20 Fun and Exciting Things to Do in Kaanapali, Maui in 2023

Looking for the best things to do in Kaanapali? I’ve got you covered – read on for all the details!

On the Hawaiian island of Maui is the absolutely gorgeous Kaanapali Beach, with breathtaking scenery and endless entertaining things to do and activities to experience.

Exhibit A:

Palm trees swaying, tiki torches dotting the sands, lush flowers and greenery encircling inviting pools, and whales breaching in the distance. This is what you’ll find on Kaanapali!

Welcome to the Beach!

Kaanapali is part of the city of Lahaina, and is on the northwest coast of Maui. 

I did a trip to Maui and Oahu with my parents and brother and this guide focuses specifically on our experiences on the beach of Kaanapali in Maui. Even more specifically, I am focusing on the section of Kaanapali between Black Rock on the north and the Hyatt Regency resort on the south.

There are many, many activities to do in this part of Kaanapali, from parasailing, to golfing, to shopping, to nighttime luaus on the beach. 

And of course, this section has the Kaanapali Beachwalk, a 1.5 mile long pathway stretching the length of the beach, situated between the resorts and the sand. The beachwalk is lined with palm trees and is a lovely way to walk and explore the beach. 

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20 Beautiful, Scenic, and Adventurous Things to Do in Kaanapali

Okay! Let’s start with why you’re here and talk about the amazing activities and things to do in Kaanapali!

1. Snorkel Catamaran Excursion

Recommended Tour: Half-Day Snorkeling from Ka’anapali Beach
⭐Ratings: 4.86 of 5 stars | ⌛Tour Time: 4 hours

Alternatively, another fun way to experience the sea, the views, and the fish is to go on a snorkel catamaran tour. 

Sail from Kaanapali Beach on a comfortable and relaxing catamaran, enjoying the sea views and the tropical breeze. You’ll stop at two different spots (the exact location depends on the sea conditions) for some really excellent snorkeling, where you can see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly even dolphins or whales. Breakfast and lunch is provided on board.

👉Check rates and availability for snorkeling here!

2. Bike Down the Haleakala Volcano

The first half of the ride is primarily a series of switchbacks and great vistas, and then about halfway you’ll find this little town that seriously looks like a Hawaiian/wild west fusion. There’s some cute shops and restaurants where you can stop for lunch. 

Your ride ends back at the outfitters in Paia. On the whole, you’ll bike 24 miles, which takes about 2-3 hours to complete (not including the ride up).

👉Check rates and availability for biking down Haleakala here!

Pro Tip #1: After you’re done with your bike ride, head to the Paia Fish Market in town and order their blackened opakapaka. It was hands-down the best fish I’ve ever eaten! 

Pro Tip #2: Beaches along the north side of the island by Paia are popular surfing beaches, with some extremely big waves. Come to Honolua Bay, Hookipa Beach, or Peahi beach to see the pros tackle some massive waves (it’s not recommended to surf here unless you’re a professional).

3. Go Whale Watching

Recommended Tour: 2-hour Whale Watching Tour
⭐Ratings: 4.89 of 5 stars | ⌛Tour Time: 2 hours

Whale watching season runs in Maui from November to May, with the peak season from January to March. 

Thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed and nurse their babies. The shallow waters off of the Kaanapali beaches are a popular spot for whales, making it an excellent spot to go on a tour.

This whale watching tour is an amazing experience because you are a small group on a small, inflatable boat (thus, close to the water with better views), and the crew shares a lot of information about the whales. During the best months, you’ll almost certainly get a lot of up close and personal encounters with the whales. It was just an incredible experience all around! 

In fact, during the whaling season of December to April, you are guaranteed to see whales or you get your money back.

👉Check rates and availability here!

4. Learn How to Surf

Surfboards and longboards are available to rent at many locations up and down Kaanapali beach. If you know how to surf and just need a rental, swing by any of these shops to pick up what you need.

