Kaanapali Beach
Lahaina, Hawaii
Description
Added by Michelle Olmstead
Maui, Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the world, and for fun and great atmosphere it's hard to beat Kaanapali Beach on the West side of the island.
Kaanapali Beach is about a 45-minute drive from Kahului Airport, and only two miles from Lahaina. Nearly all of the seaside resorts here back right up to the beach, making it an ideal place to stay if beach time is your top priority. If you are not staying on Kannapali, there are several pay-to-park lots, and some of the resorts have beach access lots that are open to the public.
This beach has been voted most beautiful beach in the world, and for good reason. With white/gold sand, clear water, and mellow waves (most of the time) it is a great beach to soak in the sun and fun of Hawaii.
The famous Black Rock, at the far North end of the beach, is the place for rock jumping, and one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. In addition, there are opportunities for other water sports on Kaanapali, including stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing, kayaking, and boogie boarding. Sunset cruises are also very popular here, as Kaanapali boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. In the Winter months, whale watching tours are a favorite activity.
Food and shopping are conveniently located in Whaler's Village, and there are many options and price ranges for lunch and dinner. Be sure to stop at the Hula Grill for some fish tacos and a Mai Tai, and enjoy the sunset from your table. There are also rentals for umbrellas and chairs from several places along the beach, and you can pick up snorkeling gear at The Snorkel Store, which is just 0.3 miles from Black Rock.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Reviews
We spent about a half day here while on Maui. We got here super early since we had read reviews of parking getting pretty bad, so didn't want to risk it. it was very nice, especially in the early morning when there's not a lot of people yet
4.0
the space is oversaturated with tourists and resort-goers, but the beaches are generally more open than you would expect. calm waters allow one to quickly swim offshore for snorkeling or surfing.
5.0
While there are certainly more secluded and private beaches on Maui, this is the beach to go to if you want scenery, fun, and convenience rolled into one. There was never a time when we felt this beach was too crowded or that we couldn't find a spot for our umbrella or chairs. Definitely worth a visit, or base your vacation from here and rent a car to easily travel to other beaches in the area.
5.0
There is a small parking garage for on the street with all of the hotels (google Kaanapali beach public parking) before you go. The spots are limited and fill up fast on weekends, but it has a direct road to the beach! For the most part, the beach is filled with families. Close to the shore is where most people hang out when snorkeling, but if you get out by the rocks there are tons of fish. Snorkeling is the best just at the tip of the rocks. There tends to be turtles hanging out there :)
5.0
This beach has everything. A great beach, volleyball, fun surf, snorkeling and cliff jumping. If you head around the corner from the popular cliff jumping area there is a much taller cliff jumping spot that is difficult to get to but often not crowded.
5.0
Big shorebreak the times I've been here. Way touristy. I wouldn't voluntarily go here again. Well manicured and picturesque but overexposed. Prefer to be someplace a lil' bit more wild.
3.0
it's a little touristy, but this stretch can be a lot of fun, especially if you like to people watch!
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Paddle Board (SUP) Napili Bay, Maui
Snorkel Kapalua Bay
Explore the Nakalele Blowhole
Hike through Iao Valley to Kūkaemoku (The Needle)
Hike the Waihe'e Ridge Trail
Lahaina Pali Trail via Ukumehame (West) Trailhead
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy