19+ Things to Do in Kaanapali: Hidden Gems, Snorkeling, & More

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Kaanapali lacks the luxury of the Wailea resorts, but the beach resort community makes up for it with activities. Lively, plentiful, and at all price ranges, here are the best things to do in Kaanapali, Maui.

We like to spend our trips to Maui with a few days in Wailea (South Maui). We soak up a luxury resort, and then we head over to Kaanapali in West Maui for tours, activities, and things to keep us all entertained. Here is our full list of Kaanapali things to do.

You will find something to keep everyone in your group loving Kaanapali and Maui with this list.

Here are all your Ka’anapali resources in one yellow box. Our way of jumping to the point for Things to Do in Ka’anapali.
Our Ultimate Kaanapali Guide will make the area feel like your tropical home, away from home.
The Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton made our Best Maui Luaus list. It is a quality luau at a good price. More Kaanapali luaus are listed below.
We reviewed all Kaanapali Sunset Cruises, find the one for you!
Snorkeling is excellent from Black Rock Beach. Also, check out a Kaanapali Snorkel Tour as they leave from Kaanapali Beach.

Lahaina is Nearby Ka’anapali

As Lahaina is rebuilding, the residents of West Maui are welcoming visitors to Kaanapali. The fires did not touch Kaanapali. 

The Lahaina Bypass highway, built before the fires, will take you around Lahaina and drop you off near the entrance to Kaanapali Beach Resorts. Your visit to Kaanapali is a great way to support the rebuilding of our beloved Lahaina Town. 

My wife Erica has been visiting Lahaina since she was a little girl. We had the privilege of living in Lahaina for three years, and our daughter was born there. Kaanapali is now our place to stay when we visit Maui.

Kaanapali is now the hub for West Maui’s visitors. You will find lively restaurants and happy hours (pau hana), the famous Kaanapali Beach, and a launching point to explore more things to do in Kapalua and Napili. 

Explore Lahaina before the fires with our Tribute to Lahaina video. 

My Ideal Day in Kaanapali

Kaanapali is one of the best beach vacation resort areas in Hawaii. You can check into a resort, park in a Tommy Bahama beach chair on Kaanapali Beach, and enjoy Mai Tais until you can’t find your hotel room. 

You can do a whole week’s vacation in Kaanapali without leaving. Hence, it is one of the few places in Hawaii where you don’t need a rental car if you’re doing a beach vacation.

These things to do in Kaanapali will keep you entertained with activities on a seven or eight-day stay on Maui. 

My ideal trip to Maui includes adventures around the island. We rent a discounted rental car to explore Haleakala, the Road to Hana, Maui beaches, and more. 

For my ideal day, I am not driving. I’m parking myself near the beach and doing my favorite things to do in Kaanapali.

Here is my ideal day in Kaanapali, including my favorite activities.

1. Wake up to the sunrise over the West Maui Mountains. Our favorite place to stay in Kaanapali is the Westin Maui. We find the location convenient in central Kaanapali, next to Whalers Village, which has restaurants. 
2. Walk next door to Island Vintage Coffee in Whalers Village for an iced coffee. This is a Hawaii chain, but they serve Kona coffee and have breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and pastries. It is convenient and delicious.
3. Erica loves to walk, so we stroll the Kaanapali Boardwalk to Black Rock and double back to walk towards the Grand Hyatt. I don’t want to get the stroller out on my ideal day, so the kids keep up. We can’t walk too far as we have a boat to catch.
4. Time for a snorkel tour! Departing directly in front of the Westin is a luxury snorkel tour at a reasonable price. I like their half-day snorkeling tour of West Maui, which includes lunch. 
5. It’s time to relax at the pool. The Westin has a great adults’ pool and a fun kids’ pool with two waterslides. Playing with the kids, poolside service, and the fact that it isn’t too crowded mean I can chill out on vacation.
6. A jump or two off Black Rock is always worth it. With the kids playing on Black Rock Beach, I swim out to the point to jump off the top. The kids make room for me as I show them a proper flop. 
7. Feeling fully awake, we head to pau hana (happy hour) at MonkeyPod Kitchen by Merriman’s. It is first come, first served, but today there is no wait, as this is my ideal day. I get their lilikoi foam mai tai, of course.
8. We head to dinner at Ulu Kitchen by Merriman. Located on the water, in front of the Westin Maui, this is my place for Hawaii surf and turf entrees. They also have the famous lilikoi foam mai tai.
9. We walk down to the beach to enjoy a sunset. We could have headed out on our favorite Kaanapali sunset dinner cruise, but we already did a snorkeling tour.
10. The kids are tired, but I want to stargaze. We drive up the West Maui Mountains’ slope to stargaze with Donna. She gives a great tour!
11. It is late, the sun is down, and we are content in Kaanapali.

