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HomeMauiKaanapali Beach

Travel Guide

Kaanapali Beach

Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.

Overview

About Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali is a 3-mile stretch of golden sand in West Maui backed by a paved beach walk and resort hotels. At its north end, Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) offers easy snorkeling with turtles and reef fish, and a torch-lighting and cliff-dive ceremony takes place there at sunset.

Kaanapali Beach
Maui

Insider Knowledge

Travel Tips

  • Snorkel the Black Rock cove in the morning before wind and waves build.

Nearby

Must See Attractions

Haleakala National Park
maui

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala's 10,023-foot summit looks down into a vast volcanic crater of red and black cinder cones, and sunrise here above the clouds is one of Hawaii's signature experiences. The park also protects the rare silversword plant and, on the coast, the Kipahulu district with Oheo Gulch and the bamboo-lined Pipiwai Trail.

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Iao Valley State Monument
maui

Iao Valley State Monument

Iao Valley is a lush, emerald valley in the West Maui Mountains just outside Wailuku, home to the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. It was the site of the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai, and a short paved loop leads to viewpoints, a stream and botanical gardens.

View Details
Kaanapali Beach
maui

Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali is a 3-mile stretch of golden sand in West Maui backed by a paved beach walk and resort hotels. At its north end, Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) offers easy snorkeling with turtles and reef fish, and a torch-lighting and cliff-dive ceremony takes place there at sunset.

View Details
Molokini Crater
maui

Molokini Crater

Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partly submerged volcanic crater about 3 miles off the south Maui coast and a protected marine sanctuary. Morning boat trips anchor in its calm inner basin, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet and reef fish swarm the coral.

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Napili Bay
maui

Napili Bay

Napili Bay is a small, crescent-shaped cove in West Maui with soft sand, calm summer water and frequent green sea turtle sightings. Low-rise condos keep it relaxed, and it is one of the island's loveliest spots to watch the sun drop behind Molokai.

View Details
Road to Hana
maui

Road to Hana

The Hana Highway twists about 52 miles from Kahului to Hana past more than 600 curves, dozens of one-lane bridges, waterfalls, bamboo forest and black-sand beaches. It is less about the destination than the stops along the way, including Waiʻānapanapa State Park and the Kipahulu district of Haleakala.

View Details

Use public beach access parking or a resort garage; spaces fill by late morning.

  • Walk the Kaanapali Beachwalk at sunset for views across to Lanai and Molokai.

  • Respect West Maui's recovery by supporting local businesses and avoiding the Lahaina burn zone.

  • Common Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes, the Black Rock area at the north end is one of the easiest shore snorkels on Maui on calm mornings.

    Opening Hours

    BeachOpen 24 hours
    Black Rock sunset cliff diveNightly around sunset

    Lifeguard coverage is limited, so check surf conditions and never turn your back on the ocean.

    Ticket Prices

    Beach accessFree
    Resort parkingApprox. USD 5-40 per day, varies by lot

    Some resort shops validate parking with a purchase; ask before you park.

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