Ka'anapali Beach
Ka'anapali Beach
4.5
About
This stunning three-mile stretch of sand is regarded as one of North America's best beaches, and it's easy to see why. This former Hawaiian royal getaway has crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling and surfing, against a backdrop of lush mountains. Don't miss the daily cliff diving ceremony at Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock), held on the northern end of the beach at sunset. For the best views of the beach, take a scenic flight at sunset. If you visit in winter, be sure to take a whale-watching tour. It gets busy, so visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and to snag a good spot on the sand. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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  • Shon
    Boardman, Ohio11 contributions
    A perfect beach experience
    We visited Ka’anapali Beach in December, the weather was perfect ( mid 80s ). We utilized several of the many free access parking areas where it was a short walk to access the beach. The sand was perfect and the beach was incredibly clean and large enough for folks to spread out giving you the feel that you had the beach to yourself at times. The water was very clear for snorkeling and checking out the many corral combinations, we swam with the sea turtles everyday. Ka’anapali beach was a daily stop for us - a must do on any trip to Maui. Remember to bring some swimming shoes or flippers as the corral can be very sharp
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 December 2022
  • Rebekah W
    17 contributions
    Beautiful beach
    This was one of our favorite beaches to visit. It was beautiful, with soft sand! Downsides: Not where I would pick to snorkel, lots of people because of all the resorts. Tip: All resorts in Kihei are required to supply a certain number (about 10 from what we saw) free beach parking spots so, drive down to the resorts and look around for "Beach Parking" to hopefully snag a spot. Start early!
    Visited December 2022
    Written 14 December 2022
  • DannyWasserman
    Virginia Beach, Virginia4,241 contributions
    Stunning views are just the Beginning !
    We spent a whole day on the beach. We got lounge chairs, snorkeling eqpt, and fins and were just estatic. The views are amazing and the water is so clear. The beaches are clean and the people were so friendly. I even got burnt up. HA HA.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 21 December 2022
  • BRENDA H
    6 contributions
    Would stay here every time I visit Maui. There is no place like home……except here. Thank you KBH for a wonderful time.
    If we should come back to Maui 100 motet I es I would stay no where expect here. The staff is so friendly they make you feel like you are at home. The greatest so beautiful and immaculately kept. Rooms so clean and serviced daily I just love it here. This is actually our 2nd time here
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 December 2022
  • LifeaslaurieL
    St. George, Utah56 contributions
    Tropical fish, turtles, and whales… ocean waves and the best of Sunsets.
    This is such a beautiful beach… there is ample sand and grass to sit on and really great snorkeling… there is one downside, getting in and out of the water to go snorkeling is very difficult. The waves on shore will toss you like a rag if you don’t watch for the right moment. The fish and turtles are plentiful… it feels really safe to go out far. The whales jumping in the distance is a wonderful way to just sit on shore and relax. Parking can be tricky, this beach is nestled between two hotels and they don’t offer many beach parking spots. Overall, this is my favorite beach in the area.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 29 January 2023
  • Iowabiker
    24 contributions
    Best beach in this area.
    Beautiful beach! It is long and has lots of high end restaurants. Great for kids. We parked in the ramp at Whalers Village, walked the beach and ate at Hula Grill where we got parking validated.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 February 2023
  • Cindy P
    Anoka, Minnesota30 contributions
    Windy but relaxing
    Spent the afternoon lunching and nature watching. Several whale breeches, a bird that looked like a roadrunner (probably a plover). numerous roosters and hens scratching around the picnic tables. This was a wayside park that was on the beach. Very high winds that day. Watched windsurfers and wave surfers.
    Visited February 2023
    Written 20 February 2023
  • bil2cg
    7 contributions
    Pure Heaven
    Pure heaven, fabulous views and delicious waters with unreal sunsets! It was one of our best beach experience ever. In fact, this year we will be back again even if we are coming from very far away, from Switzerland:)
    Visited August 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 March 2023
  • James Y
    7 contributions
    Ka’anapali and Maui are Amazing!
    We love Maui. This was our second time to stay in Ka”anapali. It is a wonderful location about an hour from the airport and about an hour from Wailea. We spent 10 days there on this trip. The waves were unusually large for that time of year, it is usually much calmer during May. We were able to go out snorkeling and enjoyed a few days at the beach. One of our favorite finds was Pa’ako Beach. The waterfalls and hike at Haiku are a must! I highly recommend a vacation here.
    Visited May 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 16 March 2023
  • Traveler310255
    3 contributions
    Beach Review
    Beautiful stretch of beach. Clean, calm water, beautiful views. We love that it’s never too crowded. Black Rock is a short walk away and it’s fun to see people jump from it!!!! Snorkeling is great. The sunsets are to die for !!!! Go. Now!!!!!!
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 May 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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smhr
Pickering, Canada277 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Nice beach. Good place to go. There is free parking available but it is limited. Will recommend the place
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fireweed25
Edmonton, Canada231 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Loved Kaanapali Beach north of Black Rock. The beach was quieter and swimming and snorkelling were still good. We stayed at the Maui Eldorado so spent a few days at this beach. Without even snorkelling, saw turtles swim by every day as well as a monk seal.

The water was warm and clear and the sand soft; beach was clean. Nice views. There was enough wave action most days for body surfing or boogie boarding. It did get deep quickly and even in gentle waves they would take you out a bit so you couldn’t touch bottom. My teens were fine but keep a close eye on small children here.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cwgl1968
Walnut Creek, CA4 contributions
Jul 2023
We spent a few days here on this beach, so clean, not rocky (no need to wear water shoes) and 10 ft away from tropical fish, great to go snorkeling here! This beach was conveniently located right by our resort, such a pretty place, lots of families come here. I got a floatie to use and that was awesome just floating around.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MDF
6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Absolutely beautiful beach and waters. Not too many rocks to make walking/swimming in the ocean uncomfortable. Very enjoyable.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amy H
84 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Love this beach on Maui- our fav at hotel where we always stay and play - gorgeous views - soft warm sand and just the best beach
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laurie S
Maitland, FL99 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Actually visited during June through August of 2020. Just locals, I was fortunate to spend the summer here with my adult kids. No tourists was interesting experience and since I’m from Central Florida it was an awesome break.

Great to experience this beach as it was, not many people on the beach. Everyone kept to their own group.

Lovely place to visit and swim, maybe jump off a rock into the ocean.
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JcDub
25 contributions
Jul 2023
This beach is absolutely beautiful. The sand is clean and the water is turquoise and clear. It was a bit crowded but we found an area closer to the Sheraton that was pretty open. I imagine the snorkeling is amazing.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michel K
Littleton, CO2 contributions
Jun 2023
Very beautiful and clean beach. Not very crowded despite being Mid-June. Great location near resorts, hotels, restaurants and shopping. Lacks more public parking.
Written 19 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dave W
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Great beach with amazing natural living coral and plenty of wildlife to view from snorkel gear. We decided this was our favorite beach on west Maui
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jldavis65
2 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Lovely beach in late May / early June. We stayed at the Royal Lahaina Resort so access was easy. Not crowded at all. It was fun watching the efoilers on the water. Water was clear and plenty of beach to enjoy.
Written 10 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Ka'anapali Beach (Lahaina) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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