In our video below, we share a great day in Kaanapali. The day is similar to my ideal day above. Watch for a taste of the area and for more Kaanapali things to do!

Guide to Kaanapali and Its Activities

Our Kaanapali Guide will answer all your 33 questions about this slice of Hawaiian heaven, staying here, and why we love it so much. This ‘Things to Do in Kaanapali’ list delves deeply into one of the guide’s topics. 

Here is a quick overview of Kaanapali to ensure we are on the same page. 

Kaanapali is located in West Maui. The area spans the coast from Hanakao’o Park on the south side (near the Hyatt Regency Maui) to Honokowai on the north end. Honokowai is where you’ll find the Times Super Market shopping center, Honoapiilani Food Truck Park (one of our favorite Maui food truck parks), and Honua Kai Resort & Spa. 

Mauka (mountain side) of the highway, the area of Kaanapali goes about half a mile or more up the West Maui Mountains. The resort area stretches along the coast, makai (ocean side) of the highway.

• Click for Google Map directions to Kaanapali Resorts
• Click for Google Map directions to North Kaanapali Resorts area

The full Kaanapali beach area is about three miles long, with two stretches of gold sand beach. Keka’a Point (where the Sheraton Maui is located) interrupts the stretch of beach.

The main Kaanapali Resorts are on Kaanapali Beach on the south side. Most people stay here as it has the most resorts, vacation rentals, and timeshares. Hotels are connected by a boardwalk along the beach and a resort road off the highway. A large ‘Kaanapali Resort’ sign will greet you from the highway soon after you leave Lahaina Town.

You will also find most of the restaurants and shops in the southern resort area.

In both areas, you can find great things to do in Kaanapali. The biggest drawback to staying north of Black Rock is the absence of beach-loading snorkel and sunset tours, as well as restaurants.

Kāʻanapali is spelled with a kahakō [ō] and an ‘okina (‘). A kahakō designates a long vowel sound (aahh), and an ‘okina represents a glottal stop. Think of it as a pause between consonants, like uh-oh. I am omitting the kahakō and ‘okina in Kāʻanapali to ease reading.

Parking in Kaanapali

These Kaanapali activities are great even if you’re not staying here. If you’re visiting for the day, here is how to find parking in Kaanapali.

There are about four free public lots available for beach access. These are small, about 15 to 20 spots, and they fill up fast. You might get lucky and grab a spot at one of these. You will find them lining the Kaanapali Parkway. 

The most reliable spot for parking is Whalers Village Shopping Center. The mall is located in central Kaanapali, off the parkway. Its multi-story lot rarely fills up. Parking costs $8 an hour, with a maximum of $50 a day. Many of the stores in Whalers Village offer parking validation with purchases over $30.

Video: 35 Things to Do in Kaanapali and West Maui

Of course, we have a video on things to do in Kaanapali! Watch our 35 Things to Do in West Maui to learn more about the activities in and near Kaanapali. We made this video shortly after the Lahaina Fire to help promote the local businesses that were still open.

1. Kaanapali Beaches

Muai is famous for its beaches. Here are the most popular Maui beaches and the 9 Best Beaches in West Maui. We enjoy Maui for its beaches and have a special affinity for Kaanapali Beach.

I find Kaanapali Beach to be underrated. Visitors, locals, and travel writers overlook the beach since it is in a large resort area. I find the soft shorebreak, views of Lanai and Molokai, a long beach to walk on, snorkeling, and the size are all reasons why it is a wonderful beach. 

