The best things to do in Kaanapali include snorkeling at Black Rock, relaxing on Kaanapali Beach, attending a luau, taking a sunset sail, and dining at oceanfront restaurants.
This popular West Maui resort area offers an easy mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty to experience within walking distance. I spent much of my time living on Maui in West Maui and have enjoyed countless days exploring Kaanapali Beach and the surrounding area.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite Kaanapali activities, along with helpful tips for parking, getting around, and planning your visit. Kaanapali is also one of the best areas to stay on Maui, especially if you want to be close to beaches, restaurants, shops, and activities.
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Top 5 Things to Do in Kaanapali
Short on time? These are my top five Kaanapali activities for first-time visitors:
- Best Overall: Spend the day on Kaanapali Beach
- Best for Snorkeling: Snorkel at Black Rock
- Best Seasonal Activity: Go whale watching
- Best Free Activity: Walk the Kaanapali Beach Walk
- Best for Couples: Take a sunset sail
🗺️ Exploring West Maui? Get my free West Maui map with the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, scenic stops and activities saved in one place.
Best Things to Do in Kaanapali, Maui
From beautiful beaches and ocean adventures to sunset cruises and waterfront dining, these are my favorite things to do in Kaanapali, Maui.
Relax on Kaanapali Beach
No list of the best things to do in Kaanapali would be complete without the star of the show: Ka’anapali Beach. This beautiful three-mile stretch of golden sand is lined with resorts, oceanfront restaurants, and shops and is easily one of the best beaches on Maui.
When conditions are calm, the sandy entry and gradual slope make the beach a great place to swim, float, and cool off. Ocean conditions can change quickly, so always check posted warnings before entering the water and remember to pack mineral reef-safe sunscreen.
Kaanapali Beach can get crowded near the main resorts, but its popularity doesn’t take away from its beauty. Walk farther along the beach to find a little more room to spread out and lounge in your beach chair.
Snorkel at Black Rock
Located at the north end of Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock – known in Hawaiian as Pu’u Keka’a – is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in West Maui. The clear water and coral reefs surrounding the lava rock attract tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles.
The last time I snorkeled at Black Rock, I saw a sea turtle that looked almost as big as me! Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but spotting a honu swimming or feeding near the reef is an unforgettable experience.
Always give sea turtles plenty of space and never touch, chase, or swim directly above them. Conditions are generally calmest in the morning. Stay close to shore, watch for currents and cliff jumpers, and skip snorkeling whenever the ocean looks rough. Snorkel gear can be rented at kiosks along the beach walk.
Watch the Sunset Cliff-Diving Ceremony
Every evening at sunset, the Sheraton Maui Resort hosts a torch-lighting and cliff-diving sunset ceremony at Pu’u Keka’a. The ceremony begins with a diver lighting torches along the rock before leaping into the ocean below.
The nightly tradition has taken place since the Sheraton opened in 1963 and honors Kahekili, the last chief of Maui, who was known for leaping from the sacred cliffs to demonstrate his spiritual strength.
Watching the ceremony from Kaanapali Beach is one of the best free things to do in Kaanapali at night. Arrive before sunset to find a good viewing spot near Black Rock. You can watch from the beach or enjoy the ceremony from the Sheraton’s Cliff Dive Grill.
Visit Kahekili Beach Park (Airport Beach)
Located just north of Black Rock, Kahekili Beach Park – commonly called Airport Beach – is a beautiful stretch of golden sand with easier public access than the main section of Kaanapali Beach. The park has free parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and a grassy lawn overlooking the ocean.
Airport Beach is also a popular snorkeling spot, with reef beginning close to shore and the chance to see tropical fish and sea turtles. Arrive early for the calmest conditions and the best chance of finding parking.
Kaanapali Beach Walk
The Kaanapali Beach Walk is a scenic oceanfront path connecting the area’s beaches, major resorts, restaurants, and Whalers Village. The route stretches for miles, but you can walk as much or as little of it as you’d like.
The path has northern and southern sections separated by Black Rock, with a combination of paved walkways, boardwalks, and packed-dirt surfaces. Walk early in the morning to avoid the midday heat or come around sunset for beautiful views of Lanai and Molokai.
During whale season, keep an eye on the water – you may even spot humpback whales offshore. Looking for a more adventurous trail? Check out my guide to the best hikes on Maui.
Go Whale Watching
If you visit during whale season in Maui, going on a whale watch is one of the most memorable things to do in Kaanapali. North Pacific humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters each winter to mate, give birth, and care for their calves.
Whale-watching season generally runs from December through April, with January through March offering some of the best viewing. Most tours last around two hours and give you the chance to see behaviors such as breaching and tail slapping.
Take a Surf Lesson
Learning to surf is a classic Hawaii experience, and Kaanapali Beach is a great place for beginners to catch their first wave. A lesson begins with basic instruction on the beach before an experienced instructor helps you practice standing up and riding waves in the water.
