Ka'anapali Region Sights, Tours, & Information
Things to Do & Visitor Tips for Kaanapali on Maui
The resort area of Ka'anapali graces the shores of western-most Maui. While technically inside our West Maui region, we've dedicated a unique section here, for each of the major attractions located within this popular area.
August 2023 — Catastrophic West Maui Wildfire
In August 2023, wildfires destroyed much of Lahaina town, including the historic core along Front Street. The rebuild is underway and will take years — homes are going up across the burn area, and Lahaina Small Boat Harbor began a phased reopening in December 2025 — but most of the historic district, including the Banyan Tree area, remains closed to visitors. See our Lahaina rebuilding update for current status.
Ka'anapali itself is fully open and has been since late 2023. The resorts, beaches, and restaurants here — along with Napili, Honokowai, and Kapalua up the coast — are welcoming visitors, and West Maui's recovery depends on travelers coming back. Enjoy the resort areas, but don't go sightseeing in Lahaina's burn zone: follow posted closures and local guidance, and give the town room to rebuild.
With plenty of sunshine and great weather year-round, this stretch of Maui coastline has become the playground of visitors from around the world and is a popular location for taking a snorkel cruise, doing some window shopping, or catching one of the very best Hula shows in all of Hawaii.
Ka'anapali Top Things to Do
Best Things to See in West Maui in Ka'anapali
Black Rock Pu'u Keka'a
#5 Rated in the Lahaina & Kaanapali Region
In ancient Hawaiian legend, this large, black mass of lava was where the souls of the dead leaped into the arms of the gods named Pu'u Keka'a.
Now it is a heaven for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore the beauty of the ocean including honu (green sea turtles).
The black rock splits Ka'anapali Beach right near the Sheraton and Ka'anapali Beach Hotel.
Launiupoko State Park
#4 Rated in the Lahaina & Kaanapali Region
This peaceful park is great for family outings. There is a large, man-made wading pool for kids that is protected from the waves.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the neighboring islands of Kaho'olawe, Molokai, and Lanai from the park's picnic area.
There is paved access and parking available as well as telephones, restrooms, and grills. This is not the best place to snorkel but surfing and swimming are decent.
Whalers Village & the Hawai'i Wildlife Discovery Center
#3 Rated in the Lahaina & Kaanapali Region
Back in the 1800s, Lahaina was a busy harbor for whaling ships and their adventurers. Whalers Village — Ka'anapali's oceanfront shopping center — keeps that history close. The original Whalers Village Museum has permanently closed, but the Hawai'i Wildlife Discovery Center now fills that role on the center's third floor.
The Discovery Center packs more than 30 exhibits into one space: Hawaii's protected native marine life, the whaling era, conservation work, and cultural values, plus an immersion room with floor-to-ceiling film and a keiki art and play zone.
It's an easy pairing with a beach day — Whalers Village sits right on Ka'anapali Beach, a short walk from the snorkeling at Black Rock, with shops and oceanfront dining when you're done.
Kaanapali Beach
#2 Rated in the Lahaina & Kaanapali Region
Nearly all of the seaside resorts in the Kaanapali area back up to Ka'anapali Beach, a three-mile stretch of sand suitable for frolicking with a sidewalk that runs the entire length by the hotels to Black Rock.
Black Rock, mentioned above, slices across the beach and is a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers. Those in search of their scuba certification on this part of the island will likely do your first dive at Black Rock.
There are also plenty more opportunities to whet your appetite for water sports such as parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skis.
All Kaanapali Attractions
Categorized by Type
Lahaina & Ka'anapali Beaches
Top Lahaina & Ka'anapali Beaches
- Black Rock Pu'u Keka'a
- Kaanapali Beach - #2 Best Beach on Maui
- Puamana Park
- Launiupoko State Park
- Lahaina Harbor
Lahaina & Ka'anapali Sights