Kaanapali Beach is too big to feel crowded.

But, there are more beaches in Kaanapali. Let’s start in the north and work south toward the Grand Hyatt.

You can bring beach chairs, sun tents, and umbrellas to all of these Kaanapali beaches.

Click the links for more details on the beaches. 

• Kahekili (Airport Beach) is a favorite among locals. The beach park offers great snorkeling, showers, toilets, a park area, the North Kaanapali boardwalk, and a good-sized parking lot.

• Black Rock Beach is in front of Black Rock and the Sheraton Kaanapali. Turtles may swim close to shore here, along the cliff. Although the beach is connected to Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock gets its own designation. 
• Kaanapali Beach is the main beach that sweeps from Black Rock down to the Hyatt Regency on the south side. Our two favorite activities on this beach are swimming and walking.

Kaanapali Beach Safety 

There are no lifeguard beaches in Kaanapali. Understand ocean conditions before you head out, snorkel with a buddy, and if in doubt, don’t go out. For these Kaanapali Beaches and snorkel spots, we recommend you sign up for The Snorkel Report.

Check the weather before you head out for strong currents and waves. We take beach safety seriously in Hawaii, as drowning is the number one cause of visitor deaths. See HIBeachSafety for conditions.

Hawaii shark attacks can happen, but they are scarce.  I am not aware of any shark attacks at a Kaanapali beach. See our article on Hawaii shark attacks for safety tips on not getting attacked.

Pro Tip: I have never had an issue getting my stuff stolen at a beach in Hawaii. Take precautions, though, as you don’t want to be a target. 

• Minimize your items on the beach; leave them in your car. 
• Keep your beach bag in front of you. 
• Try to keep someone near your bag on the beach. 
• We share more beach packing tips in our Hawaii Packing List.

2. Snorkeling in Kaanapali

All the beaches above are good spots for snorkeling in Kaanapali. Here are some details on snorkeling here.

Snorkel Rental in Kaanapali

You can rent snorkel equipment from local rental shops like The Snorkel Store, Boss Frog’s, and Snorkel Bob’s. These stores are all located in the Kaanapali area.

You will find beach shacks or kiosks lining the Kaanapali Boardwalk. You will pay for their convenience as they are more expensive than the local shops. They sell sunscreen, snorkel gear, and beach gear like umbrellas and chairs.

Beach shacks will also offer tours and lessons, like surf lessons from Kaanapali Beach. These are convenient, but check prices. We share our favorite Kaanapali Tours and Activities on Maui here.

When we visit Hawaii, we snorkel a lot, so we pack our gear. We share our favorite travel snorkel gear in our Hawaii Travel Gear section.

Shore Snorkeling in Kaanapali

Kahekili (Airport Beach) is the most popular snorkeling destination in Kaanapali. Grab your snorkel gear to walk right into the water. The depth drops off gradually, with the reef starting just offshore. We enjoy snorkeling in about 15 to 20 feet of water.

Kahekili Beach is also popular for scuba diving. On almost every visit to Airport Beach, we find a scuba tour walking in from shore. The reef, marine life, and ease of access make it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Black Rock was our favorite snorkel spot in Maui for seeing sea turtles, rock formations, and marine life. However, we took it off our list because it is dangerous to swim around the point into the cove. Strong currents and a lack of visibility from the shore resulted in a string of drownings in the early 2020s. 

Here is a complete list of the best snorkeling spots near Kaanapali (West Maui).

If you snorkel here, we recommend sticking to the front side of Black Rock. Two or three turtles may be hanging out near the beach and the cliff wall.

You can also snorkel from Kaanapali Beach. I did this on a recent trip. I walked out from the Westin Maui and into the water, and the snorkeling was perfect for my young son.

Kaanapali Snorkel Tours

We are big fans of going on a Maui snorkel tour. We list it as a bucket list experience for Maui, up there with Haleakala Sunrise and a Road to Hana Tour.

