Kaanapali Beach Resort

Sure there’s plenty to explore on Maui, but if you are looking for relaxation with no need to drive anywhere, Kaanapali Beach Resort is the place for you. Everything you need in Kaanapali is connected by a beachside pathway. 

First time to Maui? Check out our Maui Travel Tips and 7 Day Maui Itinerary for more planning and travel tips while visiting Maui.

As far as beaches go, they don’t get much better than Kaanapali Beach.  In 2017, it was ranked no. 2 in the USA by TripAdvisor. With its soft golden sand, crystal blue waters and magnificent views of Lanai and Molokai, it’s not hard to understand why. 

Lodging 

There are plenty of lodging options ranging from luxury hotels to condos and vacation clubs. There’s something to satisfy your needs and steps from the beach. We have stayed at the Sheraton, the Westin, the Whaler and the Hyatt.  All are solid choices.

Dining 

Regardless of where you are staying, you are just a short walk along the path, to your next meal. There are many great dining options with the Hula Grill, Leilani’s, Japengo, the recent addition of Monkeypod and many more. 

Our favorite spot to watch the sunset is at Leilani’s Beach Side Grill. We typically head over during Aloha Hour (Happy Hour) and stay until after the sun sets.  Ask for a table right on the edge that way you can get an unobstructed view when the sun starts setting. You can read our Leilani’s review here.

Shopping 

Whaler’s Village is the perfect place to satisfy the shopping needs.  It has stores ranging from the luxury products like Louis Vuitton and Lululemon, to sunscreen and wine at the ABC Store and everything in between.  Grab a coffee or a sweet treat from their food court and browse around for a while. 

Water activities 

If you are looking for something a little more adventurous than just bobbing in the ocean, our favorite, Kaanapali Beach has many options for you.   You can learn to surf, rent a SUP (Standup Paddle Board) or a kayak, snorkel or body board.  You can head out on a snorkel sail, sunset dinner sail, or whale-watching excursion. For the more more daring, you can try snuba diving, windsurfing or parasailing.  There are a few beach activities kiosks and they’ll set you up with whatever you want to do. 

One of the best snorkeling spots on Maui is only a few steps away at Black Rock.  Black Rock is found in front of the Sheraton Resort.  There are plenty of locations to rent snorkel gear around, including at most hotels.

Looking for other things to do in Maui? Check our out post must do Maui activities.

Golf 

Neither one of us is a golfer, so I wouldn’t be able to tell you how good it is, but the Kaanapali Golf Course is just a short walk away.  

Wary Traveler Tip: Dinner time can mean long waits at some of the more popular restaurants.  Unless the restaurant that you are planning on eating at takes reservations, we recommend you go before the sunset cruises are back to avoid a long wait for a table. 

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