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 was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and 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 has some of the best beaches in Hawaii and lots of fun Maui kid activities that are perfect for families.
There are so many fun things to do in Kaanapali with kids! You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
You can do so many fun activities while staying in Kaanapali, but we have picked out our top favorite things to do in Kaanapali for this list. After reading this guide on the best Kaanapali Maui activities, we hope you can plan an unforgettable trip and make memories that last a lifetime!
Let’s look at some of the best things to do in Kaanapali.
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Fun Things To Do in Kaanapali with Kids
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. It is very wide, making it great for sunbathing, relaxing, watching the waves rise and fall, or playing some games with your family!
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.
There are so many Ka’anapali Beach activities that you can easily spend the entire day here. Ka’anapali Beach also features calm, shallow waters, ideal for younger kids and beginner swimmers.
2. Snorkeling at Black Rock
On the North end of Kaanapali Beach, you will find Black Rock. This area is excellent 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 marine life and other cool things to see around the rock.
Be sure only to go out if there is no strong current, and go with someone so you are not alone. While snorkeling, you will see plenty of colorful fish. Sometimes you can see turtles and even a Spotted Eagle Ray!
3. Snorkeling Cruise
One of the top kids’ activities Maui has to offer is all the cool snorkeling adventures.
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 entirely worth it.
You will be able to snorkel at two destinations along this cruise, one being around Lanai. This is a great short Maui adventure that both experienced and beginners can enjoy! Check out the latest rates and availability.
It is one of the top snorkeling tours! The warm Hawaiian waters are home to plenty of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral reefs, and other sea life. This Maui snorkel tour is one of the top Kaanapali things to do! There is even a sea scooter option for more fun.
4. 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 Kaanapalin weather and scenery around.
Golfing in Hawaii is a unique experience for avid golfers, so be sure to take a few hours to enjoy the world-class golf resorts!
You can also enjoy the nearby Bay Course and Plantation Course if you’d like to explore more of Maui’s west coast golf offerings.
5. Ziplining
Another fun Kaanapali attraction is ziplining! This is an awesome way to go sightseeing in Kaanapali, as you zoom through the sky. This ziplining package takes you to eight different ziplines.
You’ll be able to see the beautiful ocean and West Maui mountains all around Kaanapali. Check out the latest rates and more information.
The West Maui Mountains are not only a backdrop for thrilling activities but also a prime hiking and sightseeing destination for families visiting West Maui.
It truly is such a fun experience and another one of the best things to do on Maui during your visit to this Hawaiian island.
6. Joey’s Kitchen
Dining options in Kaanapali are plentiful, and Joey’s Kitchen is one of the best Kaanapali restaurants you’ll find! It is a Hawaiian and Filipino-based place where you can 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.
7. Drums of the Pacific Luau
One of the many things to do in Kaanapali with kids is to go to a luau! The Drums of the Pacific Luau is one of the top-rated Luau in Maui and takes place on the beach!
During this three-hour luau, you will have a delicious three-course meal and live entertainment, including a fire knife dance! Check out the latest rates and more information.
It is also one of the best Maui things to do with kids to help them learn more about Hawaiian culture and history in a super fun way.
It is another one of the top things to do in Kaanapali Beach, Maui, while you are in the area.
8. Kaanapali Dinner Cruise
One of the best things to do in Maui for a date idea is to go on a romantic dinner cruise.
Enjoy a nice evening sailing on this Catamaran Cruise! You might see some green sea turtles and some dolphins, too, while you watch the gorgeous sunset.
This sunset cruise is only two and a half hours, which is perfect for those short on time or who want to get as many activities done as possible!
If you’re wondering what to do in Kaanapali at night, this cruise is one of the most scenic and relaxing options available. Check out the latest rates and more information.
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9. Surfing Lesson
For more Maui kids activities, explore the West Maui coastline and enjoy learning how to surf these awesome waves while in Hawaii.
There are countless surfing lessons all along the beautiful shores of Ka’anapali Beach. Depending on your needs and the size of your group, you can find private tours or semi-private ones!
Why not learn to surf at the most gorgeous beach? You can also find lessons for stand up paddle boarding, which is so much fun, especially on a sandy beach such as Kaanapali.
If surfing isn’t your thing, paddle boarding is a more laid-back way to enjoy the calm ocean water with your kids. Check out the latest rates and more information.
10. Whale Watching Tour
Try this Up-Close Whale Watching Tour in Lahaina if you want to see majestic humpback whales! During this two-hour tour, you can 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.
While humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters generally between November and May to give birth and nurse their young, the peak season for whale watching is typically mid-December through March.
Although sightings are possible in November and April/May, they are less common. This makes it a fantastic family activity during the winter months in Maui. You might even spot a sea turtle or two during your tour in the Pacific Ocean!
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.
11. Spa Day
Even though a vacation to Hawaii is relaxing and peaceful, it can also be stressful. That is why you should enjoy a spa day during your trip to Kaanapali!
It is one of the Maui best things to do to relax and unwind, especially for moms. You deserve a break, even when visiting Hawaii.
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.
Some of the best spas at the luxurious resorts include:
12. Parasailing
If you are traveling to Maui between May and December, take your family on a fun parasailing adventure! However, parasailing is off limits the rest of the year due to the migration of the humpback whales.