While we prefer Molokini Crater Snorkel Tours (10% off this Molokini tour) or Lanai Snorkel Tours, Kaanapali offers convenient tours on luxury catamarans. 

Hop on a boat from the beach for a couple of hours to a full day sailing the Maui coast. The captain will choose the best spot for the day based on the weather. 

We reviewed all Kaanapali Snorkeling Tours so you can choose the best one for your Maui vacation.

I recommend adding a snorkel tour to your list of things to do in Kaanapali. A snorkel or Kaanapali sunset tour is a great way to get on the water and see Maui from a new perspective.

3. Luau in Kaanapali

Kaanapali is home to numerous luaus! It can be a bit overwhelming with every resort pushing recommending its luau. If you have a luau on your bucket list, then book it before you arrive so you can find the price, location, and experience you want. 

Here are the four best luaus in Kaanapali, Maui. Click for details and to book.

• Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort is a luxury luau at a reasonable price. We like this one for the beachfront show in front of Black Rock. This is our favorite luau in Kaanapali.
• Myths of Maui at the Royal Lahaina is a large production at a reasonable price, and it is also beachfront: General admission or VIP admission
• Wailele Luau at the Westin Kaanapali is a bit pricey for the location within the hotel, but it is convenient when staying at the Westin: Ohana seating or premium seating
• Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Vacation Club is a large production that gets good reviews: Standard seating or premium seating

You can find our favorite luaus on Maui in this article: Best Maui Luauas: Our Reviews. The Old Lahaina Luau is just down the road from Kaanapali and is the best luau in Hawaii.

A luau is a fun activity, but make sure it is where you want to spend your evening. Watch our video below to decide if a luau is worth it for your Maui vacation.

4. Whale Watching from Kaanapali

Maui is the best Hawaiian island for whale watching. If you’ve read more of our articles, you’ve noticed we love it when the whales visit from December into mid-April. 

Kaanapali is a good shore viewing location for whales. Look towards Lanai or Molokai, out into the Au’au Channel to catch a whale breaching, pec slaps, or blowholes. It isn’t hard to spot them from shore! 

The sunset and snorkeling tour operators switch to whale watching in the winter. On one of our Maui trips, we went out with Sea Maui from Kaanapali Beach for whale watching. 

Their large catamaran provides excellent viewing from their nets, benches, and seats. The captain and crew shared their knowledge of the whales. Plus, we saw some excellent breeches up close and personal. 

Learn more about whale watching from Kaanapali in our Guide to Whale Watching on Maui.

Here are the Best Whale Watching Tours on Maui.

5. Stargazing in Kaanapali

The Hawaiian Islands are well-known for stargazing. Low light pollution and good weather make for excellent viewing. 

The Grand Hyatt Kaanapali offers a stargazing resort activity. Book on their website to reserve a spot. This stargazing tour has been around forever and is a favorite Kaanapali activity.

Two tour companies provide tours a few minutes from Kaanapali. We have everything you need to know about tours and stargazing on Maui.

6. Cultural Tours in Kaanapali

A Maui luau is a fun and easy way to learn a bit of Polynesian and Hawaiian culture. There are many more ways to have an authentic Hawaiian experience in Kaanapali.

Depart from Kaanapali Beach on a Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe. Ali’i Maui Outrigger Canoes offers canoe trips for the whole family. We haven’t gone out with them, we have left on tours from Wailea, but they are a local family offering tours for years. They depart from the Kaanapali Beach Resort, next to the Whaler condos.

Kekaa Point (Black Rock) is a special place for Hawaiians. The word “kāʻanapali” means “the divided hill.” 

Kaanapali was originally home to an ancient Hawaiian village. The current site of the Royal Lahaina Resort was a thriving fishing village called Keka’a. It is said that only Maui chiefs, like the famous Kahekili, were allowed to jump from Black Rock at Keka’a Point.

For more recent Maui history, visit the Plantation Museum at the Cannery Mall. Located in Lahaina, just 10 minutes south of Kaanapali, the Plantation Museum shares artifacts and pictures of life on a Maui plantation in the 19th century. The museum is free to enter.