The sandy-bottom beginner area makes learning here more approachable than surfing over a shallow reef. Lessons typically include a surfboard and the necessary equipment, so all you need to bring is your swimsuit and a willingness to fall a few times.
Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the best Kaanapali Beach activities for enjoying the ocean while getting a workout. Paddleboards are available to rent from several beachfront resorts and ocean recreation stands along Kaanapali Beach.
The sandy entry makes it relatively easy to carry your board into the ocean, especially when the ocean is calm. Mornings generally offer the lighter winds and smoother conditions, so plan to paddle early and always check the ocean conditions before heading out.
Go Jet Skiing
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to experience Kaanapali, rent a jet ski and speed across the water off West Maui. Rentals depart from Kaanapali Beach near Whalers Village, with a short boat ride taking you to an offshore riding area.
Jet ski rentals in Kaanapali are available seasonally from May 15 through December 14. Operations pause during Maui’s humpback whale season to protect the whales that migrate through the surrounding waters.
Rides last about 45 minutes and both single and tandem jet skis are available. Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer months.
Scuba Diving
Explore Kaanapali beneath the surface on a beginner scuba-diving experience at Kahekili Beach Park. You’ll start by learning breathing techniques and practicing in shallow water before heading out on a guided reef dive.
No previous scuba-diving experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Depending on the conditions, you may see tropical fish, eels, sea turtles, and other marine life. However, participants must be comfortable swimming independently in the ocean.
👉 One important planning note: allow adequate time after diving before flying or traveling to higher elevations, including the summit of Haleakala. Follow the guidance from your dive operator based on the number and type of dives you complete.
Go Parasailing
See Kaanapali Beach from above on a parasailing adventure over the Pacific Ocean. After taking off from the back of a boat, you’ll soar above the water with views of Kaanapali, the West Maui Mountains, and the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai.
Parasailing in Kaanapali operates seasonally like the Kaanapali jet skis. Flights depart directly from Kaanapali Beach behind Whaler’s Village, and you can typically choose between solo, tandem, and triple flights depending on weight and weather conditions.
Take a Sunset Sail
Taking a sunset sail is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Kaanapali. Cruises depart directly from Kaanapali Beach and offer beautiful views of the West Maui coastline and the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai.
Spend the evening aboard a catamaran as the sun sinks below the Pacific. Depending on the cruise, drinks and appetizers are usually included, making this a fun option for couples, friends, or solo travelers.
Attend a Kaanapali Luau
Attending a luau is one of the most popular things to do in Kaanapali at night. The Myths of Maui Luau takes place in an oceanfront setting at the Royal Lahaina Resort and combines dinner, live music, storytelling, hula, and fire-knife performances.
The show explores traditions and stories from Hawaii and across Polynesia. Admission includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and cocktails, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages.
A dedicated children’s buffet also makes this a family friendly Kaanapali activity. The experience lasts two and a half to three hours. A VIP upgrade is available for priority buffet access and seating closer to the stage.
Shop and Dine at Whalers Village
Located directly along the Kaanapali Beach Walk, Whaler’s Village is an open-air shopping center filled with boutiques, surf shops, souvenir stores, and oceanfront restaurants. It’s an easy place to browse between beach activities, escapes the midday sun, or pick up gifts to take home.
Whalers Village is also home to several popular Kaanapali restaurants, including Monkeypod Kitchen, Hula Grill, and Lelani’s on the Beach. Paid parking is available in the onsite garage, and some shops and restaurants provide parking validation with a qualifying purchase.
Whalers Village also hosts free cultural activities and entertainment, including ‘ukulele lessons, coconut-frond weaving and live performances. These activities are especially useful for families or anyone looking for something to do away from the beach.
Have a Mai Tai at Monkeypod Kitchen
You can’t visit Maui without sampling at least one mai tai, right? Monkeypod Kitchen is known for its signature mai tai topped with honey-lilikoi foam. Having a mai tai at Monkeypod is an easy addition to a beach day – and one of the best things to do in Kaanapali when it rains or when it doesn’t.
Grab a Beer at Maui Brewing Co.
Located at the OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort, Maui Brewing Co. Kaanapali is an oceanfront spot to enjoy locally brewed beer without leaving the beach. The menu includes familiar favorites such as Bikini Blonde Lager, Big Swell IPA, and Coconut Hiwa Porter.
Stop in for a cold beer after a day on Kaanapali Beach or time your visit around happy hour. The open-air setting and ocean views make it an easy place to relax, watch the sunset, and support a Hawaii-based brewery.
Play Golf in Kaanapali
Fore! Kaanapali is home to two 18-hole golf courses: the Royal Kaanapali Golf Course and the Kaanapali Kai Course. Both offer tropical landscaping and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, neighboring islands, and West Maui Mountains.
Book an early tee time for cooler temperatures and a better chance of lighter winds, which often pick up later in the day. Popular morning times can fill quickly, so reserve your round in advance.
Get a Lomi Lomi Massage
Slow down after a few adventurous days with a lomi lomi massage. This traditional Hawaiian healing practice uses long, flowing strokes intended to release tension and restore balance to the body.
