make Kaanapali Beach one of the top beaches in West Maui. It ranks as the 10th best beach in the world and it’s even crowned the number 1 beach in the United States. Kaanapali Beach offers excellent swimming and snorkeling and is also great for boogie-boarding and beginner surfing lessons.
When people mention Kaanapali Beach, they usually refer to the southern section of the beach, south of Black Rock. North Kaanapali Beach is more widely known as North Beach, Kahekili Beach (after Maui’s last ruling chief), or Airport Beach (after the airport strip that used to be located along this very spot).
3. Go snorkeling
One of the most popular free things to do in Kaanapali Beach is snorkeling. The waters around Black Rock and the reef at Kahekili Beach Park are among the top snorkeling sites on Maui. Some sea creatures that you may encounter here are parrot fish, cornet fish, butterfly fish, humuhumunukunukuapuaa or Hawaiian triggerfish, and of course the beloved honu or Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Know your limits and venture out to where you are comfortable because there are no lifeguards in this section of Kaanapali Beach. Also, sign up for the daily snorkel report before starting your snorkel adventure. And last but not least: Do not touch the honu and wear reef-safe sunscreen (or better yet, a rash guard).
4. Stroll the Kaanapali Beach Walk
The Kaanapali Beach Walk is a scenic coastal walk that runs along most of the Kaanapali hotels and condo resorts. It provides access to the many dining outlets that dot the coastline as well as to the shops, boutiques, and entertainment options in Whalers Village.
Recently, a section of the Kaanapali Beach Walk where the beach was eroded has collapsed. There’s a detour in place that leads around the Kaanapali Alii. It’s signposted. The Kaanapali Beach walk doesn’t lead over Black Rock but there’s a bypass that leads through the Sheraton Maui Resort.
5. Attend a luau
One of the most famous Kaanapali tourist attractions takes place when the sun sets. The luau is a feast that includes food and performances that tell stories of ancient times. Most West Maui luaus are not limited to Hawaiian hula and music but also feature other Polynesian cultural entertainment.
Some luaus even include spectacular elements such as fire knife performances. Many Kaanapali hotels host a luau: There’s the Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort, the Wailele Polynesian Luau at The Westin Maui Resort, the Drums of the Pacific Lu’au Maui at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, and the Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort.
6. Discover Whalers Village
Have you ever wondered what to do in Kaanapali when it rains? Whalers Village is the answer. Not only does this open-air mall house boutiques, restaurants, and bars, but it’s also home to the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center.
Whalers Village also hosts plenty of cultural classes and events such as hula and ukulele lessons, coconut frond weaving, and movie nights.
7. Go whale-watching
The ‘Au’au Channel between the islands of Maui and Lanai is the preferred winter playground of thousands of migrating humpback whales. These warm waters are where they breed and feed their young. When you visit Maui between mid-December and the end of March, you have every chance to see these friendly giants off the Kaanapali coast. Join one of the whale-watching cruises to see them up close.
The Sea Maui kiosk is situated between Leilani’s & Hula Grill along the Kaanapali Beach Walk at Whaler’s Village. Other West Maui whale-watching tours leave from the Mala Warf in Lahaina, just south of Kaanapali. This is located just north of the restricted area so rest assured that it’s accessible for recreational boat tours.
8. Book a tee time at two top Maui golf courses
The Kaanapali Golf Courses features 36 holes on the playground of ancient Hawaiian royalty. It comprises the Royal Kaanapali Course and the Kaanapali Kai which offers kids tees as well. Practice your swing while enjoying the tropical setting and panoramic views.
9. Indulge in a lomi lomi massage
One of the most romantic things to do in Kaanapali is to indulge in a couples massage. And why relax inside while you might just as well take advantage of the gorgeous natural surroundings to enjoy this moment of pleasure in a scenic beachfront setting?
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, The Sheraton Maui Resort, and The Westin Maui Resort spas offer oceanside treatments. When on Maui, go for a lomi lomi massage. It’s a Hawaiian healing technique that uses rhythmic and sweeping strokes to increase spiritual energy and induce overall well-being.
10. Go stargazing
One of the most unique things to do in Kaanapali at night is to take a stargazing tour. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort organizes its Tour of the Stars. The last session of the day is an adults-only experience with a glass of champagne.
A knowledgeable guide teaches visitors all about the dozens of constellations that you can see from the three telescopes of 500, 600, and 800 magnification. The twinkling stars inspired many Hawaiian tales and legends. Reservations for this astronomy program are required since space on the viewing deck is limited.
11. Take a surf lesson
One of the best fun things to do in Kaanapali with kids is taking a family surf lesson. The sandy break at Kaanapali Beach is a forgiving place for first-time surfers. Your instructor will help you stand on the board in no time.
