Ka'anapali Beach
Ka'anapali Beach
4.5
About
Considered one of the best beaches in America, Ka'anapali is three miles of perfect white sand. Don't miss the daily cliff diving ceremony off Puu Kekaa.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Best nearby
Restaurants
95 within 3 miles
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109 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,394 reviews
Excellent
6,777
Very good
2,017
Average
477
Poor
92
Terrible
31
Mick
San Francisco, CA52 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Kaanapali Beach is paradise. I have fallen in love with its diversity and offerings — spectacular big sandy beaches, canoeing (Maui Paddle Sports), the restaurant scene, proximity to an array of activities (scuba, snorkel, tennis, golf, sunset cruise, parasailing, etc) and its range of accommodations available (Honua Kai, Westin, Royal Lahaina, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, The Whaler, Sheraton, etc.) makes West Side Maui a perfect for solo travelers and families alike.
If you’re into long swims, I park at Airport Beach (on North Kaanapali), and start my swim from Duke’s Beach House and hug the shoreline down towards Black Rock. You might even get lucky to have some rays, a barracuda and tons of turtles join you along in your swim! Once you get to Black Rock, consider hopping out of the ocean and walking through the Sheraton Black Rock to jump back in the ocean on South Kaanapli beach to continue the swim towards Whaler’s Village or dive off black rock and enjoy the snorkeling (other option is to swim around black rock, I just recommend to do this if others are around or accompanying you as can be slightly intimidating with the swell sometimes). At the end of my swim, I like to walk back along the Kaanapali Beach boardwalk — perfect way to round out your exercise for the morning! :)
Other notable highlights: On weekends there is a handcrafts market usually held on beach boardwalk at the Westin on North Kaanapali, Fish Market Maui (fish burrito has cheese in it - YUM!; poke with their house made chips - double YUM!!), you can get some great photography from the top of the Sheraton Black Rock with South Kaanapali in the background, Whaler’s Village is always a fun scene to walk through, and sunset on this side of the island is simply magical!
If you’re into long swims, I park at Airport Beach (on North Kaanapali), and start my swim from Duke’s Beach House and hug the shoreline down towards Black Rock. You might even get lucky to have some rays, a barracuda and tons of turtles join you along in your swim! Once you get to Black Rock, consider hopping out of the ocean and walking through the Sheraton Black Rock to jump back in the ocean on South Kaanapli beach to continue the swim towards Whaler’s Village or dive off black rock and enjoy the snorkeling (other option is to swim around black rock, I just recommend to do this if others are around or accompanying you as can be slightly intimidating with the swell sometimes). At the end of my swim, I like to walk back along the Kaanapali Beach boardwalk — perfect way to round out your exercise for the morning! :)
Other notable highlights: On weekends there is a handcrafts market usually held on beach boardwalk at the Westin on North Kaanapali, Fish Market Maui (fish burrito has cheese in it - YUM!; poke with their house made chips - double YUM!!), you can get some great photography from the top of the Sheraton Black Rock with South Kaanapali in the background, Whaler’s Village is always a fun scene to walk through, and sunset on this side of the island is simply magical!
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynne H
Kelowna, Canada163 contributions
Apr 2022
This is a nice, wide sandy beach. Entry to the water is all sand but it gets very hot so surf socks are recommended so you don’t burn your feet. There is great snorkelling all along the beach but the best snorkelling is at Black Rock. If you go out around the point, there’s a shallow area with tons of fish. There are also lots of turtles that hang out just off the beach. The variety of fish is amazing: I even saw a moray eel. The surf can be very strong so I don’t recommend swimming when they have the red flags up but on calmer days, this is a great beach to swim and snorkel. There are lots of resorts along the beach and lots of amenities like restaurants, washrooms and showers. There is limited public parking that fills up before 8 am so expect to pay for parking unless you get there really early - I recommend getting there really early because the snorkelling is best first thing in the morning.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RonnyC2723
Dallas, TX87 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Kaanapali Beach is the most beautiful in the world.I have explored beaches almost throughout the world and have found none better. The sands are beautiful and the sunsets are gorgeous. Taking a cruise offers breathtaking rainbows and a chance to outrun porpoises or watching whales in the winter. It is always fun simply to see an occasional storm blanketing the high mountain ranges in the mornings or evenings. Amazingly there are no trash or litter. God help you if you are caught littering. No one does however. I’m also amazing that though there are crowds, it’s never crowded. Solitude is available everywhere. Come watch the Black Rock diver jump from Black Rock located directly behind the Sheraton Hotel. Have a romantic dinner at the Hula Grill or Monkepod. Shopping at whalers Village is fun, especially during the early evenings,
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
illuminated2010
Canada79 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Not sure about all the hype around this beach. We visited in May, waters were rough with very strong waves. With waves crashing hard on the beach, it created a drop off. So this is not a flat beach, at some parts of this beach there is a 1m drop towards the sea. Not a good beach even for a stroll as it is not flat and you will get covered in sand when that rogue wave comes crashing over you.
