Things to Do

18 Best Things To Do In Kaanapali Maui

An excited couple carrying surfboards heading towards the ocean for surfing
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Best Things To Do In Kaanapali Maui 1. Scuba Diving 2. Walk on the Kaanapali Beach 3. Get yourself a Lomi Lomi Massage 4. Stand Up Paddle Boarding & more.

Located about a few minutes North of Lahaina town, Kaanapali is a spectacular place with an abundance of things that will keep you entertained on your Hawaiian vacation.

Kaanapali is a popular town in West Maui that offers thrilling activities such as a zip line or under-the-water fun with the fish of the sea.  Keeping yourself entertained in this area will guarantee a memorable trip and create long-lasting memories.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon, a tropical adventure or a relaxing vacation there’s a plethora of recreational stuff in Kaanapali that appeals to everyone.

In fact, vacationers also choose Maui as their vacation destination due to the number of beautiful resorts and hotels. Filled with tasty cuisines and not to miss restaurants, spending a few days in Kaanapali will surely give you a ton of memories.

So without further ado here is a list of 18 things you can do in Kaanapali.

1. Scuba Diving

Try scuba diving to watch the sea turtles on their natural habitat in Maui
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Scuba Diving is among the amazing things you can do in Kaanapali. Grab your gears to witness the escapade of over 680 species of tropical fish for a grandeur experience in Maui.

Embrace your daring nature and take advantage of underwater activities in Hawaii. It doesn't matter if you are a professional, experienced or an amateur, there is a tour available depending on your wants and needs.

2. Walk on the Kaanapali Beach

Money cant but happiness, but it can buy a ticket to Hawaii, which is the same.
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If you have opted out for a beachside resort, give yourself a break and stroll around. Walking hands-on-hand is one of the romantic things to do near Kaanapali beach hotel.

If you are in Maui with your lover, intertwine your fingers and walk along the beach unless you come across the paved paths that take you along the beach, past all the luxurious establishments.

If you are all sauced up, walk up to Lahaina following the same path. Or rent an electric bike or opt for a Segway Tour. It is one of the most exciting thing you can do with your partner on the beach in Kaanapali.

Side Note: Top 14 Things To Do On Your Romantic Hawaii Honeymoon For Couples

3. Get yourself a Lomi Lomi Massage

Recharge yourself with a Lomi Lomi massage in Hawaii
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Lomi Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage meant to restore energy and soothe the body. Made with a concoction of herbs and oils of macadamia and breathing and dance, this massage oil rejuvenates you within a few minutes.

If you are wondering about the price point, a traditional lomi lomi massage costs around $120-200 at a quality spa. But trust me when I say this is hands down the best and totally worth the splurge on your budget.

So hurry up and book one with a hotel/resort to ensure the quality. Just sit back, relax, and pull yourself together to enjoy this great activity.

Side Note: Top 8 All Inclusive Honeymoon Resorts In Hawaii

4. Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Try stand up paddle boarding this vacation in Maui
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Stand-up paddle boarding is a great way to experience the Pacific Ocean and the beauty Maui has to offer. If you are interested in the sport, there are several places along the Kaanapali Beach Walk to rent paddle boards.

A paddle board makes your water activity experience easier than others as the Kaanapali beach has some gradual sandy slopes. For the ultimate experience, grab your board and head towards Black Rock which shelters you from strong winds making it easy to find your bearings no matter where you are.

5. Zip Lining

Kaanapali Zipline Tours
Source : adventureinhawaii

Another best attraction near Kaanapali is the Kapalua Zip Lines. Now you can take your adventure to new heights on a zip line in Maui.

The Kapalua Zip Lines offer the largest all-dual zipline course in Maui. The company has 5-line, 6-line, and 7-line tours, an adventure that works for you.

Perfect as it sounds, this place in Kaanapali is an amazing excursion for you and your whole family. Ziplining gives you thrills, which also makes this sport suitable for honeymooners or adventure enthusiasts.

6. Explore Airport Beach

Airport Beach also known as Maho Beach has lively coral reef perfect for snorkeling
Source : tripadvisor

Airport Beach is another one of Maui's finest beaches. Nestled on the back side of Black Rock, this beach is stunning much like Kaanapali Beach.

With a long and wide stretch of golden sand, Airport Beach is undoubtedly a top attraction in Hawaii. Also, this beach is popular among adrenaline junkies where people feel the rush of aeroplanes flying very close overhead.

Besides, one of Maui's oldest establishments, The Royal Lahaina sits on this stretch of beach. For a private beach feel, do find your way up to the South end of the beach where the crowds thin out and enjoy the beach all to yourselves.

Side Note: Unique Hotels With Themed Rooms In Hawaii USA

7. Take a Sunset cruise on The Pacific Ocean

A couple enjoying their sunset cruise and drinks
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A sunset cruise on the Pacific Ocean is the best way to explore Kaanapali Beach and the neighbouring islands of Lana’i and Molokai. The sunset cruise departs directly from Kaanapali Beach and offers vista views of West Maui.

