Kaanapali, Maui
Trip Profile
Travel Planning
Explore Other Destinations
More places we help travelers plan
Maui, Hawaii
Maui, the second-largest Hawaiian island, captivates travelers with its diverse landscapes ranging from volcanic…
Explore Maui
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu, known as 'The Gathering Place,' is Hawaii's most populous island and the cultural heart of the Hawaiian…
Explore Oahu
Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaii's Big Island, officially known as the Island of Hawaiʻi, is the largest and youngest island in the Hawaiian…
Explore Big Island
Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai, known as the 'Garden Isle,' is Hawaii's fourth-largest island and arguably its most pristine and untouched…
Explore Kauai
Cabo San Lucas (Los Cabos), Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, is a world-renowned resort…
Explore Cabo San Lucas (Los Cabos)
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Explore Riviera Nayarit with a local travel specialist.
Explore Riviera Nayarit
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
#1 most visited Caribbean destination with 50,000+ hotel rooms. Home to the highest concentration of all-inclusive…
Explore Punta Cana
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is Mexico's premier Caribbean coastal destination, located on the Yucatan Peninsula where ancient Mayan…
Explore CancunSwipe to explore more destinations →
When to visit Kaanapali
Kaanapali quick facts
Getting around Kaanapali
Most visitors walk between resorts, beaches, and Whalers Village shopping center via the scenic beachfront path. The free Kaanapali trolley connects major resorts and shopping areas. For exploring beyond Kaanapali, rental cars, taxis, or rideshare services are necessary.
Rental car
Recommended if you plan to explore other parts of Maui like Haleakala, Road to Hana, or Upcountry, but not essential for staying within the Kaanapali resort area.
Public transit
Very limited public bus service connects to other parts of Maui, but routes are infrequent and not practical for most tourist activities.
Rideshare & taxis
Uber and Lyft operate on Maui but can be expensive and have limited availability, especially during peak hours. Traditional taxis are also available through hotels.
Local tips for Kaanapali
Insider tips
- Book dinner reservations well in advance, especially at resort restaurants during peak season.
- The best snorkeling at Black Rock is early morning before crowds arrive and water gets stirred up.
- Many resorts offer complimentary cultural activities like lei making and hula lessons - check daily schedules.
- Parking at Whalers Village is free for the first few hours but fills up quickly during busy periods.
- The Kaanapali Beach Walk connects all the resorts and is perfect for sunset strolls.
- Golf courses offer significant discounts for afternoon tee times, especially in summer.
- Most resorts have beach equipment rentals, but bringing your own snorkel gear saves money for multiple uses.
- The Kaanapali trolley provides free transportation between resorts and Whalers Village.
- Tip resort staff well early in your stay for better service throughout your visit.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaiian law)
- Snorkel gear for Black Rock exploration
- Lightweight beach cover-ups for resort dining
- Comfortable walking sandals for beach walks
- Light sweater for air-conditioned restaurants
- Waterproof phone case for beach activities
- Dressy resort wear for upscale dining
- Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Sample itinerary: 4 days in Kaanapali
A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.
Chat with Courtney to plan your dream Kaanapali itinerary
A day-by-day plan built around your dates, pace, and budget, by a real advisor who prices Kaanapali trips every week. Free, because resorts pay her, not you.
Plan my dream itineraryFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about visiting Kaanapali
