Ka'anapali Vacation Guide

Discover where to Play, Eat, Shop and Stay in Ka'anapali Beach Resort

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About Kaanapali

Known World-Wide as one of Hawaii's Premier Beach Vacation Destinations

West Maui Beachfront Luxury with Outer Island and Mountain Views

Located on Maui's West Side between the touristy but historical town of Lahaina and Luxury resort of Kapalua, Ka'anapali is the perfect area for sun seekers wanting to have some night life and miles of sandy beaches.

Development of the Kaanapali Beach Resort began in the 1960s, on mile-long Kaanapali Beach on the western shore of Maui. It has a total area of 6.3 square miles of which 4.9 is land and 1.3 is water.A bit more wind and rain here than the South shore, but not enough to interfere with that golf game or jet ski. Views of the outer islands of Lanai and Molokai predominate.


Areas in Kaanapali

Vacation Rental Resorts in Ka'anapali

Honua Kai

Honua Kai

Mahana

Mahana

Papakea Resort

Papakea Resort


Highlights of Kaanapali

A Postcard-Perfect Paradise.

Kaanapali is beautiful with lush green mountains and is very close to Lahaina (fun historic tourist town with shopping, restaurants and boat harbor). 

Kaanapali Beach is often mentioned as one of the best beaches in the world.

Sink your toes into the soft golden sand, grab a fruity cocktail from one of the beachfront bars, and let the ocean breeze tickle your sun-kissed skin. Whether you're snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, teeing off on the championship golf courses, or simply savoring a mouthwatering plate of fresh seafood, Kaanapali knows how to spoil its visitors. And the best part? Your vacation rental here offers a home away from home, complete with all the modern amenities and a front-row seat to those jaw-dropping sunsets.

Enjoy the beach life:
  • You'll find many great swimming beaches and can snorkel & swim with turtles too.
  • Watch Whales in season
  • Reef Fish by the shore or deep sea fish by boat
Try some Golf

There are 2 championship golf courses in Kannapali, The Royal Ka'anapali & Ka'anapali Kai. Guests staying in Kaanapali get discounts

Explore Lahaina

Great shopping, Great food, the Banyan tree, Art Galleries, Museums and ruins to explore.

COMING SOON Kaanapali resorts & activities map



Explore Kaanapali

Shopping

  1. The upscale Shops at Whalers Village are walkable from most resorts and offer shopping & restaurants for every price range
  2. Hotel Shops - Weston, Hyatt, Aston, Sheraton, Marriott....
  3. Lahaina - From tourist trinkets & t-shirts to upscale art galleries and fine jewelry and many restaurants, Lahaina has it all.
  4. Art Fairs &. Swap Meets:.
    • Art fairs hosted by Lahaina Arts Society: Great locally-made art, jewelry, and gifts. No longer at Banyan Tree Park, the events moved to other locations in West Maui. CurrentlyThe Lahaina Arts Society publishes scheduled dates for the art fairs. Currently found Friday and Saturdays from 9AM to 4PM at the Lahaina Cannery Mall on the lawn under the Monkeypod trees.
    • Weekly Maui Gift & Craft Fair: This event, featuring approximately 50 local vendors, took place for many years in the Lahaina Civic Center, but it has found a new home at Lahaina Gateway Center. (The shopping center across the street from Safeway/Lahaina Cannery.) Every Sunday. Free admission and plenty of free parking.
    • Maui Swap Meet (Kahului) every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Hawaii Maui College campus.

Restaurants

Multiple luxury hotels offer superb dining experiences Beach front dining in Lahaina but the best restaurant there is

Hula Grill: Whalers Village
Dukes: Merimans at Honui Kai resort


The Lahaina Grill: Lahaina

Expensive and worth it - some say better than Mama's and often voted the best restaurant on Maui. No views but fine dining with crisp white table cloths and waiters who know what a relaxed dining experience should be. Matt & Lory's first choice for many years.


Where to Find a Place to Stay in Kaanapali

Everywhere near the beach and on a golf. course.

Ka'anapali Beach is the luxury area here. There are several large hotels with elaborate pools, grounds and lobbies, plus a couple large luxury condos. All of the hotels and condos in the Kaanapali area are within walking distance of each other, restaurants, beach activities, snorkeling, and the Whalers Village shopping center.

But I want to stay in a Vacation Rental Condo!

You're in luck! You can find vacation rentals right here on Maui Owner Condos (MOC)! Our rental listings are 100% managed by the property owner or manager. Ditch the pesky third-party fees and interference - no middle man (Or woman) here! Look no further. Our website has some amazing vacation rental options in Kaanapali. CLICK HERE TO SEARCH

Should you have a legal, permitted rental we would love to take a look and if appropriate, add it to our site. CONTACT US


Transportation for Kaanapali

All of the hotels and condos on the west side of Maui have Lahaina mailing addresses, but few are in Lahaina. You do pass through Lahaina to get to other parts of the island, including the airport. Traffic through Lahaina is often very congested, especially at rush hour so plan accordingly. There is now a By-Pass for Lahaina which helps a lot.

Two Airports Service Kaanapali and West Maui

  • Kahalui International Airport (OGG)*
  • Kapalua West Maui Airport (JHM) - small planes, private jets

*Planning your time is also important when heading to the airport. An accident on the highway can cause the road to close for up to 5 hours!!!. The road around the north west side of the island is often 1-way with no way to turn around. It can be dangerous.  When Google maps offers it as an alternative - forget it.

I like to head out early check my bags and then head to Mama's Fish House (Paia) or Hailimaile General Store (Makawao) for a good by meal then I'm sure I'll make my flight.

On Island Transportation

Most folks rent a car at the airport but with nearly 30% in taxes and fees added to a rental, many are opting for other options. 

  • Take a Taxi or Airport Van to your hotel or condo - Uber is not much of an option on Maui.
  • Rent a car locally for a few days at a time when you want to take a road trip. 
  • Choose an activity provider who will pick you up and take you home - From hiking, to whale watching and snorkeling trips and more - many companies do this.
The Maui Bus - Public Transportation:

Routes, Schedules: https://www.mauicounty.gov/1310/Maui-Bus-Route-Maps

Maui Bus operates 14 bus routes and provide service in and between various Central, South, West, Haiku, Kula and Upcountry Maui communities. All of the routes are operated seven days a week, including all holidays. Their website offers a live bus map and arrival times.


Statistics about Kaanapali

12+ Properties for rent

Prices range from $199/night

Your mailing address when staying in Kaanapali is Lanaina don't be confused you are not in the TOWN of Lahaina, that's just the closest post office. 



Weather for Kaanapali


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