This cruise is perfect for couples and honeymooners, or just a family looking forward to watching the mighty sunset from the luxury of a ship.

8. Shop Designer Items For Less at Whaler's Village

As designer items are way less priced in Hawaii than in other states in the USA, It is a precious opportunity for you to buy your favourite items for a fair price.

From designer shoes to bags, clothes, you name it, Whaler's Village has it all.

Just shop till you drop this vacation in Hawaii!!
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Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali is an oceanfront retail centre that offers tons of high-end boutiques, shops and restaurants ranging from fast food to full-service oceanview venues.  

There are brands like Lulu Lemon, Mahina, Chapel Hats and Blue Ginger. So what are you looking for, grab your partner and head towards the mall. 

9. Relax at The World Class Resort

The adults only pool deck of The Westin Maui Resort and Spa
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Spending your vacation in a luxurious resort is one of the top things to do in Maui in December, January, or any month of your calendar. You can find a resort room from $100 upwards.

Live it up in paradise at one of the luxurious resorts that line Kaanapali beach and spend your days sipping pina coladas by the pool. Or take dips in the ocean and get tanned on the beach. 

Whatever you decide to do on your vacation, just apply tons of sunscreen & make sure to relax until your stress melts away.

Some of the best resorts in Maui Kaanapali Beach are 

  • The Westin
  • The Sheraton
  • The Royal Lahaina
  • Hyatt
  • The Whaler

10. Play Golf at a Golf Course

A handsome confident male golfer striking a pose with his golfing gears.
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Kaanapali is heaven to golfing enthusiasts as it is home to 2 beautiful 18-hole golf courses. Now is the best time to take your swing at either the Kaanapali Kai course or the Kaanapali Royal course.

With exotic and dramatic backdrops, golfing in Maui is memorable. One can never have a bad time no matter what you shoot so opt for an early tee time as Hawaiian winds pick up in the afternoon.

11. Watch Tiki Torch Lighting By Sheraton Maui

Experience the nightly tradition of Sheraton Maui's cliff dive ceremony.
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One of the coolest things to do in Maui for free at night is watching the lele kawa put on by the hotel Sheraton Maui.

What is a Lele Kawa you ask?

Every sunset at Sheraton Maui, people perform a cliff dive ceremony where a Hawaiian blows a conch shell in all four directions and begins chanting. The ceremony then proceeds by lighting a string of tiki torches.

Then, the Hawaiian ends the ceremony by diving off Pu’u Keka’a aka Black Rock into the blue waters below. Per Hawaiian legends, one of their chiefs, Kahakili, proved his spiritual brawniness by diving from sacred Puu Kekaa.

Black Rock also has a great significance in the Hawaiian culture, it is considered one of three leina, or portals to the ancestral realm, on the island. It is believed that people jump into the afterworld from here after passing away.

With so much to witness and experience, this is an honoured and beautiful tradition to watch without spending a dime!

So what are you waiting for, get all dressed up and head towards the luxurious Sheraton Hotel to experience the Hawaiian ritual.

12. Watch Whales & Dolphins

If you are travelling to Maui during whale season which is December through April, you can have one of the best experiences of your life which is witnessing the pack of humpback whales migration.

You will have plenty of opportunities to witness these majestic creatures up close and personal. The best way to do this is by taking a whale-watching tour.

You can find several companies that offer tours to see Dolphons & Humpback Whales which last a couple of hours.

The guides will explain the process of their migrations and you will learn some fun facts about the Pacific humpback whales that tour Alaska to return back to the warm waters of Hawaii every year.

Plus, the tour includes drinks, beverages, snacks, whales, dolphins and many more. what more could you ask for?!?!

Did you know humpback whales sing songs in to attract their mate?
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This is one of the Kaanapali Maui things to do and fun for the whole family.  There are boats that depart from the Kihei boat ramp, Ma’alaea Harbor, Lahaina Harbor and Ka’anapali.  So even if you aren’t staying in Kaanapali, you can still enjoy a whale-watching tour no matter where you are on an island.

Side Note: Dolphin Quest Dolphin Swim Experiences For Families And Young Kids

13. Drink a Glass or Two of Mai Tai at Monkeypod

Enjoy Mai Tais and Garlic Fries at Monkeypod
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It is practically wrong to leave Maui without sampling at least a couple of Mai Tais. Therefore, enter the Monkeypod kitchen and explore the exquisite taste of Hawaii at this eatery.

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is located in Kaanapali is located in Whalers Village. Not only the food is delicious there but so are the Mai Tais and the variety of cocktails.

Here, the bartender puts a special twist on the famous cocktails making it more spirit driven and topped with a honey-lilikoi foam!  Yummy!  

