Hotels near Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach runs three miles along the west coast and is fronted by six resort hotels plus Whalers Village shopping center. The sand is broad and light gold, the water usually calm enough for swimming outside winter northwest swells, and public beach access points with parking are marked between the hotels. Snorkeling is strongest at Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock) at the north end, where a lava promontory drops into a reef of yellow tangs, parrotfish, and green sea turtles. The Sheraton Maui hosts a nightly cliff-diving ceremony at sunset that reenacts the leap of King Kahekili.

A beachfront path connects the length of the strand for evening walks. Parking is the practical constraint - the free public lots at the north (near Kahekili Beach Park) and south ends fill by 9am on weekends, and resort self-park runs $25 to $45 per day.

Pro Tip: For snorkeling, park at Kahekili Beach Park (Airport Beach) just north of the main strand instead of fighting for space near the Sheraton - the reef there is arguably better and the lot is free.