Kaanapali Beach Maui golden sand and Black Rock at sunset

Hawaii

Kaanapali vacation rentals

Maui's original resort beach — three miles of golden sand, cliff divers, and winter whales.

Best time to visit

Year-round sun on Maui's dry leeward side; December–April brings the humpback whales close to shore.

Rental types

Beachfront condos · Resort residences · Ocean-view villas · Golf course condos

Getting there

Fly into Kahului (OGG), 45 minutes away, or the small Kapalua–West Maui airport (JHM), ten minutes north. Kaanapali sits just north of Lahaina on Maui's west coast.

About Kaanapali

Kaanapali was Hawaii's first planned resort area, and six decades on it remains Maui's most complete beach destination: a three-mile golden beach, a paved oceanfront path linking the resorts, and Pu'u Keka'a — Black Rock — where a torch-lighting and cliff-dive ceremony honors Maui's chief Kahekili every evening at sunset.

The snorkeling around Black Rock is excellent right off the beach, with turtles and coral gardens in calm morning water. In winter, humpback whales breach so close to shore you can watch from your beach chair. Historic Lahaina town, five minutes south, is rebuilding — visitors are warmly welcomed as the community recovers, and the harbor's boat tours continue to run.

Vacation rentals in Kaanapali

Kaanapali vacation rentals center on the beachfront condo resorts along the walk — from classic towers to the newer Honua Kai — plus golf-course condos with ocean views at friendlier prices. Honokowai and Kahana, just north, offer the same sunset views for less.

Winter whale season and summer family months book furthest ahead. The beach path means you can walk to Whalers Village's restaurants and shops from anywhere on the strip. For a second Maui base on the sunny south shore, see Kihei, 40 minutes away.

Things to do in Kaanapali

Watch the sunset cliff-dive ceremony at Black Rock
Snorkel with turtles around Pu'u Keka'a on a calm morning
Walk the beachfront path end to end at golden hour
Spot humpback whales from the beach December through April
Play the Royal Kaanapali or Kaanapali Kai golf courses
Take a sunset sail or snorkel boat from Lahaina Harbor

Families, honeymooners, and whale watchers

Kaanapali is Maui's easiest beach vacation — calm swimming, resort pools, walkable dining, and activities you book from the beach. Honeymooners get sunset sails and oceanfront dinners; winter visitors get one of the world's great whale-watching stages without leaving their lounge chair.

Where to stay in Kaanapali

Black Rock & north beach

The famous snorkeling rock, cliff-dive ceremony, and the beach's widest stretch.

Whalers Village

Open-air shopping and dining mid-beach with a whaling museum.

Kaanapali golf courses

Two championship courses with condo communities on the fairways.

Honokowai & Kahana

Quieter condo row just north — better value, same sunsets.

Kaanapali FAQs

Is Kaanapali Beach open after the Lahaina fire?

Yes — Kaanapali, north of Lahaina town, was not damaged and its resorts, condos, and beach are fully open. Visitors are welcomed, and tourism directly supports West Maui's recovery.

Can you snorkel at Kaanapali Beach?

Yes — Black Rock at the north end offers excellent snorkeling straight off the beach, with coral, turtles, and tropical fish in typically calm, clear water.

When is whale season in Kaanapali?

Humpback whales are present December through April, peaking January through March — often visible breaching from the beach and resort lanais.