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’s got some of the best beaches in Hawaii, and it has lots of fun Maui kid activities that are perfect for families. There are so many fun things to do in Kaanapali Maui! 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 favorite things to do Kaanapali offers for this list. We hope that after reading this guide on the best Kaanapali Maui activities, 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
- Sunrise at Haleakala (this is great to book for your first morning on Maui, and the views are unsurpassed)
- Reverse Road to Hana Tour (this is the BEST way to do this iconic Maui scenic drive without arguing with your spouse)
- Molokini Snorkel Tour (this is one of the best places to snorkel on Maui)
- Surf Lessons for Kids (this is the BEST way for your kids to learn how to surf in Hawaii)
- Old Lahaina Luau (the is the most popular luau for families)
- Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)
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.
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!
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 Kaanapali Beach activities that you can easily spend the entire day here.
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 marine life and other cool things to see around the rock.
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 tropical 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 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.
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.
This is a unique experience for avid golfers to golf in Hawaii, so be sure to take a few hours to enjoy the world class golf courses!
5. Ziplining
As of right now, Skyline Adventures was affected by the Maui fires and is currently scheduled to operate beginning December 2023, but this might change.
Another one of the fun Kaanapali attractions 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.
You’ll be able to see the beautiful ocean and West Maui mountains all around Kaanapali. Check out the latest rates and more information.
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
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.
7. 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!
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.
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 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.
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 at Ka’anapali Beach. You can find private tours or semi-private ones depending on your needs and how big your group is!
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.
10. 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.
It is one of the fun family things to do in Maui during the winter months. You might see a sea turtle or two out on the Pacific Ocean as well while you whale watch!
11. 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!
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 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.
This is a quick hour-long ride which means anyone can go no matter how short their vacation is. Kids over 5 can also enjoy this activity as they feel like they are flying over the ocean. 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 this 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! Check out the latest rates and availability.
Watching the sunset is one of the top Maui things to do, so be sure to try a sunset cruise at least once!
15. ATV Tours
Need an adrenaline-pumping experience during your vacation? An ATV tour is one of the best things to do in Maui with kids and teens!
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 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.
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 head out to see 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 get to enjoy 4 hours of fishing out on the Pacific Ocean. All the kayaks and fishing gear is provided. Check out the latest prices and more details.
If you love fishing, why not try it out while you are in Maui?
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 scheduled to resume in August 2024 currently.
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.
19. Maui Butterfly Farm Tour
One of the fun Maui Kaanapali activities for kids is to visit a butterfly farm. It 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 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. You can go window shopping as one of the free things to do in Maui or you can buy souvenirs and other fun things.
Whalers Village also has some free ukulele lessons, hula lessons, weaving, 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.
Kaanapali Maui Things To Do FAQS
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, both for its beauty and all the fun Kaanapali Beach things to do.
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.
Kaanapali Beach Hawaii 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. It is one of the best beaches on the Hawaiian islands by far!
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.
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 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 ultimate 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.