Recommended Tour: Group Surf Lesson at Ka’anapali Beach
⭐Ratings: 4.34 of 5 stars | ⌛Tour Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

However, if you are a newbie to surfing and want some instruction, a surf class is the way to go!

These surfing classes have a small instructor to student ratio. You start with a quick lesson on land and then get into the water. The instructor is there to help you learn the techniques and get you up on the waves. We really liked our surfing class – it was so fun and really gave you a solid foundation.

👉 Check prices and book your surfing lesson here!

5. Watch the Sunset Ceremony at Black Rock

Black Rock is a rocky outcropping jutting into the water at the north end of the Kaanapali Beachwalk, right by the Sheraton. 

Right before sunset, a conch blows to announce the arrival of a Hawaiian warrior, who runs from the Sheraton up to Black Rock with a torch, lighting tiki torches along the way. At the tip of Black Rock, he throws the torch and a lei into the water and then dives in headfirst. 

This ceremony is intended to honor the last chief of Maui, Kahekili, who proved his spiritual strength by jumping from the Pu’u Keka’a (now called Black Rock) into the ocean. 

This is a free “show” and you can watch from the beach or the beachwalk. It’s a fun experience and cool way to transition to your evening activities.

6. Get Adventurous on an ATV Tour

Ready to venture off the beach for more epic experiences? 

Recommended Tour: Lahaina ATV Adventure
⭐Ratings: 4.84 of 5 stars | ⌛Tour Time: 2 hours

For a combination of adventure + high speeds + rugged roads + scenic views, an ATV tour around Maui is a great way to have fun in a beautiful area. You’ll have the opportunity to go into the more mountainous areas and see unique spots and stunning views. Definitely wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, as you’ll get either muddy or dusty (depending on when the last rainfall was!)

This was a really fun and rugged activity on Kaanapali and I really enjoyed it!

👉Check rates and availability for ATV tours here!

7. Go Snorkeling Off the Beach

Snorkeling gear is available for rent at many spots up and down the beach. There’s excellent sea life all along Kaanapali (my brother and mom saw a sea turtle swim right in front of them once!) and the clear waters afford fantastic views. 

Pro tip: The waters right around Blackrock have some really cool underwater structures, making it an excellent and popular snorkeling area.

8. Stroll Along the Kaanapali Beachwalk

Is it surprising that walking the beachwalk is one of my favorite things to do in Kaanapali? We loved being able to walk up and down this landscaped path under the shadow of swaying palms, admiring the sea, checking out the different resorts, and peeking in on the luaus at night. 

With so many restaurants, activities, luaus, and things to do in Kaanapali that are right on the beach, the paved beachwalk is a convenient and beautiful way to get around, and an activity in its own right!

9. Get in a Round of Golf

The Kaanapali Golf Course is located on the southern end of the beach, tucked behind the Marriott and the Hyatt, but with views over the ocean. If you like golf, getting in a round on the beach is a must!

👉Reserve your spot here

10. Watch the Sunset

Sunsets on Kaanapali Beach are absolutely phenomenal. The way the sun gets huge as it makes contact with the water is *chefs kiss*. Make sure to catch at least one sunset during your stay.

11. Go Parasailing

If you are visiting Kaanapali outside of whale season, you can go parasailing instead! (There is no parasailing during whale season.)

Parasailing is a really fun water sport! You are harnessed to a parachute, which is tied to a boat. When the boat starts, the parachute raises you in the air ~500 feet above the turquoise waters of the Pacific. Keep your eyes open below you – you just might see some sea life swimming in the waves!  

👉Check rates and availability here

12. Attend a Luau

Experiencing a luau is a must when visiting Hawaii, and with several different luaus on the beach, it’s absolutely one of the best things to do in Kaanapali. 

There are three luaus on Kaanapali:

• The Wailele Luau at the Westin
• The Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton
• The Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Regency

All of these luaus are outdoor and take place right along the beachwalk. Just walking along the beachwalk, you can actually see the show at the Westin and the Hyatt, which adds a lot of ambiance as you’re out for an evening stroll.

However, getting a sneak peek from the beachwalk is not enough – you definitely need to attend one! 