Your Kaanapali resort offers Hawaiian cultural experiences as part of its resort fee or at an additional fee. Learn the ukulele, make a flowered lei, take hula lessons, or learn ancient Hawaiian games. I highly recommend looking into the resort activities for cultural things to do.

Things to Do in Whalers Village at Kaanapali

Whalers Village is the shopping center in the heart of Kaanapali. The large open-air mall is popular with locals and visitors looking for things to do in Kaanapali. During COVID, we enjoyed riding the elevator and walking the empty mall after we played on an empty Kaanapali Beach. 

The mall is a bustling and lively place for shopping, a quick bite, or other activities. If you’re walking the Kaanapali Boardwalk, you can also find clean restrooms here.

7. Local & Luxury Shopping

Support local by visiting the local shops in Whalers Village. Boutique clothing stores like Aloha Kai and surf shops are available.

Luxury shopping is abundant, with stores like Louis Vuitton and Lululemon. There is also Olukai, Oakley, Sephora, and more.

8. Hawaii Wildlife Discover Center

Hawaii Wildlife Discover Center is a wonderful kids’ thing to do in Kaanapali. Located on the third floor of Whalers Village, the museum teaches about the wildlife of the Pacific Ocean around the Hawaiian Islands. 

Interactive exhibits, drawing and crafts, and an immersive video screen are some activities your kids will love. This is a good Hawaii rainy day activity, too. 

• Admission is by donation. 
• All ages are welcome.
• You can expect to spend 60 to 90 minutes here.

9. Escape Rooms

Four escape rooms will test your wit at Maui Escape Rooms. Located on the second floor of the Whalers Village, this is a fun, out-of-the-sun activity for your group. Teams of 2 to 8+ players are welcome. Here are the escape room themes you can choose from:

• Pirate Ship Escape Room
• Ka Puka Bunker Escape Room
• Tesla’s Secret Inheritance Escape Room
• Prison Break Escape Room

10. Playground and Splash Pad

This is the place our kids run to in Whalers Village. On the ground floor is a simple play structure and a splash pad. Kids climb the tower while parents can sit in the shade on chairs. The splash pad is on during the day.

Island Vintage Shave Ice is on the same level as the play structure. To keep the kids happy, grab some shave ice or head upstairs to Ono Gelato.

Tours from Kaanapali

Bucket list tours around Maui will pick you up at your Kaanapali resort. While these tours are not in Kaanapali, they made my to-do list as they are convenient for a Kaanapali departure. 

You can do both these activities yourself; you don’t have to book a tour! But, if you’re doing a Kaanapali beach vacation without a rental car or you don’t want to drive yourself, then having a local guide drive and talk story is the way to go!

11. Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is legendary. The curves and one-way bridges make for an exciting (scary) drive, and the stops along the way are amazing. If you want Maui waterfalls, this is the place to find them.

Take a private or small group Road to Hana tour. We share our favorites and the tours we’ve been on in this article: Road to Hana Tours.

If you’re looking for a closer launching pad to the Road to Hana, consider staying in Kihei over Kaanapali. See our Kaanapali vs Kihei: Where to Stay on Maui for details.

12. Haleakala Sunrise

Haleakala National Park is one of Hawaii’s National Parks that shouldn’t be missed. Make the climb up the volcano for sunrise, a day trip, or sunset. 

Haleakala sunrise is a perfect jet lag activity. The tour guide will pick you up in Kaanapali at 3:30 to 4:30 AM and take you up the volcano. Here are our favorite Haleakala sunrise tours, plus 10% off.

You can also do a private Haleakala stroll and sunset tour with Holo Holo Maui. 

13. Kaanapali Restaurants

Kaanapali has stepped up its game on dining options in the past few years. You can enjoy food trucks, counter service, cheap eats in Whalers Village, pau hana, and fine dining at Kaanapali restaurants. Here are some of our favorite places to eat.

Restaurants

There are many Kaanapali Restaurants to choose from. Every hotel or vacation rental complex will have one, two, or three restaurants. These are great to try out, and some, like Longhi’s and Ulu Kitchen, are Maui favorites. 