You will see this style of Mai Tai is fairly popular on Maui as many restaurants have their own version of a foam-topped Mai Tai.

Side Note: Best Restaurants In Kaanapali Maui For Dinner On The Beach

14. Snorkel at Black Rock

In case you didn't know where Black Rock is or what that area is, let us introduce you to the spectacular place in Hawaii famous for snorkelling. 

Black Rock is located on the North end of Kaanapali Beach. It is one of the best snorkel sites for beginners that Maui has to offer.  Most snorkelling in this area will be done along the rock wall that's to your right when first entering the water.

Undoubtedly, this is the best spot for snorkelling beginners! 

A bird's-eye-view of Black Rock and the Sheraton Hotel on Ka'anapali Beach
Source : facebook

Snorkelling is by far one of the best Kaanapali beach things to do and a great way to experience the underwater world of Maui. There's always a guarantee to see a turtle here, feeding around the reef. 

Besides, this place offers various places for cliff diving ranging from 10 to 25 feet in height.

You May Enjoy Reading: Best Places To Snorkel In Maui For Thrill Seekers

15. Watch The Myths of Maui Luau

Get ready for a scorching hot experience with Myths of Maui Luau
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Essentially, watching a traditional Luau in Kaanapali Beach or any other place in Hawaii is among the most interesting things to do in Maui at night.

Experiencing the traditional dance and fire shows is a must-do thing while travelling to Hawaii. One of Kaanapali’s best luaus is the Royal Lahaina Luau | Myths of Maui.

These shows take you on a voyage throughout Polynesia, not just Hawaii. It dialects the emotions of the traditional through a beautiful presentation of Hula and fire-knife dance along with music and chants.

Taste local Hawaiian cuisine and sip mai tais or any other form of cocktails or mocktails as you get a taste of authentic Polynesian culture.

16. Book a Luxurious Suite at Ka'anapali Beach Club

Do plan your stay at Kaanapali Beach Club for a luxurious experience
Source : tripadvisor

Are you looking for things to do in Maui Kaanapali? If yes, then book a suite at Kaanapali Beach Club. Their average nightly rates for a standard room start at $259.

Ka'anapali Beach Club boasts a 1 acre-wide lagoon-style pool and tropical garden atriums which makes it a perfect destination for weddings and honeymoon.

As far as their amenities and features are concerned, the Ka'anapali Beach Club proudly presents a serene view of the ocean and its beautiful surroundings. Regarding the activities presented on-site, they have scuba diving and yoga.

But if you want to feel the vacation, you can go fishing and use the available barbecue facilities.

As this beach club is one of the Maui hotels on the beach with a kitchen, it provides each suite with a partial kitchen, and cable TV, and is decorated in classic design.

You May Like: Best Hotels In Maui Hawaii On The Beach

17. Get Married at The Kaanapali Beach

Getting married this year in Hawaii? Then Kaanapali Beach might be the right place for you and your partner- particularly if both of you prefer an upscale neighbourhood with vista views.

Nestled on the world-famous island of Maui, Kaanapali's Beach gives a secluded feel coupled with its stretch of long. Moreover, with the unspoiled sand, this beach has been popular not just to get married but as a filming location for movies and several music videos and television daily soaps.

Get married this year in Hawaii at Kaanapali Beach Club
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Maui wedding venues include Kaanapali Beach which has glimmering tide pools, shoreline reefs, and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. These romantic aesthetics of the beach escalates the chummy emotions the bride and groom are already experiencing, making them feel on cloud nine!!

What makes Kaanapali Beach a perfect wedding destination?

Kaanapali Beach has a long stretch of white sand beach. It is secluded and private with jam-packed natural beauty, making it the perfect wedding destination.

Read: Best And Romantic Honeymoon Destinations In The Hawaii US

18. Dinner at Japengo at Hyatt Regency Resort

Japengo is among the best restaurants in Kaanapali Maui that offers amazing Asian fusion cuisine for a fair price of $30- $50 depending on your order. Here, dishes are curated with island-grown ingredients and flavours.

The eatery is located beachfront at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Kaanapali. Japengo has a distinctive menu and has seating arrangements both inside and outside areas.

Now you can dine with your favourite people while watching the beautiful views of the Western Maui coastline and the outer island of Lanai.

Savor the flavors of the sea prepared by Chef Masa at Japengo.
Source : instagram

As Japengo is located in one of the luxurious hotels on Kaanapali Beach Maui, guests can find the fresh taste of Maui as the ingredients are locally sourced from farms such as Simpli-Fresh Farm and Maui Prime Fine Foods.

Favourite Items:

  • Sashimi Style Hamachi & Watermelon
  • Lobster Dynamite
  • Rising Sun Roll
  • Miso Glazed Salmon
  • Makai-Mauka

Read: Best Restaurants In Kaanapali Maui For Dinner On The Beach