When you arrive at a luau, you are warmly welcomed with a flower lei and an opportunity to get drinks. Then the traditional whole roast pig (kalua pig) is paraded through the crowd, and the buffet opens to guests. 

A luau buffet dinner is a tantalizing spread of traditional Polynesian dishes, which includes kalua roast pig, huli huli chicken, oven roasted mahi, fried rice, a variety of salads, grilled vegetables, fresh fruits, and taro rolls (taro rolls are unique in that they’re purple!), plus other dishes and desserts.

If you’re up for something new, you can join in the hula dance lessons they do before the show. 

Then the real entertainment starts! Immerse yourself in Polynesian culture as you watch the incredible dancing routines. Sometimes the men perform, doing dances like the haka or the ever popular fire knife dance.

Sometimes the women dance, swaying to graceful hulas or executing impressive hip-shaking dances from Tahiti. The drums are rhythmic and the atmosphere is just fun!

While all three resorts had good luaus, I think the Drums of the Pacific luau at the Hyatt Regency was the best — it had our favorite dinner and show. 

Honestly, though, you’re not going to be disappointed with any of the luaus in Kaanapali! 

You don’t need to be a guest at any of these resorts to go to the luau, but you should make a reservation in advance, because they do fill up. 

👉Check prices and book your Lu’au here!

13. Shop at Whalers Village

Whalers Village is an open air shopping complex right on the beach. Here, you’ll find a combination of boutiques, local products, name brands, luxury brands, souvenir shops, and restaurants. 

It’s a popular shopping area and is very convenient, as it’s located right on the Kaanapali Beachwalk.

We particularly liked the ABC Store, as it had a whole host of practical items, such as sunscreen, chapstick, Aloe, grocery items, hats, etc, as well as some classic souvenirs, such as T-shirts, necklaces, etc.  

14. Take Scuba Diving Lessons

Recommended Tour: Lahaina Scuba Diving Class
⭐Ratings: 4.84 of 5 stars | ⌛Tour Time: 3 hours

Learning how to scuba dive is a really cool way to level up your underwater Hawaiian experience. I recommend this class, as there’s no need for prior experience, and the class is designed for beginners. 

When you show up for your scuba lessons, you’ll do some practice first, then head into the ocean waters. Group sizes are very small and a guide is always with you, attentive to helping you when you need it.

The biggest thing to get used to when scuba diving is the feeling of pressure from the water – it’s going to feel like it’s squeezing you! 

Note that if you have health issues, you will need a doctor’s note to participate, so consider that in advance!

While snorkeling gives a great view of the sea life, there is nothing like scuba diving and getting up close and personal with all the creatures under the surface. You get to explore coral reefs and admire the sunlight dancing along the bottom of the ocean floor. This small group experience is a great way to have your first introduction to scuba!

👉Check prices and book your scuba diving lesson here!

15. Visit Lookout Point 

About 20 minutes north of Kaanapali Beach, on HI-30, are some ruggedly beautiful lookout points. These areas are more rocky and higher up from sea level. You can drive around the point, or you can stop at some of the many pull-off locations to admire the view, watch the sunset, or be by yourself in nature. 

We particularly like the lookout spot at Papua Gulch and the views from Acid War Zone Trail. You can find these points on the map below:

16. Get Adventurous While Ziplining

The Flyin’ Hawaiian ziplining course on Maui has one of the best zips that I have ever experienced and was one of my absolute top favorite things to do in Kaanapali! This course is found in the west Maui mountains, where you’ll experience 8 different zips that take you across 9 mountain ridges and 11 valleys. 

From the Welcome Center, your guides will drive you up into the mountains and outfit you with gear (Note: Wearing closed toed shoes is required!)

After a safety lesson and a practice zip, you start on the real course, zipping between mountain ridges, sailing high and fast above the canyon floor below you. You are often flying along up to 450 feet in the air as the valley between mountain ridges drops off underneath you, reaching speeds up to 60 mph.

