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Beach · Kāʻanapali, Hawaii
Kāʻanapali Beach
The long light-sand beach on Maui’s west coast, with the Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock) at the northern tip, a snorkel spot for fish and turtles, and views toward Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi across the channel.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Kāʻanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach (Kāʻanapali) occupies Maui’s west coast north of Lahaina, in an area of former sugarcane plantations redeveloped as a planned resort from the 1960s. The light-sand stretch runs for several kilometers in front of the resorts, with a seaside boardwalk that lets you walk the shore.
At the northern tip is Puʻu Kekaʻa, Black Rock, a dark lava promontory. In Hawaiian tradition it was a place from which souls of the dead leapt to the world of the ancestors. Around the rock the water is often clear and deep enough for snorkeling, with reef fish and green turtles.
Across the channel are the islands of Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. From December to April humpback whales commonly pass through these channels, and observation boats depart right from Kaanapali’s sand. Catamarans also offer snorkel and sunset cruises.
The sea is usually calm in the morning; in winter and with north or west swell, waves can increase at the shore.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for beach and snorkeling at Black Rock; more time if you take a boat trip.
Best time
Early morning, for calm-water snorkeling around Black Rock. The sun sets behind Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. From December to April is whale season.
How to get there
About 45 km from Kahului Airport, roughly a 45-minute drive on road 30. The small Kapalua Airport is about 6 km away. There are public parking lots with beach access, few and in high demand.
Tip
Enter the water from the sand south of Black Rock and swim along the rock. whale-watching and snorkel boats embark on the beach itself: book in advance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kāʻanapali Beach
Where to snorkel in Kaanapali?
Around Black Rock (Puʻu Kekaʻa), at the north end of the beach, preferably in the morning when the sea is calm.
Can you see whales from Kaanapali?
From December to April humpback whales often pass the channels in front, and observation boats depart from the beach itself.
Is Kaanapali Beach public?
Yes. Like all Hawaiian beaches, it has public access points and marked parking areas.