Things to Do in Ka’anapali

Formerly a retreat for Maui royalty, Ka’anapali now boasts many resorts and serves as a popular vacation destination. The renowned resort town is also home to the open-air Whalers Village, a world-class shopping center. Golfers can spend a day on one of 2 championship golf courses, and the adventurous can partake in a variety of land and water activities. You can also explore Lahaina, a neighboring fishing village, and the rest of stunning Maui—there are endless things to do in Ka’anapali!

Ka’anapali Beach Tradition

The three-mile-long, white sand Ka’anapali Beach is known as West Maui’s signature beach, and was once named America’s Best Beach. While visiting the area, be sure to check out the Ka’anapali Beach cliff diving ceremony. The daily ceremony is one of the most famous Ka’anapali attractions, taking place at the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as Puu Kekaa, or “Black Rock.” Every evening at sunset, a cliff diver lights the torches along the cliff and dives off of Black Rock in a reenactment of a feat by Maui’s admired King Kahekili. The memorable ceremony is just one of the reasons why Ka’anapali Beach is one of Maui’s most popular.

Ka’anapali Adventures

Beach activities will likely be a priority on your Ka’anapali vacation, but don’t forget about the many opportunities for adventure back on land! Either way, you’ll never be at a loss for activities in Ka’anapali.

Beach & Water Activities

Venture out to sea on a snorkel sail or a whale-watching excursion. Enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner sail for two. Get up close and personal with colorful fish and ocean creatures by snorkeling, scuba diving, or snuba diving. Water sports like kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, paddle boarding, and body boarding are also available.

Beach Activities of Maui (BAM) is Hawaii’s leader in Resort Recreation Management and has locations at several Ka’anapali resorts, like the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas and Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club. Visit one of BAM’s kiosks to schedule one of these exciting activities for your family.

Fun on Land

If you’re looking for fun back on land, go zip-lining over the lush Hawaiian landscapes of Ka’anapali. Take a land tour to explore Maui’s beautiful sights, like Haleakala National Park or impressive rainforests, caverns, and volcanoes. Experience the island on horseback, taking a calm sunset ride or an adventurous descent into the caverns of a dormant volcano. You can also go hiking through tropical rainforests, or catch the island from a different point of view on a helicopter tour. For a thrilling ride across the Hawaiian terrain, go on an ATV tour. There is a variety of possibilities for adventure throughout Ka’anapali and all of Maui.

Ka’anapali Golf

Between its two 18-hole championship golf courses, Ka’anapali is a golfers’ haven. Both courses are situated on 1,200 acres of land that was formerly ancient Hawaiian royalty, boasting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains.

Royal Ka’anapali Course

The Royal Ka’anapali Course is a par 71 course consisting of 6,700 yards of green. This Robert Trent Jones Senior design opened in 1962 and has welcomed both amateurs and professional golfers alike. The Royal Ka’anapali Course is unique and challenging, with wide fairways and rolling greens. The course has been home of the Champions Tour Ka’anapali Classic for 14 years, and has also hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, the Canada Cup, and the LPGA Kemper Open.

Ka’anapali Kai Course

The Ka’anapali Kai Course is a par 70 course of 6,388 yards. The course was originally a par 3 executive course designed by Arthur Jack Snyder and was renovated in 2005. The Ka’anapali Kai includes narrow fairways and requires skill around the greens. There are four sets of tees and kids’ tees, making the course perfect for all levels of play. Many of the holes are set in the West Maui Mountains, offering awe-inspiring panoramic views of the neighboring Hawaiian Islands. The Ka’anapali Kai Course hosted Big Break, the Golf Channel’s #1 series, in 2008.

Shopping & Entertainment in Ka’anapali

Whether you want to shop ’til you drop or get a taste of local Hawaiian culture, Ka’anapali has it all.

Whalers Village

Whalers Village is a shoppers’ paradise located near the middle of the Ka’anapali Beachwalk, between the Westin Maui and The Whaler Condominiums. This open-air mall features over 90 shops and restaurants, along with a renowned whale museum representing Lahaina’s storied past as a fishing village. You’ll find everything from local stores, designer boutiques, fashion shops, and art galleries. Plus, Whalers Village is easy to walk to right from the beach!

Cultural Events & Entertainment

While you’re visiting Ka’anapali Beach, be sure to experience a few cultural events. Catch a hula show or musical performance, or learn Hawaiian lauhala weaving, quilting, and lei-making. Take the free Ka’anapali Historical Trail & History and Legends Tour to learn more about the area’s intriguing past.

You’ll also find that many Ka’anapali resorts have children’s programs (also known as “keiki” programs) that include Hawaiian arts and crafts, outings, and activities. For example, The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas offers a wide selection of activities through the Westin Kids Club. Ka’anapali offers endless entertainment and adventure for all ages.