This beach is not recommended for young kids as the surf is strong. Not too relaxing as it is crowded and you can hear constant yelling by parents at their kids to stay away from the sea.
Over rated.
This beach is not recommended for young kids as the surf is strong. Not too relaxing as it is crowded and you can hear constant yelling by parents at their kids to stay away from the sea.
Over rated.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson18,230 contributions
Dec 2021
Over the many years that we have been coming here, beach erosion has increased and it is obvious when walking the Hyatt-to-Sheraton strip of beach. Near the Hyatt, areas are cordoned off and the tiny bit of beach they did have is almost nonexistent now.
Around the Marriott and down to the Sheraton, the situation is better but not perfect. Steep shelf ledges show just how active that erosion has been and continues to be.
This stretch of beach has it all: dining places, Whalers Village, kiosks to rent whatever is needed to pursue water activities, and more kiosks to schedule a catamaran cruise or sightseeing trip.
The surf is a bit rougher near the Marriott and gets more gentle down towards Black Rock. Water temperature is pretty cold in the winter but that doesn't seem to deter people from getting down under the waves.
Around the Marriott and down to the Sheraton, the situation is better but not perfect. Steep shelf ledges show just how active that erosion has been and continues to be.
This stretch of beach has it all: dining places, Whalers Village, kiosks to rent whatever is needed to pursue water activities, and more kiosks to schedule a catamaran cruise or sightseeing trip.
The surf is a bit rougher near the Marriott and gets more gentle down towards Black Rock. Water temperature is pretty cold in the winter but that doesn't seem to deter people from getting down under the waves.
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pattiras2017
Los Angeles, CA12 contributions
Apr 2022
what a marvelous 10 days we spent on Ka'anapali beach! the weather was perfect and the waves were amazing. Lots of turtles this year and then some huge King Waves came in to give us quite a show. There was a strong storm in December and there is still a sail boat washed up on the shore.
Clean and friendly. go to this area and enjoy the view.
Clean and friendly. go to this area and enjoy the view.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
savtachaya
New York City, NY116 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Beautiful beach for watching sunset. There is a beach walk going along the hotels. Lovely walk. We just sat on the beach and watched sunset. Also the party boats dock and let people off from their sunset cruise
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colorless
6 contributions
Sep 2022
Easy dive or snorkeling location, great for a refresher SCUBA course and just floating with the fish. Not the best beach in Maui but I am keeping that my secret. I went there with In2Scuba and Mike was quite helpful and made sure everyone was safe. It is a huge tourist location. Lots of fancy hotels, a gold course, Roy's etc. so finding the public parking is a chore but it exists. It is also a good location to just beach bumming which I saw. Near to Lahaina for supplies or the Maui Brewery, 3:30 - 5:30 Happy Houris the time to go. Gas is 35% more, load up on the east side of Maui when you get your Costco supplies.
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
roderick M
134 contributions
May 2022
We entered onto the long, golden, sandy beach at Kahekili Beach Park, where there are public restrooms, at the Westin Kaanipali Ocean Resort in the northern reaches of Lahaina. The soft, powdery sand beach here provides excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities. There is a nice long reef to snorkel, a short distance off the shore here and also further to the south at Black Rock. The beach slopes off nicely to the sandy surf entries. There is a boardwalk along the beach in both directions for a nice long walk. The shade trees line the shore about 50 feet or more behind the beachfront. A great place for kids and elders as the surf usually is relatively quiet as the beach faces west. The beach is in a long line of top end resorts so can get quite busy but there is lots of room to spread out along the Kaanapali Beach shoreline.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
practicealoha
1 contribution
Mar 2020
One of the best places on Maui to go to the beach - we traveled all around the island and should have stayed at our own hotel beach.
The best part was sunset tiki torch lighting at black rock, a glass of wine, and whales breaching right out from where we were.
Surf conditions were rough and it was so windy we got sand blasted (winter in Maui) but loved it.
The best part was sunset tiki torch lighting at black rock, a glass of wine, and whales breaching right out from where we were.
Surf conditions were rough and it was so windy we got sand blasted (winter in Maui) but loved it.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Does the Paki Maui hotel still exist?
tony l
Vancouver, Canada3,202 contributions
I believe they still in business , very old building , need a major up grade , personal option , I would not stay there if you pay me , please read the TripAdvisor reviews ! remember you pay what you get! good luck .
ChrisannLI
Mount Sinai, NY
Could anyone suggest another beach for day trip from Kahului cruise ship port. Google maps say 45 min ride one way to Ka’anapali Beach.
robarabian
Simi Valley, CA17 contributions
Waliea / Makena beaches are beautiful, 20 minutes from the port / ship.
Can you rent chairs/umbrellas on the beach?
