Kaanapali Beach Maui | Go Hawaii

Kāʻanapali Beach

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Kāʻanapali Beach

Where: West Shore, Maui, about 50 minutes from Kahului Airport
Activities: Swimming, cliff diving
Amenities: Parking $2/30 minutes, restrooms, lifeguard, shopping nearby

With three miles of white sand and crystal clear water, it’s no wonder why Kāʻanapali Beach was once named America’s Best Beach. Fronting Kāʻanapali’s hotels and resorts, this former retreat for the royalty of Maui is now a popular getaway for the world.

Kāʻanapali was Hawaiʻi’s first planned resort and has become a model for resorts around the globe. Five hotels and six condominium villages face this renowned beach. Also fronting Kāʻanapali is the open air Whalers Village, a world-class shopping complex that features a variety of exceptional shops and restaurants, a renowned whaling museum and free Hawaiian entertainment. Kāʻanapali also has two championship golf courses, the Royal Kāʻanapali and the Kāʻanapali Kai, where you may even see a breaching whale as you try to line up a shot.

One of Kāʻanapali Beach’s most famous attractions is the daily cliff diving ceremony off the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as Puʻu Kekaʻa, or Black Rock. Held every evening at sunset, a cliff diver lights the torches along the cliff, diving off Black Rock in a reenactment of a feat by Maui’s revered King Kahekili. To soar above Kāʻanapali‘s breathtaking coastline yourself, try a zipline tour by Kāʻanapali Skyline Eco Adventures and enjoy a royally good view of one of Maui’s signature beaches.

Please note: Hawaiʻi's ocean and beach conditions are as unique as the islands themselves. Visit HAWAIIBEACHSAFETY.COM which constantly monitors the surf, wind, and reports from public safety officials that directly affect the conditions for safety of Hawaiian beaches. Use the hazard signs on HIOCEANSAFETY.COM as well to quickly assess conditions and help you find the appropriate beach for your visit.

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