Kaanapali

Kaanapali is a beach resort community situated on the western coast of Maui, Hawaii. It boasts miles of white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and picturesque sunsets. Once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Kaanapali is now a world-class resort destination with luxurious hotels, condos, vacation rentals, restaurants, and shops.

Visitors can enjoy water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and paddleboarding. Golf courses, including the award-winning Kaanapali Golf Courses, offer stunning ocean views and challenging holes. Land-based activities include hiking trails like the Kapalua Coastal Trail, which provides views of the Pacific Ocean and the chance to see whales during migration season.

Kaanapali has a rich history and culture. The Maui Arts and Cultural Center hosts various events and exhibitions, while the town of Lahaina offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s plantation past with historic buildings and museums. Overall, Kaanapali is a destination that offers a combination of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance make it a popular choice for travelers seeking a tropical getaway.

Flights To Kaanapali

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Kaanapali

  • Book in advance: Airfare prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches, so it’s generally a good idea to book your flight several months in advance.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and time of year. If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying during off-peak times.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Earlytrips, Ticketsaway, Mycityflights and Google Flights allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies at once, making it easier to find the best deal.
  • Set fare alerts: Many flight comparison websites allow you to set fare alerts for specific routes, so you can be notified when prices drop.
  • Consider alternative airports: While there is no airport in Kaanapali itself, the nearest airport is Kahului Airport (OGG), which is about a 45-minute drive away. However, you may also want to consider flying into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu and taking a connecting flight or ferry to Maui.
  • Look for budget airlines: Some budget airlines, such as Southwest Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, may offer cheaper fares than larger carriers.
  • Consider a vacation package: Some travel agencies and websites offer vacation packages that include flights, accommodations, and activities at a discounted rate.
  • Use travel rewards: If you have a travel rewards credit card or frequent flyer miles, consider using them to book your flight or upgrade to a more comfortable seat.

