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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