Here are restaurants in Whalers Village or along the main Kaanapali Beach Resort area. Most of these offer live music during happy hour or at sunset. See our Maui Live Music for more options.

• Hula Grill is famous for its barefoot beach bar, live ukulele, and their Hula Pie dessert.
• Leilani’s is casual and beachfront at Whalers Village
• Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman’s is a fan-favorite for drinks, pizza, and island classics
• Duke’s is located in North Kaanapali at Honua Kai Resort
• Longhi’s is located on the south side of Kaanapali Beach. They have been serving Italian food on Maui for decades.
• Roy’s is located at the Kaanapali Golf Club, a classic for Hawaiian seafood and steak.
• Maui Brewing Company has happy hour and great beers at the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort, oceanfront.

We share our favorite places to eat in Kaanapali and Maui in our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary.

Food Trucks in Kaanapali

Food trucks are my favorite place to eat on Maui. When we see a new food truck, we stop. Bring cash, as one in twenty food trucks will be cash only. 

The food truck park in north Kaanapali, near the Times Supermarket, is a perfect place to go for dinner. Enjoy quality, cheap eats at the numerous food trucks. 

Click for directions to the Honoapiilani Food Truck Park.

The Honoapiilani Food Truck Park made our list of Maui’s Best Food Truck Parks.

Whalers Village

Head to Whalers Village for more cheap food in Kaanapali. The food court is on the ground level and offers poke, pizza, and other quick meals. You can eat indoors or outdoors.

14. Sunset Tours from Kaanapali Beach

There are even more Kaanapali tours for you to consider! Numerous beach loading tours that depart in front of the resorts are available.

Kaanapali sunset tours include pupus (appetizers), open bars, and full dinner options (buffet or table service). The best part is that the sunset tours are on catamarans, making for a more intimate experience. 

Read our reviews on all Kaanapali Sunset Tours, from value to luxury options.

15. Kaanapali Zipline

There are two zipline courses in and near Kaanapali. Skyline Hawaii (click for directions) has an 8-line zipline course minutes from Kaanapali Beach Resorts. Enjoy spectacular views, get a tour led by your zipline guide, and bring the family. Ages 10 and over are welcome.

Kapalua is home to a large, dual-line zipline course. Located about 15 minutes north of Kaanapali, Kapalua Zipline offers an exciting experience. If you’re hesitant to go ziplining, the dual course allows you to have your friend with you the whole time.

Erica did this zipline course, and she had such a great time that she completely forgot about her fear of heights by the end.

16. Kaanapali Golf Courses

Ka’anapali Golf Courses include the Ka’anapali Kai Course and the Royal Ka’anapali Course. The clubhouse is located on the left when you enter Kaanapali Beach Resorts, next to Roy’s Restaurant.

The Royal Ka’anapali Course is one of only two courses in Hawaii designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The course borders the north end of Kaanapali Beach.

The courses are good value and popular with locals. They take you along the ocean and up onto the slopes of the West Maui Mountains for incredible views. It can get hot in the afternoon, so book a morning tee time.

17. Kaanapali Walks and Hikes

I’ve mentioned the Kaanapali Boardwalk a few times in our Kaanapali things to do list so far. The boardwalk links the resorts and Whalers Village with Kaanapali Beach Resorts.

The sidewalk trail starts near the Sheraton Maui and goes to the Grand Hyatt. A section of the boardwalk heads inland, off the beach, but it returns before the Grand Hyatt. 

The boardwalk can get crowded during the day as folks move between resorts and walk to Whalers Village and other Kaanapali restaurants. In the morning, you will find walkers beating jet lag or runners enjoying a Maui beach run.

The Kapalua Coastal Trail is about 15 minutes north of Kaanapali. This is a simple hiking trail along Kapalua Bay to D.T. Fleming Beach. See our Easy Maui Hikes for more information.

18. Kaanapali Resort Activities

You’re paying the resort fee, so you might as well use the amenities! Kaanapali resorts offer numerous activities that are free or low-cost for guests. 

The Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort is famous for its Hawaiian vibes, thanks to its friendly staff hosting numerous resort activities. During an impromptu performance, we enjoyed watching their staff dance hula and sing Hawaiian songs.