It’s such a special feeling the be catching a wave for the first time. Even more so when you get to share this epic moment with friends or family. Check out the daily surf report before hitting the water.
12. Learn about local tales and legends
One of the lesser-known activities in Kaanapali Maui is the self-guided tour History & Legends tour. Tucked between the Kaanapali hotels and resorts are ten historically and culturally significant sites that give more insight into West Maui’s past. The trail is detailed here Kāʻanapali Historical Trail & History and Legends Tour.
Learn about the time before the resorts were built, when warrior chiefs battled for supremacy, and discover what was once cultivated there.
13. Go on a sunset cruise
No better place to be than West Maui to watch mesmerizing sunsets. When you’re on the island to celebrate romance or for a special occasion, why not take a sunset cruise? There’s nothing like enjoying the sunset on the rhythm of the ocean. Set sail on Kaanapali Beach and enjoy or capture the most breathtaking views over the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai aboard the catamaran.
The Sea Maui kiosk is situated between Leilani’s & Hula Grill along the Kaanapali Beach Walk at Whaler’s Village. Some cruises include an open bar while others include dinner.
14. Hunt for souvenirs at the Craft Fair
Support local businesses by buying your souvenirs at the Craft Fair. Every Tuesday morning, from 9:30 am to 2 pm, you’ll find the Beach Walk Gift and Craft Fair at the Marriott Ocean Club Kaanapali Beach. It’s where local artists and craftsmen display their work. Whether you’re in the market for jewelry, artwork, crafts, or other gifts, this is where you’ll find that perfect souvenir.
There’s also a Maui Gift and Craft Fair in the Lahaina Gateway Center every Sunday morning. This location can be found just south of Kaanapali, in an accessible on the northern side of Lahaina.
15. Dine with your toes in the sand
For the ultimate vacation Hawaiian vibe, head to the Hula Grill’s Barefoot Bar. Their casual, shaded, toes-in-the-sand dining area features a beautiful oceanfront open-air setting just ten steps from Kaanapali Beach. Be sure to book a table at 6 pm. This may seem a little early but you’ll get to listen to live music and watch a hula performance while sinking your teeth in fresh locally-sourced ingredients.
Bonus: 3 things to do in West Maui (beyond Kaanapali)
No matter how amazing Kaanapali is, why limit yourself to this resort community when there’s an abundance of things to see in West Maui, just beyond Kaanapali, as well? From the West Maui mountains to the picturesque bays north of Kaanapali, the opportunities for sightseeing and adventure are endless.
Note that renting a car is the best way to explore the West Maui attractions to the fullest. It also allows you to add even more of the island’s wonders to your West Maui itinerary.
Here are the best things to do in West Maui.
1. Go on a treetop adventure
One of the most exciting things to do near Kaanapali Beach is soaring 6,350 ft high over a tropical valley. Experience an all-dual zipline adventure in the West Maui mountains. The two-mile zipline course lets you fly through the treetops on four or six lines.
This adventure hub is also home to the longest suspension bridge in Hawaii. Enjoy bird’s eye views over the breathtaking coastal landscape and the neighboring islands as you walk 1,600 feet above the jungle floor. And the fun doesn’t end there because your admission also includes an off-road ATV ride into the rainforest. This combination of exhilarating West Coast activities is sure to unleash your inner adventurer.
2. Go beach-hopping
There are many more West Maui beaches to explore beyond Kaanapali Beach. Discover the powdery sands of idyllic Napili Bay and the amazing underwater world of Honokeana Bay. Head further north and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kapalua Bay and Oneloa Bay.
One of the best free things to do in West Maui is walking the Kapalua Coastal trail that leads along the most stunning and rugged views of this pristine part of Maui. Make a small detour to see the Dragon’s Teeth. This jaw-like rock formation is the result of flowing lava being pushed back by pounding waves along the coast.
3. Explore the West Maui loop
A West Maui itinerary isn’t complete without a West Maui road trip. It’s a stretch of the Honoapiilani Highway that continues over the Kahekili Highway, circling the West Maui mountain range. However, since the eastern section of the Kahekili Highway is a stressful drive and most West Maui landmarks are located in the northern section, you don’t need to complete the West Maui loop.
Some of the highlights that you can find in northwest Maui are Honolua Bay with its postcard setting, Nakalele Point with its powerful Nakalele Blowhole, and the Olivine Pools.
Note that the rugged terrain, strong surf, and winds are known to create dangerous conditions in this part of the island. Lives have been lost by visitors who were unaware of these treacherous situations. If you want to do more than just take in the scenic beauty of this coastline, then I’d strongly recommend the guidance of a knowledgeable tour guide.
