Things to Do in Kaanapali and Maui

Maui is Hawaii’s second largest island and world-renowned for its stunning natural beauty, luxurious lifestyle and experiential attractions. Repeatedly recognized as the “Best Island” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, escape to Maui to claim your slice of heaven. We have organized a list of things to do in Kaanapali and tips for Maui activities ranging from top beaches, great golf courses, and delicious dining options.

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    • A couple relaxes in beach chairs under palm trees while a child plays in the sand, with a hotel and a clear blue sky in the background.
      • BEACHES

      Kaanapali Beach

      West Maui

      Kaanapali Alii is located on the most beautiful section of the famed Ka'anapali Beach, a three-mile stretch of golden sands with a shallow entry perfect for beginner and leisure swimmers. Easily walk to nearby Whalers Village and Black Rock, a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers and famous for one of the area’s most awe-inspiring attractions – the sunset torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony.

      • A beachscape with waves crashing on the shore, a few houses, greenery, and hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky ending the sentence.
        • BEACHES

        Hookipa Beach Park

        North Shore

        Tucked along the North Shore in Paia, Hookipa Beach Park is recognized as one of the world’s top windsurfing destinations. Host to two major world-class surfing competitions, Hookipa beckons expert windsurfers, kiteboarders, surfers, and casual sightseers. While strong winds and dangerous currents limit surfing to experts, the site's coral reef creates a pond-like area ideal for leisurely dips during low tide.

        • A serene beach with golden sand, turquoise waters, and a lone person walking along the shore; buildings and palm trees are in the distance.
          • BEACHES

          Wailea Beach

          South Shore

          Nestled along Maui's southwest coast, Wailea Beach is consistently rated as one of the world’s best beaches for its silky-smooth sands, gentle waters, and vibrant marine life. With small waves and shallow waters, Wailea is perfect for beginner boogie boarding or body surfing. Venture out into the rocky outcroppings that define both ends of the beach for some of the best snorkeling in south shore.

          • The image shows a coastal scene with rocky cliffs, lush greenery, and the ocean waves crashing under a partly cloudy sky.
            • BEACHES

            Wainapanapa State Park

            East Side

            Located at the end of Waianapanapa Road off Hana Highway, Waianapanapa State Park is a 122-acre state park. A remote and wild volcanic coastline, Waianapanapa is home to a myriad of natural wonders like a stone arch, blowhole, native hala forest, legendary caves, and anchialine pools. For those that enjoy hiking, there are two sections along old King’s Highway that you can hike through to connect directly to Hana.

            • A person is putting on a golf course with a blue and white checkered flag in the foreground, surrounded by greenery and palm trees.
              • GOLF

              Kaanapali Tournament Royal (North) Course

              One of only two courses in Hawaii designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. the Kaanapali Royal Course boasts decades of memorable events in professional golf history. The Royal Course has been home to the World Cup, Women's Kemper Open, Champions Tour, and the Champions Tour Skins Game. At 6,700 yards, this par 71 course will challenge your club selection and putting skills.

              • A scenic view of a tropical landscape with palm trees, a manicured green field, ocean, and a distant island under a clear blue sky ending the sentence.
                • GOLF

                Kaanapali Kai (South) Course

                Designed by architect Arthur Jack Snyder, at 6,400 yards, this par 70 course is a more forgiving course with subtle, undulating greens that accommodate all levels of play. Professional instruction is available along with a well-stocked pro shop with logo apparel for great souvenirs.

                • A scenic golf course by the ocean, with clear blue skies and distant mountains visible across the water, featuring lush green fairways and sand bunkers.
                  • GOLF

                  Kapalua Golf Courses

                  Kapalua, located on Maui's northwest shore approximately eight miles from the Kaanapali Alii, offers the Bay Course and The Plantation Course, home to the PGA TOUR's Sentry Tournament of Champions. Kapalua is also home to the Kapalua Golf Academy, a state-of-the-art instructional facility.

                  Contact Kapalua Golf for more information and tee times at 877-527-2582.

                  • The image shows a plate of sushi rolls topped with sliced salmon and green onions, placed on a dark serving platter.
                    • DINING

                    Ka’anapali Area

                    Connected by a three-mile beachfront walkway lined with a variety of restaurants and bars, this coastal town offers a great place to try some of Hawaii’s best regional specialties. A popular hot spot in this area is nearby Whalers Village. Many restaurants create their daily menus based on the fresh ingredients they source from local farmers, ranchers and fishermen.

                    • A hand holding chopsticks is reaching for a poke bowl, which includes rice, avocado, salmon, and toppings like sesame seeds and seaweed.
                      • DINING

                      West Maui Gems

                      While restaurant choice is completely personal and subjective, here’s a few of our favorites for you to consider during your stay. Need more ideas? Visit our concierge.

                      Leilani’s On the Beach
                      Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
                      Maui Brewing Company (Kaanapali)
                      Hula Grill

                      • A pan filled with rice dish, garnished with lemon wedges, cilantro, and several forks.
                        • DINING

                        Favorite Local Treats

                        Explore these Hawaiian delicacies.

                        • Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice: A unique Hawaiian delight.
                        • Hawaiian Coffee: Savor the island's coffee culture.
                        • Malasadas: Try these Portuguese-inspired treats.
                        • Farm Stands and Farmers Markets: Discover fresh local produce.
                        • A couple smiles while overlooking a lively shopping center with palm trees and shops lit for the evening.
                          • SHOPPING

                          Whaler's Village

                          Located on Ka'anapli Beach, Whalers Village is the island's premier oceanfront retail center. Outfitted with more than 90 shops featuring premier brands, one-of-a-kind specialty retailers, and a wide variety of restaurants ranging from fast food to full-service, Whalers Village is a hot spot for shopping, dining and entertainment in Maui.