Kaanapali Resort Activities include the following:

• Hula lessons
• Ukulele lessons
• Outrigger canoe rides
• Surf lessons
• Lei making classes
• Hawaiian games
• Grand Hyatt’s Stargazing
• Koi fish feeding
• Fitness classes like sunrise yoga, cycling, and more

Check the activities listed at your resort before you visit. You will likely have to book in advance to reserve a spot. 

Don’t overlook these Kaanapali things to do at your resort, they are excellent cultural experiences and personable, as many folks don’t sign up. Explore our Where to Stay directory with an interactive map to find the right resort for you.

19. Parasailing

Whether you’ve never been parasailing or you’re a seasoned pro, this is an epic thing to do in Kaanapali. Get up to 1,200 feet above the resorts for an unobstructed birds-eye view that’s even better than what you could get from a helicopter or airplane tour.

This tour is suitable for kids ages 5 and older and conveniently meets at Whalers Village. You can choose between group parasailing or get the boat to yourself with private parasailing for a flat rate for up to 12 people.

Free Things to Do in Kaanapali

Most of the items I’ve shared on this list, minus the tours, are inexpensive activities, but for simplicity, here are all the free activities in Kaanapali.

Free Things to Do in Kaanapali, Maui:

• Walk the Kaanapali Boardwalk
• Whalers Village play structure and splash pad
• Sunset on Kaanapali Beach
• Cliff jumping from Black Rock
• Snorkeling in Kaanapali (if you bring your own snorkel gear!)
• Swimming at any of the Kaanapali beaches
• Whale watching from Kaanapali Beach

Things to Do in Kaanapali with Kids

Our kids love visiting this area because there are so many things to do. Here are our kids’ favorite things to do in Kaanapali. 

Things to Do in Kaanapali with Kids:

• Westin’s Valley Alley has arcade games and carnival games with the chance to win tickets and prizes. Parents can enjoy the full bar and food options. You don’t have to be a guest to visit!
• Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center in Whalers Village
• Ono Gelato and Shave Ice at Whalers Village. There is ice cream at Whalers Village, too.
• Whalers Village play tower and splash pad
• Whale watching on a Kaanapali whale watching tour
• Maui Escape Rooms
• Kid-friendly Kaanapali luaus include the Voyagers of the Pacific and Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton.
• Pools! The best pools for kids are the Westin Maui, the Sheraton Maui, and the Grand Hyatt.
• Maui Off-Road Adventures is available for older kids and is about 15 minutes North of Kaanapali in Napili.
• Maui Animal Farm is a lovely petting zoo and farm for rescued animals, located in Launiupoko, just south of Lahaina.

See our 65 Things to Do on Maui with Kids (organized by age) for more ideas!

Several Kaanapali resorts made our list of the 10 Best Maui Resorts for Families.

Things to Do Near Kaanapali

All of West Maui is full of great things to do. See our Things to Do in Kapalua and Napili for more ideas!

West Maui is home to excellent farm tours. Farm tours are an off-the-beaten-path activity that shouldn’t be missed. We’ve been to many farm tours, and readers keep recommending more. 

See our 18 Best Maui Farm Tours to find Kaanapali to Kapalua farms.

Maui Travel Tips

I’m sure I am missing some Kaanapali things to do in this large list. We have done almost all of these activities over our years of visiting Kaanapali, and we find more to do on every trip. I didn’t even mention the numerous spas at the resorts in Kaanapali.

Please email me if you find a fun thing to do in Kaanapali during your Maui vacation.

We share our favorite Maui travel tips in our articles below. We’re your best Maui trip planning resource!

• Free Maui Travel Guide
• 31 Things to Do on Maui
• 16 Things to Do in Upcountry Maui
• 15 Things to Do in Kihei
• 14 Things to Do in Wailea

Sorting through things to do lists can be overwhelming. Let us map our perfect days in Maui, with our favorite things to do on each part of the island for you. Check out our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary for excursion days, where to eat, the best beaches, and a video guide. 

Staying in Kaanapali is an ideal launchpad for our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary.

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