Kaʻanapali
The Basics
Base your stay from one of the town’s oceanfront resorts. Staying on the beach lets you skip the hassle of driving and grants you convenient access to Kaʻanapali Beach and the many shops and restaurants that line the resort row. Once you’ve had your fill of lounging on the beach, shop at the open-air Whalers Village shopping mall and peruse the innumerable shops at the boardwalk that runs between Kaʻanapali Beach and the resorts.
Take advantage of the many outdoor adventures surrounding Kaʻanapali on a tour. The town is a jumping-off point for whale watching, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, ziplining, and more. If you aren’t staying in Kaʻanapali, visit on a tour of West Maui’s top beaches.
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Things to Know Before You Go
Kaʻanapali is the go-to resort town for tourists looking for a classic Maui vacation.
The Whalers Village offers free lei-making and hula dancing lessons.
Kaʻanapali’s boardwalk makes the beach and shops wheelchair and stroller accessible. Some resorts have beach wheelchairs for guests.
Oceanfront restaurants offer ample dining opportunities.
How to Get There
Kaʻanapali is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the Kapalua-West Maui Airport for a 5-minute drive. The city is 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers) from Lahaina for a 10-minute drive. It is 29 miles (47 kilometers) from the island’s main airport (Kahului) for just under an hour’s drive. From Kahului, follow HI-380 to HI-30 South, and then take HI-30 all the way to Kaʻanapali.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The best time to visit Kaʻanapali is in spring and fall when there are fewer crowds and the weather is typically pleasant. For whale-watching, visit in winter. However, be aware that winter sees more rain, so it can be harder to catch sunny beach days.
Top Resort Towns on West Maui
There are three main resort towns located on Maui’s west side, and Kaʻanapali—known for luxury resorts—is located right in the middle. Just west of Kaʻanapali on HI-30, you can find the condominiums of Kapalua, which offer a laid-back, family-friendly alternative to Kaʻanapali. Head east of Kaʻanapali to find the quaint, fisherman’s village of Lahaina. A historic square and frequent cultural events make Lahaina ideal for visitors who are looking to experience local history and culture.