Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach runs from Black Rock in the north, more than a mile south to Canoe Beach. Luxury resort hotels line the entire beach. If you’re thinking high end beach vacation, this is the place. Cabanas and lounges line the entire strip of sand. Attendants scurry about to satisfy the needs of hotel guests. Ka’anapali is about the money, you’ll need it to stay here.
But like nearly all beaches in Hawaii, Ka’anapali is open to the public. The cabanas and lounges belong to the hotels, but the beach belongs to everyone, and Ka’anapali is one of the best beaches you’ll find anywhere on Maui.
All sorts of activities are available here. Diving, snorkeling, parasailing, sailing, and more are all available here, for a price. Sun worshiping, swimming, frolicking in the gentle waves and people watching are all free. Bring your snorkel gear and enjoy the views at Black Rock, one of the best snorkel locations on Maui.
A concrete path runs the length of the beach, from the Sheraton at Black Rock in the north to the Hyatt at the southern end. A sunset stroll along it can be unforgettable.
Several poorly marked public access parking areas are located along Ka’anapali Parkway and connecting streets. There’s about 125 spaces in all, get there early. Pay parking is available at the parking garage at Whaler’s Village.
Find this and other beaches on our Maui Beach Map
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters provides this aerial view of Ka’anipali Beach
We stay at the Sheraton Maui every year and we absolutely love it. We love the location, Black Rock, the beach, the walk to Whalers Village, the short drive to Lahaina and Front Street, you name it.
Admittedly, we do pay through the nose to stay there, but we wouldn’t think of it if it wasn’t absolutely gorgeous. I do believe, however, there are a few less expensive options, especially for larger families, with some of the condos along the beach like the Whaler.
Top it off with a beautiful Maui sunset out over Lanai or Molokai (depending where you are on the beach) and you have yourself quite a day to tell folks back on the mainland when you get back.
Thanks Kris. Kris publishes a great blog called Ka’anapali Dreamin. http://www.kaanapalidreamin.com/
By the way, Kris has a number of other interesting sites. Take a look at http://www.webnelly.com for links to them.
David