The views are incredible, with lush vegetation, steep mountain slopes,  and sparkling ocean vistas on every side. The longest zip is 3600 feet long! It’s thrilling, exhilarating and gorgeous!

The guides you are with are playful and funny, and the course itself is top notch!

👉Check prices and book your ziplining course here!

17. Drive the Road to Hana

Driving the road to Hana is probably THE most popular thing to do near Kaanapali on Maui. This drive through the tropical forest is known to be absolutely stunning, with beautiful foliage and viewpoints as you drive along. 

There are bamboo forests, waterfalls you can stop off to see, gorgeous ocean viewpoints, and little markets on the side of the road. 

This is a fantastic thing to do near Kaanapali, and indeed, on Maui in general.

And if you don’t want to do the crazy adventures (like ziplining or biking a volcano) but still want to see some epically pretty places, this is a particularly great option. 

Note: The road to Hana is extremely winding, so if you’re prone to carsickness, I would absolutely recommend taking some anti-nausea medication before you embark. 

When you arrive in Hana, one gorgeous spot to visit is the Waianapanapa State Park, with its rugged views and some stunning black sand beaches. As of 2021, you need need a reservation to visit Waianapanapa. You can make reservations here.

It’s highly recommended to stay one or two nights in Hana, since it takes 3 hours to get there from the Kaanapali area , not including any stops you take. You’ll want some time to really explore the area in Hana!

Check out a list of the best stops to make and everything to know about the Road to Hana here.

18. Get Incredible Views on a Helicopter ride

Recommended Tour: West Maui and Molokai 60-Minute Helicopter Tour
⭐Ratings: 4.77 of 5 stars | ⌛Tour Time: 1 hour

Okay, a helicopter tour over Maui is obviously a big ticket item and there’s no getting around the fact that this is a pricey experience.

But dang is this a cool experience!

You get 180 degree unobstructed views over the islands (you will see parts of Maui and Molokai – a neighboring island), which are just jaw-dropping from the air.

The crew is friendly and the pilot is engaging – sharing interesting tidbits and fun facts as you fly around. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? HECK YES.

👉Check prices and book your helicopter ride here!

19. Experience an Underwater Boat Ride

One final, cool way to experience sea life is with this unique underwater boat tour. The boat looks like half submarine/half boat and is designed so you can sit underwater as the boat cruises around, admiring the sea life through the glass sides. 

This is a great option if you don’t want to (or can’t) snorkel, or just want a different and unique underwater perspective!

👉Book this underwater Boat tour here!

20. Hit the Pools and Beach

So, this is an OBVIOUS thing to do in Kaanapali (you don’t need me to tell you to hit the beach when you go to… the beach). I’m still including it on this list though, because wow the beaches at Kaanapali are beautiful! Laying out, soaking up rays, wading, swimming, or playing frisbee should definitely take up a chunk of your time in Kaanapali.

I also highly, highly recommend staying in a nice beach resort when visiting Maui. A big part of the experience is the beautiful grounds, palms, and pools created in the tropical paradise of the resort grounds.

As someone who is generally a budget traveler, the prices on some of these resorts really takes my breath away. But I do think its worth saving your dollars up to spend at least a few nights (or the whole trip, if you can) in one of the beautiful resorts on the beach, so you can take advantage of the pool areas.

That conveniently takes us into the next section, which is…

Where to Stay on Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach has several big name resorts on it, as well as some smaller hotels. 

Personally, I think the Marriott and the Hyatt Regency are the best overall resorts on this beach, and the Kaanapali Ali’i is the best resort if you want to stay in an apartment. Here’s why these three are the best options on Kaanapali, and information to decide which one works the best for your needs and preferences:

Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club

The Marriott Maui Ocean Club is one of the top resorts on Kaanapali beach because the grounds are just absolutely stunning. Vibrant tropical vegetation and flowers are everywhere and there are 3 pool choices plus a hot tub. Water features include waterslides built into the rocks, waterfalls, a grotto you can swim through, and a children’s pool with a shipwreck feature.