Charles
Columbia, SC508 contributions
Most hotels have them available to rent along with cabanas
ArtVandelay-NJ
Montville, NJ11 contributions
While I’ve read that Kaanapali Beach is beautiful, I’ve also seen reports that people are getting cuts all over their feet from coral when then go in the water. How much of that is exaggerated and are water shoes highly recommended or do most get along just fine without?
Tacomafam
Tacoma, WA16 contributions
Kaanapali beach is huge, so that may be true in some section of the beach…? But that has not been my experience in my favorite section of the beach — nearer Black Rock. We never use water shoes.
Patricia H
Colleyville, TX44 contributions
We are going there next month. For those of you who have been to Maui this year, what COVID test die you take and where did you get it?
DaayTrippers
Saugerties, NY224 contributions
We used CVS but it did not arrive on time so we used the United Airlines service at the SFO airport. Pricey but fast and efficient - we will use them again this year if still required. We live on the East Coast so options are limited.
Companion777288
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hola Alicia. Necesito saber a que distancia está la playa del puerto para cruceros. Y si es lejos que medio de transporte te lleva. Cualquier otra cosa que nos recomiende hacer. Voy en un crucero y toca un dÃa lahaina. Gracias
David-Lori-89
Louisiana903 contributions
Hi sorry I am just seeing this. If you havent cruised yet we just took a cab to Ka'anapali beach and rented beach chairs umbrellas. Taxis are readily avalable to take you back to the port. Ka’anapali Beach – 3 Miles north of pier. You can also take Maui bus #25 ($4 all day pass) or a cab ($20 one way) to Whalers Village for shopping and restaurants. (Suggested: lunch at Hulu Grill or lunch at Leilani’s and their Hulu Pie, both restaurants are in Whaler’s Village) Walk thru Whalers Village to the Beachwalk and walk north towards Black Rock for beach and snorkeling. Rent cabana/beach chairs from Hal Huaka’I water activity center at Ka’anapali Beach Hotel for $45 includes 2 beach chairs and 1 umbrella. Then go further north to snorkel at Black Rock.
Where is there public parking at Kaanapali Beach?
291neils
midland, mich43 contributions
i stayed at hotel RESORT KAANAPALI ALI parking garage for their guest.
CopperKingMansion
Butte, MT11 contributions
Where is there public parking near Black Rock?
Tony D
Sandy, UT36 contributions
If you're going to be a black rock most restaurants and shops in Whaler's Village will validate...so park in the mall parking.
Margo A
4 contributions
What are the best moderately priced snorkeling tours? Are there a lot of fish to see by just snorkeling off the beach?
tspencer9
Dawson Creek, Canada52 contributions
Honestly, I’ve taken a snorkeling trip and I didn’t enjoy it.... I felt like most of the tour was just time spent on the boat and the actual snorkeling was minimal. I found we saw everything right off the beach! Try Kapalua Bay or Kameole III! Loved both of these and saw huge turtles!
viagens2012
Huntington Beach, CA182 contributions
Hello, we will be coming to Mayo on Saturday and we are staying in Kaanapali. I had never been to Hana because I’m afraid to get sick with the windy road. Any tips? Any short way to get there? Thanks
Minnie M
Kentucky152 contributions
Only one road and I'd highly recommend leaving early, taking drinks/snacks (or even pack a lunch), and stopping when you can. My husband suffers from motion sickness and he drove. We took our time and stopped occasionally to sight-see. It helped that he was driving also, rather than riding. Go slowly (for safety reasons as well). We got to Charles Lindberg's grave-site where most people turn and go back because the road gets tighter and rougher in places, but we continued on around the southern end of the island. We did not have any problems but drove cautiously especially around corners. It was beautiful. I recommend that you give it a try. If it bothers you, you can always stop and go back. But again, if you drive slowly (which you really have to anyway) and stop frequently, get out and walk a bit from time to time, you should be fine.
Ka'anapali Beach (Lahaina) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ka'anapali Beach
- We recommend booking Ka'anapali Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 22 Ka'anapali Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Ka'anapali Beach:
- West Maui Coastline Audio Driving Tour (From $19.99)
- West Maui: Self-Guided eBike, Hike, and Snorkel Excursion (From $69.95)
- Romantic Sunset Champagne -Private- Maui Air Tour: Intimate & Spectacular! (From $338.67)
- Private South & West Maui Beaches Tour (From $1,068.30)
- Segway Tour Kaanapali Shores (From $279.99)
- Hotels near Ka'anapali Beach:
- (0.03 mi) The Whaler on Ka'anapali Beach Available at a last minute rate 3/26-3/31
- (0.07 mi) Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
- (0.12 mi) The Whaler Maui-Suite 802-Spectacular Ocean Front
- (0.15 mi) Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
- (0.12 mi) Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
- Restaurants near Ka'anapali Beach:
- (0.09 mi) Cliff Dive Grill
- (0.05 mi) Huihui - A Beachfront Restaurant
- (0.08 mi) Sunday Champagne Brunch at Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
- (0.10 mi) Teppan-Yaki Dan
- (0.09 mi) Hui Hui Restaurant