It takes a mere moment by the spectacular shores of Kaanapali to realize why it’s regularly named as one of the best beaches in Hawaii.
It’s impossible to talk about the resort of Kaanapali without also talking about its beach. The resort community only exists because the beach is so jaw-droppingly, heart-stoppingly beautiful – it was the first master-planned resort area in Hawaii. When you see the beach, you will want to stay as close to it as possible, which is where the resort comes in, offering a wide and appealing array of hotels for you to choose from. And if you stick around, you’ll soon discover that this area offers considerably more than just a picture-perfect beach.
Take a moment to think about what you want from a Hawaiian beach. Golden sands and crystal-clear waters, naturally. What about surf for both beginners and pros? Mountain views? Places to eat and drink? Scuba and snorkeling spots? Incredibly – so incredibly that you may not even believe this until you’ve been there yourself – Kaanapali Beach offers all of this and then some.
The beach comes with its own fascinating history. Stay on into the evenings at the Puu Kekaa (the Black Rock) and watch as the story of King Kahekili diving off the cliffs is re-enacted by locals. A brave local clambers around the cliffs, lighting the torches, before swan-diving into the dusk-lit ocean.
If you want something more from your vacation than days by the beach, don’t worry, Kaanapali has you covered. Two championship-standard golf courses will keep the sporting types entertained, while whale-watching tours will delight the wildlife enthusiasts in your family.
The resort also features the Whalers Village, a vast shopping center with high-end fashion boutiques and restaurants run by celebrity chefs. Don’t miss the museum dedicated to whales to learn about the gentle giants. Then, of course, Kaanapali offers the enduring appeal of lazing about for the day at one of the resort’s numerous poolside tiki bars.