There is also a fitness center, tennis courts, and hammocks strung throughout the property. 

Most rooms are a standard hotel room. If you want more space and amenities, you can upgrade to the One Bedroom Garden View Suite, with a living area, and mini kitchen area. 

There are also several poolside bars, where you could order drinks, smoothies, and pool snacks. I highly recommend the coconut shrimp – really the best shrimp I’ve ever had!

You can rent beach gear (paddle boards, snorkel gear, surf boards) from their Water Sports Center. 

Honestly, the grounds are so beautiful at the Marriott, you won’t ever want to leave! (You can read my full review here)

👉Check rates and availability here!

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa also has jaw-droppingly beautiful grounds, and its complex of pools cannot be beat!

You can get a basic hotel room, a hotel room with a little extra room that includes a sofa, or upgrade to some truly magnificent suites that include a lot of space.

The grounds are absolutely top of the line, with six different pools that include waterfalls, a long (150 foot) waterslide, a bridge, a children’s pool, and hot tub. Our favorite pool was one that goes into a cave, and inside the cave is a swim up bar. Besides the cave pool bar, there are several additional restaurants and poolside bars and grills to order food from. They even have a shaved ice stand as you leave the resort to go to the beach. 

There is also a fitness center (with daily classes – including yoga on the beach), basketball and tennis courts, and a spa on-site. 

And of course, the Hyatt Regency hosts the Drums of the Pacific Luau every night on-site – the best luau on Kaanapali Beach. 

👉Check rates and availability here!

Kaanapali Ali’i

The Kaanapali Ali’i is different from all the other resorts on the beach in that it is a condominium complex, and the owners rent out their units individually. There are a small number of units that are owned and managed by the complex themselves, and you can always call the Ali’i directly and see what they have. However, we’ve found the best deals through third party sites.

The condos in the Ali’i are clean and modern, and have a full kitchen, washer and dryer, as well as several bedrooms and bathrooms. We’ve loved having the ground floor unit, opening the sliding door, and walking straight out onto the Ali’i property. 

The grounds are lovely and well-maintained, but they just aren’t as extensive as the bigger properties like the Marriott and Hyatt. There are several beautiful pool areas and a very nice, large hot tub. Also, this section of the beach, though in the middle, is just a little quieter and less crowded, which we definitely consider a plus!

One thing we loved about staying at the Ali’i is the grill area by the beach. The grill is set up extremely well, with many nice grills, all the grilling and serving supplies you could need (including paper products, grilling tools, and utensils), and a covered eating area in case of rain. 

We love to grill anyway, and it’s hard to beat the beautiful surroundings here. Plus, it was a nice way to save some money and not need to eat out for every meal. 

Other amenities include a fitness center, tennis courts, day spa, and complimentary grill service. From Friday to Tuesday from 5:30-8:30, bring your grilling items and seasonings to the grill and the on-site grill master will grill your meats, vegetables, and fruit to perfection. 

👉Check rates and availability here!

Other Things to Know About Maui

Getting there

You can find flights from the mainland US that will land directly in Maui, but it is often cheaper to get flights to Honolulu and then a short flight to Maui. The Kahului airport (OGG) is about 30 minutes by car from Kaanapali beach. 

Getting around

If you plan to do any activities off of Kaanapali beach (and I really, highly recommend you do!), you really need a rental car. It’s going to be the most cost effective, convenient option to get around. 

Driving in Hawaii is just like driving in the mainland US – the roads have the same types of signs and markers. 

When we travel, I always prefer booking my cars with RentalCars.com – I find that they have the best prices and availability. But book early – rental cars are a hot commodity these days!

👉Check prices and availability for rental cars here!

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Kaanapali Beach

A Hawaiian vacation is a bucket list experience for many people, and I can’t deny that writing about it here has me itching to go back!

The chill, laid-back vibes of Hawaii, combined with music, the tiki torches, the traditional food, and the welcoming people make a visit to Maui and Kaanapali an experience like none other. So what are you waiting for? Get to planning!

Read about more beach destinations here:

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