Home » Hawaii Travel Tips » Best Things to Do » Things to do in Kaanapali, Maui

Things to do in Kaanapali, Maui

Alert for Visitors: Maui has experienced significant wildfires in August 2023, causing major disruption for both locals and tourists. For your safety and up-to-date information, please visit the Maui County website before planning any activities or travels. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Stay safe!

Planning a trip to Maui and want to explore the West Side town of Kaanapali? Scroll to find out the best things to do in Kaanapali Maui including unbelievable beaches, yummy places to eat, and top attractions.
This things to do in Kaanapali Hawaii post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

Are you looking for awesome things to do in Maui near Lahaina?

Kaanapali is an amazing place to vacation. It’s got some of the best beaches in Hawaii, and it has lots of fun activities that are perfect for families. There are so many things you can do here! You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

There are so many fun activities you can do while staying at Kaanapali, but we have picked out our top 17 favorite things to do here. We hope that after reading this guide, you will be able to plan an unforgettable trip and make memories that last a lifetime!

Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Kaanapali.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Maui.

Popular Maui Tours/Activities

Favorite Maui Resorts/Hotels

  • Hyatt Regency Maui (this has a swim-up bar and tons of amazing amenities)
  • Andaz Maui (this is a luxury resort with the best luau on Maui)
  • Honua Kai Resort & Spa (this is one of our personal favorites because there are tons of pools and there are condo options)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Get this ultimate Maui travel guide for families by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids!

Kaanapali Maui FAQS

What is Kaanapali known for?

Kaanapali is best known for its gorgeous beach that stretches three miles. You will find soft white sand and super clear water! Some consider it the best beach in America.

What is there to do in Kaanapali today?

There are countless things to do in Kaanapali today! From enjoying the beach, snorkeling, golfing, ziplining, and eating delicious food, there are plenty of activities in Kaanapali Maui you will love to do.

Is Kaanapali Beach safe?

This beach is a safe place to swim and relax on Maui. There is no lifeguard present, so make sure to watch the waves and hazards that may arise. It is a tourist beach, so there are plenty of people around.

Fun Things To Do in Kaanapali 

Here are some of the best things to do in Kaanapali! There are a few things to do near Kaanapali in the neighboring areas, but generally, these are all close to or right in Kaanapali.   

1. Kaanapali Beach 

Because this is one of the best beaches in America, you definitely want to check it out. This beach is very wide, making it great to sunbathe, relax, watch the waves rise and fall, or play some games with your family!

One of the best things to do in Kaanapali Maui is to hang out at Kaanapali Beach. Image of a sandy beach with palm trees and the ocean.
Kaanapali Beach on Maui.

The ocean is mainly sand, so you can swim without walking on rocks or hitting coral. This is a very safe and kid-friendly beach in Maui. 

2. Snorkeling at Black Rock

On the North end of Kaanapali beach, you will find Black Rock. This area is great for snorkeling and is one of the best free things to do in Kaanapali! While there is no reef over there, you will find plenty of fish and other cool things to see around the rock. 

One of the best free things to do in Kaanapali is to go snorkeling at Black Rock. Image of a man cliff jumping into the ocean.
Cliff jumping at Black Rock Beach on Maui

Be sure to only go out if there is no strong current, and go with someone, so you are not alone. While snorkeling, you will see plenty of fish. Sometimes you can see turtles and even a Spotted Eagle Ray! 

3. Snorkeling Cruise

Try this snorkeling cruise if you want to see more fish than the Black Beach Rock shows! This cruise takes you from Maui to Lanai on a half-day snorkeling adventure that is completely worth it.

You will be able to snorkel at two destinations along this cruise, one being around Lanai. This is a great short adventure that both experienced and beginners can enjoy! Check out the latest rates and availability.

4. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

You cannot leave Kaanapali without trying some of Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice! This shaved ice shop is super close to Kaanapali in Lahaina. Here you will taste some of the best shave ice on Maui.

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice on Maui
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice on Maui.

There are countless flavors to choose from as well as fresh products to add to your shave ice. This location was named number one in Maui, so be sure to stop by! 

5. Golfing at Kaanapali Golf Course

If you love to play golf, you will enjoy this beautiful golf course in Kaanapali. This location even has footgolf! Rent some clubs and enjoy golfing with some of the best weather and scenery around.

This is a unique experience for avid golfers to golf in Hawaii, so be sure to take a few hours to enjoy it! 

6. Ziplining 

Another fun adventure is to go ziplining! This is one awesome way to go sightseeing in Kaanapali as you zoom through the sky. This zip lining package takes you to eight different ziplines.

Image of a woman ziplining on Maui.
Try ziplining on Maui.

You’ll be able to see the beautiful ocean and mountains all around Kaanapali. Check out the latest rates and more information.

7. Joey’s Kitchen

Joey’s Kitchen is one of the best Kaanapali restaurants you’ll find! This is a Hawaiian and Filipino-based place to eat delicious one-of-a-kind foods!