Several Kaanapali resorts have onsite spas offering lomi lomi inspired treatments, including the Spa at Black Rock at the Sheraton Maui. It’s a relaxing splurge for a honeymoon, special occasion, or rainy day in Kaanapali.
Watch the Sunset
Watching the sunset from Kaanapali Beach is one of the best free things to do in Kaanapali. Find a spot on the sand or along the beach walk and watch the sky change colors behind Lanai and Molokai. Even a few clouds can make the sunset more dramatic.
On an especially clear evening, watch closely for the elusive green flash. This optical phenomenon sometimes appears as a brief burst of green light just as the sun disappears below the horizon.
Sunset times change throughout the year, so check the time before heading to the beach. My guide to the best time to visit Maui can also help you plan around the island’s seasons and weather.
Best Things to Do Near Kaanapali
Want to explore beyond the resort area? These are some of the best things to do near Kaanapali, from snorkeling at Honolua Bay to hiking along the Kapalua coastline.
Sail and Snorkel at Honolua Bay
Located about 15 minutes north of Kaanapali, Honolua Bay is one of West Maui’s best snorkeling spots when the ocean is calm. Although you can walk to its rocky shoreline, a boat tour offers another convenient way to experience the bay
A boat tour also offers beautiful views of the West Maui coastline along the way. Many snorkeling excursions depart directly from Kaanapali Beach.
Explore West Maui on an ATV Tour
Get off the beach and explore more than 1,400 acres of West Maui on a guided off-road adventure. The two-hour tour travels through rugged terrain, with stops for panoramic views of the mountains and coastline.
You can drive a four-seat UTV or ride as a passenger, making this a fun thing to do near Kaanapali for couples, families, and groups. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty or muddy – you will get dirty!
Go Zip Lining in Kaanapali
Take your Kaanapali adventure into the West Maui Mountains on an eight-line zipline course. The experience begins with an off-road ride into the mountains before you soar over the valleys with views of the West Maui coastline, Lanai, and Molokai.
Where to Eat in Kaanapali
Kaanapali has plenty of dining options, from casual beach bars to oceanfront restaurants overlooking the Pacific. Some of my favorites include Monkeypod Kitchen, Hula Grill, Leilani’s on the Beach, and Maui Brewing Co.
🍜 For more recommendations, read my guide to the best restaurants in Kaanapali.
Where to Stay in Kaanapali
Kaanapali is one of the best places to stay on Maui if you want beaches, restaurants, shopping, and activities within walking distance. The resort area offers everything from large oceanfront hotels to condominium-style properties with kitchens and extra space.
Popular Kaanapali resorts include Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.
🥂 For more help choosing an area or hotel, read my guides to West Maui vs. South Maui and the best Maui honeymoon resorts.
Tips for Visiting Kaanapali
A little planning can make visiting Kaanapali easier, especially if you are driving in from another part of Maui.
- Arrive early: Mornings generally offer cooler temperatures, calmer ocean conditions, and a better chance of finding parking.
- 🌺 Know where to park: Whalers Village has paid parking, and participating businesses offer validation with a purchase. Kahekili Beach Park and Hanakao’o Park offer free public parking, but spaces can fill up quickly.
- Use public beach access: All beaches in Hawaii are public, but visitors must use designated access paths and avoid crossing private property.
- 🚶 Walk when possible: Kaanapali Beach, Whale’s Village, restaurants, and resorts are connected by the Kaanapali Beach Walk. The Kaanapali Trolley also connects several stops throughout the resort area.
- 🐋 Plan around the seasons: Whale-watching tours operate from December through April, while jet skiing and parasailing are available from mid-May to Mid-December.
- Reserve popular activities: Luaus, sunset sails, whale watches, and other tours can sell out, especially during holidays and peak travel periods.
- 🌊 Check the ocean conditions: Even on a sunny day, currents, waves, and wind can change quickly. Check posted warnings and never enter the water when conditions look unsafe.
- Support local businesses: Shopping, dining, and booking activities with Maui-based companies directly support the West Maui community.
More West Maui Travel Guides
Planning to explore beyond Kaanapali? These West Maui travel guides will help you discover more beaches, hiking trails, scenic drives, and places to visit nearby.
- Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail
- Discover the Best Things to Do in West Maui
- Visit the Nakalele Blowhole
- Explore the Olivine Pools
- Hike the Mahana Ridge Trail
- Hike the Ohai Loop Trail
- Plan your trip with my Maui Travel Guide
Maui Travel Vlogs
Want to see more of Maui? Joe and I have filmed our adventures around the island from hiking trails and beaches to scenic drives and local experiences. Watch our Maui travel series on YouTube, and subscribe to follow along with our future travels.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Kaanapali
Whether you spend the day snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, or sailing into the sunset, Kaanapali makes it easy to enjoy some of West Maui’s best experiences in one place.
Which of these things to do in Kaanapali would you add to your Maui itinerary? Let me know in the comments below. 👇
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