This is a quick hour-long ride, meaning anyone can go, no matter their vacation is length. Kids over 5 can also enjoy this activity as they feel like flying over the ocean.
Parasailing is one of the most exhilarating ocean activities in the area and a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking views of Maui’s west coast from above. Check out the latest rates and more information.
13. 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 a family vacation to Maui!
It is another one of the best things to do with kids in Maui!
14. 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!
This cruise also offers panoramic views of nearby islands and outer island views, making it a great option for what to do in Kaanapali at night. Watching the sunset is one of the top Maui things to do, so try a sunset cruise at least once! Check out the latest rates and availability.
15. ATV Tours
Do you need an adrenaline-pumping vacation experience? An ATV tour is one of the best things to do with kids and teens in Maui!
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.
You will ride in the mountains and experience jungle canopy rides, high hill climbs, bamboo forest runs, and so much more. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the stunning views of Maui’s rugged landscapes.
If you want a fun thrill on your trip, try this ATV tour! Check out the latest rates and more information.
16. Maui Scuba Diving Introductory Lesson from Lahaina
Have you ever done a scuba dive? This Introductory Scuba Diving Lesson is perfect to try out!
During this three-hour tour, you will learn the basics of scuba diving and then visit the coral reef and marine life.
It is an experience unlike any other and one of the top Maui Kaanapali things to do. Check out latest prices and more details.
17. Kayak Fishing Charter
Another one of the things to do near Kaanapali Beach to get out on the water is to enjoy a fishing charter.
You will enjoy four hours of fishing in the Pacific Ocean. All the kayaks and fishing gear are provided. Check out the latest prices and more details.
If you love fishing, why not try it out while you are in Maui?
This is also one of the more unique ocean activities in the area, combining kayaking with the thrill of a fishing trip.
18. Maui Speed Jet Boat Ride Adventure from Kaanapali Beach
This is another one of the adventures that was affected by the fire. It is currently scheduled to resume in August 2024.
For more Maui family activities, enjoy a speed jet boat ride!
It is very cool to speed across the water, do spins, 360 turns, and just have fun with your family! Don’t worry, this is an eco-friendly and whale-friendly boat with no rudders or propellers, so it won’t hurt any marine life. Check out latest prices and more details.
This boat ride is for kids five years and older. It’s an ideal pick for families seeking high-energy Maui adventure experiences right off Ka’anapali Beach.
19. Maui Butterfly Farm Tour
One of the fun Maui Kaanapali activities for kids is visiting a butterfly farm. The farm is located in Lahaina, just a few minutes from Kaanapali.
During this Butterfly Farm Tour, you will learn more about all the different butterfly species native to Hawaii. Plus, you will get to feed some butterflies in the lighthouse, too! Check out the latest prices and more details.
Only 10 people can go on the tour at a time, so it is a small group tour, perfect for kids and families! And, it is good for all ages.
20. Go Shopping at Whaler’s Village
Whalers Village is another one of the Kaanapali, Hawaii, things to do. One of the free things to do in Maui is go window shopping, or you can buy souvenirs and other fun things.
Whalers Village also has free ukulele lessons, hula lessons, weaving lessons, and more. Plus, it is right next to the ocean, so you can go to Ka’anapali Beach right after.
You can eat dinner at Leilani’s on the Beach, Hula Grill, and Nikki’s Pizza.
In addition to restaurants, this area has many boutique shops where you can find unique gifts and locally made products.
Things to Do in Kaanapali FAQs
Kaanapali is best known for its gorgeous three-mile beach, which has soft white sand and super clear water. Some consider it the best beach in America, both for its beauty and all the fun things to do in Kaanapali with kids. It’s also home to top resorts like the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, the Westin Maui, and the Sheraton Maui Resort, which offer family-friendly amenities and dining option
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, that you will love to do. You can also catch a helicopter tour over the West Maui Mountains for incredible aerial views or explore nearby treasures like Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay.
Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaii, is a safe place to swim and relax on Maui. There is no lifeguard present, so watch the waves and hazards that may arise. It is a tourist beach, so there are plenty of people around. It is one of the best beaches on the Hawaiian islands by far! Families also love the shallow waters at the south end, which are ideal for younger kids.
You can enjoy any of the Kaanapali beaches, go on the Kaanapali Beach Walk, look for some North Pacific humpback whales during whale season, watch a free hula show, and do plenty of other fun, free things to do during your Hawaiian vacation. Watching the tiki torches being lit in the evening is also a peaceful and memorable ritual.
Things to do in Kaanapali Maui Wrap-Up
Now you know what to do in Kaanapali!
There are so many fun things to do in Kaanapali that you can easily fill out an itinerary for your entire vacation. Hopefully, you found a few tourist attractions in Kaanapali worth a stop.
Many of the Kaanapali activities are also kid-friendly, making this the ultimate destination for your next family vacation!
Explore the beauty of this side of Maui’s west coast and see why it is such a popular destination filled with breathtaking views, historic town charm in nearby Lahaina, and endless ocean activities.
And my final thoughts? Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, ziplining through lush landscapes, or snorkeling with colorful fish, Kaanapali offers something for everyone in the family.