                          Whalers Village is open daily 9:30AM - 10:00PM. Contact Whalers Village for more information at 808-661-4567.

                          • An outdoor shopping area with stores including Prada and Louis Vuitton, surrounded by palm trees and lit street lamps at dusk, providing a luxurious ambiance.
                            • SHOPPING

                            The Shops at Wailea

                            Located on Maui's South Shore, the Shops at Wailea is a vibrant, open-air, two-story mall featuring a diverse array of over 70 boutiques, galleries, shops, and dining establishments.

                            • A street scene with parked cars in front of several buildings, including one with
                              • SHOPPING

                              Makawao

                              A delightful community celebrated for its paniolo (Spanish cowboy) heritage, Makawao is adorned with a unique blend of boutiques, galleries, eateries, and wellness centers.

                              • A beach scene with people enjoying the water and sun, lush greenery in the foreground, and mountains in the background.
                                • SHOPPING

                                Kalama Village

                                Situated on South Kihei Road and facing Kamaole Beach, is a picturesque shopping district that encompasses a delightful collection of local and novelty shops, as well as an array of inviting restaurants.

                                • A street corner with colorful buildings, including a blue one named
                                  • SHOPPING

                                  Paia Town

                                  Paia is located on the North Shore of Maui and attracts a crowd that are ocean enthusiasts. Window shop past surf shops, unique clothing boutiques, world-famous swimsuit retailers, and more. If hungry, take your pick from restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world.

                                  • The image shows a scenic view of a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background. The sunlight adds to the serene atmosphere.
                                    • HIKING

                                    Haleakala National Park

                                    Haleakala National Park, the House of the Sun, is a spectacular natural phenomenon steeped in ancient and modern Hawaiian culture. More than 29,000 acres in size, Haleakala is world-famous for its spectacular sunrises and endangered species populations, some of which exist nowhere else in the world.

                                    • A couple walks along a rocky coastline with turquoise waters and a cloudy sky, possibly a rainbow forming in the distance, on a serene beach.
                                      • HIKING

                                      Kapalua Coastal Trails

                                      Kapalua Coastal Trail is a three mile out-and-back trail along Maui's northwest coast that runs from Kapalua Bay to DT Fleming Beach Park. Along the way you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Pacific, hidden coves, lava rock formations, tide pools and a skyline etched by high-end resorts, restaurants and shops.

                                      • A peaceful garden scene featuring a white gazebo surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, with a bench and pathway leading to the gazebo.
                                        • HIKING

                                        Upcountry

                                        Upcountry is a term which not only describes a region of Maui located up the slopes of Halea, but also a lifestyle less centered around tourism. This mostly rural and agricultural side of Hawaii includes many of Maui’s farms, ranches, and gardens, as well as wonderful little towns to explore and restaurants to enjoy. The Makawao Forest Reserve and Poli Poli Park have numerous trails to experience.

                                        • A winding road cuts through dense, lush green forest with a red car traveling along it under a cloudy sky in the image.
                                          • HIKING

                                          Road to Hana

                                          Touted as one of the world’s best road trips, the Road to Hana winds through tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, around pools and past bamboo forests ending in beautiful Hana. The Road to Hana is all about the journey – not just the destination. For those that prefer not to drive the 620 curves and 59 bridges on their own, there are several guided excursions our concierge can help coordinate.

                                          • The image shows a yellow house with a covered porch and stairs leading up, surrounded by palm trees and greenery on a sunny day.
                                            • CULTURE

                                            Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

                                            Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum pays homage to tropical sugar cane and the important role it played in Maui's history and agriculture—and the people who helped shape it.

                                            • A white, rustic house with a green door is surrounded by stone pathways, lush greenery, and palm trees under a partly cloudy sky at dusk.
                                              • CULTURE

                                              Bailey House Museum

                                              Bailey House Museum was built in 1833 and holds numerous displays of Mr. Bailey's artwork, Hawaiiana items, 19th-century clothing and quilts, a 1919 redwood surfboard and an early 20th Century, 33-foot canoe, crafted from a single koa log.

                                              • The image shows a greenhouse with various green plants and potted plants lined up along a curved pathway.
                                                • CULTURE

                                                Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

                                                Take a stroll through these gardens in central Maui to learn about culturally significant plants. Learn how certain plants are grown, what uses they serve, and how Maui is encouraging the growth and sustainability of these natural resources.

                                                • This image shows a vintage letterpress setup with metal type arranged for printing text. The letters and words are placed in reverse for printmaking.
                                                  • CULTURE

                                                  Hale Pa’i

                                                  Hale Pa’i (House of Printing) was the original printing house of the Lahainaluna Seminary which was founded by missionaries in 1831 and produced the first newspaper west of the Rocky Mountains on February 14, 1834. It was a four-page weekly school paper called Ka Lama Hawaii.

                                                  • A flowing river with clear water running over rocks and surrounded by lush greenery in a forest setting.
                                                    • CULTURE

                                                    Iao Valley

                                                    Drive out to Iao Valley to immerse yourself in a truly historical area of Maui. Learn about a brutal battle that took place in the valley and witness how early Hawaiians harvested taro from the land.

                                                    • A small outrigger canoe with red and white colors is on a sandy beach with a calm ocean and partly cloudy sky in the background.
                                                      • CULTURE

                                                      Canoe Paddle

                                                      Canoe paddling has been a cultural tradition that dates back to the founding of the Hawaiian Islands. There are numerous canoe clubs around Maui that allow visitors to join a canoe for a recreational paddle along the coastline. The Kihei Canoe Club on Maui's southside has been offering paddle outings for decades. Join them during whale season for an added element of joy.