Places To Visit

Beaches
  1. Kaanapali Beach: This three-mile stretch of white sand beach is one of the most popular in Kaanapali. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or take a sunset stroll along the beach.
  2. Black Rock Beach: Located at the northern end of Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock is a popular spot for snorkeling and cliff jumping. Visitors can also watch the nightly cliff diving ceremony.
  3. Hanakao’o Beach: Also known as “Canoe Beach,” Hanakao’o Beach is a popular spot for canoeing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the beach or explore the nearby wetlands
Historical Sites
  1. Maui Tropical Plantation: This 60-acre plantation offers a glimpse into the state’s plantation past. Visitors can take a tram tour of the plantation, enjoy a meal at the Mill House Restaurant, or shop for local products at the Country Store.
  2. Lahaina: This historic town was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Visitors can explore the town’s historic buildings, such as the Baldwin Home Museum and the Wo Hing Museum, or take a stroll along the Lahaina Historic Trail.
Nature and Wildlife
  1. Maui Ocean Center: This aquarium and marine park offers a variety of exhibits and activities, including a shark tunnel, a sea turtle sanctuary, and a coral reef exhibit.
  2. Hawaii Nature Center: This center offers a variety of programs and activities, including hikes, nature walks, and educational programs.
Arts and Culture
  1. Maui Arts and Cultural Center: This center offers a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and art exhibitions.
  2. Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center: This center offers art classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels, as well as art exhibitions and events.
Water Activities
  1. Snorkeling: Visitors can snorkel at several locations in Kaanapali, such as Black Rock Beach and Napili Bay.
  2. Scuba Diving: Visitors can take a scuba diving tour to explore the area’s coral reefs and marine life.
  3. Surfing: Visitors can take a surfing lesson or rent equipment at several locations in Kaanapali.
  4. Paddleboarding: Visitors can rent paddleboards and explore the area’s calm waters.
  5. Sunset Cruise: Visitors can take a sunset cruise and enjoy the area’s stunning scenery.
  6. Whale Watching: Visitors can take a whale watching tour during migration season.
Golf Courses
  1. Royal Kaanapali Golf Course: This 18-hole course offers stunning ocean views and challenging holes. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course has hosted several PGA Tour events.
  2. Kaanapali Kai Golf Course: This 18-hole course is located near the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The course is known for its challenging holes and lush greenery.
Family-Friendly Activities
  1. Maui’s Aquarium: This aquarium offers a variety of exhibits and activities, including a touch tank, a shark tank, and a sea turtle exhibit.
  2. Maui’s Zipline Adventure: This adventure park offers a variety of zipline courses, as well as a ropes course and a climbing wall.
  3. Maui’s Pineapple Express: This train tour offers a scenic ride through the pineapple fields of Maui, as well as a tour of the Dole Plantation.
Spas and Wellness Centers
  1. The Spa at Black Rock: This spa offers a range of treatments, such as massages, facials, and body treatments. Visitors can also enjoy the spa’s sauna, steam room, and hot tub.
  2. Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea: This spa offers a range of treatments, such as massages, facials, and body treatments. Visitors can also enjoy the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit, which includes a Roman tub, a Japanese furo, and a Swiss shower.
Nightlife
  1. Leilani’s on the Beach: This restaurant and bar offers live music and stunning ocean views. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while watching the sunset.
  2. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa: This resort offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music, hula shows, and lei-making classes.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Kaanapali Beach: This three-mile stretch of white sand beach is one of the most popular in Kaanapali. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or take a sunset stroll along the beach. There are also several resorts and hotels located along the beach, offering easy access to the water and a variety of amenities.
  2. Black Rock Beach: Located at the northern end of Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock is a popular spot for snorkeling and cliff jumping. Visitors can also watch the nightly cliff diving ceremony. The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is located nearby, offering easy access to the beach and a variety of amenities.
  3. Whalers Village: This outdoor shopping center offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and activities. Visitors can shop for souvenirs, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, or take a sunset cruise. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is located nearby, offering easy access to Whalers Village and a variety of amenities.
  4. Kapalua Coastal Trail: This 1.75-mile trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the opportunity to spot whales during migration season. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is located nearby, offering easy access to the trail and a variety of amenities.
  5. Maui Ocean Center: This aquarium and marine park offers a variety of exhibits and activities, including a shark tunnel, a sea turtle sanctuary, and a coral reef exhibit. Visitors can learn about the area’s marine life and enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits.
  6. Lahaina: This historic town was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Visitors can explore the town’s historic buildings, such as the Baldwin Home Museum and the Wo Hing Museum, or take a stroll along the Lahaina Historic Trail. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is located nearby, offering easy access to Lahaina and a variety of amenities.
  7. Napili Bay: This crescent-shaped bay offers calm waters and a sandy beach, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The Napili Kai Beach Resort is located nearby, offering easy access to the bay and a variety of amenities.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: This 5-star hotel is the only resort in Hawaii to have received the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star awards for 30 consecutive years. The hotel’s 463 guest rooms and suites are designed with a residential feel, featuring warm woods, rich fabrics, and local artwork. Guests can enjoy six dining experiences, including the only oceanfront restaurant in Kapalua, and a 17,500-square-foot spa with 15 treatment rooms and a fitness center.
  • Montage Kapalua Bay: This 5-star hotel offers a more intimate experience with only 96 residences, each with a gourmet kitchen, spacious living areas, and private lanais. The resort features a 30,000-square-foot pool with a children’s area, a spa with six treatment rooms, and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy dining at Cane & Canoe, the resort’s signature restaurant, or at the poolside Sunset Patio.
  • The Westin Maui Resort & Spa: This 4-star hotel is the largest resort in Kaanapali, with 759 guest rooms and suites. The hotel features a 12-acre tropical garden with waterfalls, water slides, and five pools. Guests can enjoy dining at five restaurants, including the award-winning HUMUHUMU, or at the oceanfront Beachwalk Cafe. The hotel also offers a spa, a fitness center, and a variety of activities, including cultural experiences and water sports.
  • The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa: This 4-star hotel is the largest single-level resort in Hawaii, with 508 guest rooms and suites. The hotel features a 142-yard lagoon-style pool with a water slide and a children’s area, a spa, a fitness center, and six restaurants. Guests can enjoy dining at the resort’s signature restaurant, Black Rock Steak & Seafood, or at the oceanfront Cliff Dive Grill.
  • Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa: This 4-star hotel is the only resort in Kaanapali with a half-acre pool complex, featuring a 150-foot lava tube slide, a water playground, and a rope bridge. The hotel features 806 guest rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, and eight restaurants. Guests can enjoy dining at the resort’s signature restaurant, Japengo, or at the oceanfront Umalu.
  • Kaanapali Beach Hotel: This 4-star hotel is the most Hawaiian hotel in Kaanapali, with a commitment to preserving and sharing the Hawaiian culture. The hotel features 432 guest rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, and three restaurants. Guests can enjoy cultural activities, including lei-making, hula lessons, and ukulele lessons.

Budget Friendly Hotels

  • Northshore Hostel Maui: This hostel is located in the nearby town of Wailuku, about a 20-minute drive from Kaanapali. The hostel offers dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms with private bathrooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, lounge area, and outdoor patio.
  • The Banana Bungalow Maui: This hostel is located in the nearby town of Lahaina, about a 10-minute drive from Kaanapali. The hostel offers dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms with private bathrooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, lounge area, and outdoor patio.
  • The Maui Seaside Hotel: This 2-star hotel is located in the nearby town of Kahana, about a 10-minute drive from Kaanapali. The hotel offers affordable rooms with private bathrooms, located just a short walk from the beach. The hotel features a swimming pool, hot tub, and barbecue grills.
  • The Hau Tree Resort: This 2-star hotel is located in the nearby town of Lahaina, about a 10-minute drive from Kaanapali. The hotel offers affordable rooms with private bathrooms, located just a short walk from the beach. The hotel features a swimming pool, hot tub, and barbecue grills.

Best Time To Visit

  • Weather: Kaanapali has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The peak tourist season is from December to April when the weather is dry and the temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from 75°F to 85°F during the day. The rainy season is from May to October, with temperatures ranging from 80°F to 90°F during the day.
  • Crowds: Kaanapali can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season from December to April. If you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season from May to October.
  • Activities: Kaanapali offers a variety of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and hiking. The water is generally calmer and clearer from April to October, making it an ideal time for water activities. If you’re interested in whale watching, visit from December to May when humpback whales migrate to the waters around Maui.
  • Accommodation and Flight Prices: Peak tourist season also means higher prices for accommodation and flights. If you’re on a budget, consider visiting during the shoulder season or off-season when prices are generally lower.
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