There is something for everyone to enjoy, from poke bowls to fried rice and fish tacos. They even have a Keiki menu and a vegetarian one as well!

You can find Joey’s Kitchen either at Whaler’s Village or Napili Plaza in Kaanapali and Lahaina. 

8. Drums of the Pacific Luau 

One of the many things to do in Kaanapali beach is to go to a luau! The Drums of the Pacific Luau is one of the top-rated Luau in Maui and takes place right on the beach!

Families love the Drums of the Pacific Luau on Maui
If you want a thrilling Polynesian show, the Drums of the Pacific in Kaanapali is the place to be! Photo credit: Drums of the Pacific

During this 3 hour luau, you will have a delicious 3-course meal and live entertainment, including a fire knife dance! Check out the latest rates and more information.

9. Catamaran Cruise

Enjoy a nice afternoon sailing on this Catamaran Cruise! This cruise is perfect for families with small children as you just sail around the shores of Kaanapali beach. You might see some green sea turtles and some dolphins too!

This cruise is only 2 and a half hours, which is perfect for those short on time or who want to get as many activities done as possible! Check out the latest rates and more information.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

10. Surfing Lesson 

There are countless surfing lessons all along the beautiful shores at Kaanapali Beach. You can find private tours or semi-private ones depending on your needs and how big your group is!

Image of a man surfing in Hawaii.
Learn to surf on Maui

Why not learn at the most gorgeous beach if you want to surf? You can also find lessons for paddleboarding as well, which is so much fun, especially on a sandy beach such as Kaanapali. Check out the latest rates and more information. 

11. Whale Watching Tour 

Try this Up-Close Whale Watching Tour in Lahaina if you want to see some whales! During this two-hour tour, you will be able to see humpback whales closer than any other tour you will go on. You can go with a small group of people and experience this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Be sure to bring your camera because you’ll want to capture memories of these amazing animals. Check out the latest rates and more information.

12. Spa Day 

Even though a vacation to Hawaii is relaxing and peaceful, it can still be stressful too. That is why you should enjoy a spa day during your trip to Kaanapali!

Image of a woman with a flower behind her ear getting a hot stone massage.
Enjoy a spa day on Maui

Get a nice massage to fully relax and unwind from the stress a family vacation can bring. There are plenty of spas throughout Maui, and your resort may also offer one. 

13. Parasailing 

If you are traveling to Maui during May-December, take your family on a fun parasailing adventure! Parasailing is off limits the rest of the year due to the migration of the humpback whales.

A couple parasailing in a colorful parachute in Hawaii
Try parasailing on Maui

This is a quick hour-long ride which means anyone can go no matter how short their vacation is. Kids can also enjoy this activity as they feel like they are flying over the ocean. Check out the latest rates and more information.

14. Adventure Park Maui 

If you are traveling with kids and teens, they will love to visit Adventure Park Maui! This is a high ropes course adventure park with so much more than just obstacle courses. You can enjoy some fun ax-throwing competitions and some free-falling activities too.

This is the perfect place for families to have some adrenaline-rushing fun during this family vacation to Maui! 

15. Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a sunset cruise after your long day filled with fun activities. This Sunset Cruise has an open bar and an island appetizer selection for you to enjoy. Catering is from Joey’s Kitchen, so you know the food will be delicious!

This cruise holds up to 48 people and is two and a half hours long. Watch the gorgeous sunset on the ocean as you relax and unwind after your busy day. This is the perfect way to end your vacation! Check out the latest rates and availability.

16. ATV Tours

Maui Off-Road Adventures has some of the best ATV tours on the entire island. Here you can explore more of the island, and the Puu Kukui Watershed Preserve as you get dirty and drive or ride in a fun ATV.

Image of two ATVs driving through mud.
Go for an ATV ride on Maui

You will be riding in the mountains and will experience jungle canopy, high hill climbs, bamboo forest runs, and so much more. If you are looking for a fun thrill on your trip, try out this ATV tour! Check out the latest rates and more information.

17. Submarine 

You’ll have plenty of time to explore the top of the ocean and see all it offers. But, if you want to see the bottom of the ocean, try a fun submarine adventure! You can see the coral reef at the bottom and all the marine life living there during this tour.

You’ll find Atlantis Submarine Adventures by the Pioneer Building in Lahaina. Kids need to be over 36 inches to be able to ride the submarine. This submarine tour is only two hours, giving you plenty of time to explore other things in Kaanapali! Check the latest rates here.

Things to do in Kaanapali Maui Wrap Up

There are so many fun things to do in Kaanapali that you can easily fill up an itinerary for your entire vacation. Hopefully, you found a few tourist attractions in Kaanapali worth a stop.

Many of the Kaanapali activities you will find are also kid-friendly, making this place the perfect place for your next family vacation!

Explore the beauty of this side of Maui and see just why it is such a popular place to visit. 

Looking for more things to do in Maui? Find out the best Maui luaus, my tips for the Road to Hana, Marriott Maui Ocean Club review, things to do in Wailea, what to know about Haleakala before you go, and the best Maui waterfalls.