Your Guide to the Perfect Ka’anapali Vacation in 2025

Maui continues to be one of Hawaii’s most sought-after destinations, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, year-round warm weather, and pristine beaches. Despite the challenges of the past few years, Maui’s resilience and commitment to sustainable tourism have ensured that it remains a top vacation spot.

Among the many incredible places on the island, Ka’anapali stands out as a premier destination for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. If you’re planning a Ka’anapali getaway in 2025, let us share some local advice!

Where is Ka’anapali?

Located in West Maui, Ka’anapali sits north of Lahaina and south of Kapalua. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the island’s most famous resorts, beaches, and attractions.

Getting to Ka’anapali from Maui International Airport (OGG):

If you’re heading to Ka’anapali, Route 30 is your main road in either direction. Expect a 35-40 minute drive from OGG in Kahului—smooth and scenic!

Transportation Options:

Rental Cars: Super convenient if you plan to explore beyond Ka’anapali.

Taxis & Rideshares:

Uber and Lyft are easy options to travel on the island. If you want to support Maui businesses, Royal Taxi Maui is a local, reliable cab service that supports the Maui community.

Shuttles & Hotel Transfers: Some resorts offer free or budget-friendly shuttles—always worth checking before you arrive.

Public Transportation:

Yes, you can take the bus, but it’s the slow lane. The ride can take 90 minutes or more, often with multiple transfers—not ideal if you’re eager to hit the beach.

Who stays in Ka’anapali?

Ka’anapali is ideal for travelers who want easy beach access, resort-style convenience, and a wide range of activities. Designed as Hawaii’s first master-planned resort community, it offers a mix of luxury hotels, vacation rentals, and boutique stays.

As expected, Ka’anapali boasts world-class dining, shopping, and cultural experiences, making it the perfect base for exploring Maui.

Local’s Tip for 2025 Dining in Ka’anapali:

Some of the best places to eat in Ka’anapali remain:

• Hula Grill is a must-visit for beachfront dining with live music.
• Joey’s Kitchen is a casual yet flavorful spot for Hawaiian-Filipino fusion cuisine.

Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop is located just outside Ka’anapali, this bakery serves Maui’s best pies and sandwiches.

What makes Ka’anapali special?

Ka’anapali Beach has been named one of Hawaii’s best beaches for over 20 years running. It has soft white sand and calm waters that stretch for three miles along the coast, making it perfect for swimming and beachcombing. If you like snorkeling or diving, head to Black Rock Point where you’ll find numerous coral reefs and fish species.

Add in 2 golf courses and an open-air mall, Whalers Village, and it is a complete destination, giving you many amenities to fully enjoy your vacation without having to leave. 

How do I get around Ka’anapali?

Ka’anapali is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, with most resorts, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. The Ka’anapali Beach Walk is a scenic, oceanfront pathway connecting major resorts and attractions—perfect for a leisurely stroll or morning jog. If you don’t intend on walking around or have plans beyond Ka’anapali, here are some more options:

Public Transportation

• The Maui Bus runs daily from Whalers Village to Lahaina and other parts of West Maui.
• Buses operate from 6 AM – 9 PM with a fixed fare of $5 per ride (2025 update).
• While affordable, expect longer travel times due to multiple stops.

E-Bike & Scooter Rentals

• Several rental shops now offer electric bikes and scooters, making it easier than ever to zip around Ka’anapali.
• A great option if you want more flexibility without renting a car.

Car Rentals: Do You Need One?

• If you’re staying in Ka’anapali the whole time, you won’t need a car—everything is easily accessible.
• If you plan to explore beyond Ka’anapali (like Haleakalā or the Road to Hana), renting a car is recommended.
• Expect rental prices around $70-$90 per day, so plan accordingly.

Things to do in Ka’anapali 

There are countless ways to spend your free time in Ka’anapali whether you choose to relax on the beach, play tennis, golf, surf, hike, bike, boat, sail, swim, snorkel or dive. Whatever you decide, you’ll never run out of things to do. Here there are some recommended examples of things to do in Ka’anapali: 

Water Sports

Whether you prefer surfing, body boarding, paddle boarding, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, or kayaking, you’re sure to find something fun to try. Surfers love the waves at nearby Honolua Bay, while windsurfers are drawn to the area around Keanae. Kayakers and stand-up paddlers are drawn to the Waihee River. Scuba divers go to Molokini Crater. Fishing enthusiasts enjoy trolling off Honoapiilani Highway. For those looking for less active water sports, there are parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating, horseback riding, ATV tours, and hiking and biking trails. 

Snorkel at Black Rock

Ka’eo is one of Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots. Located just off the coast of West Maui, you can see coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, octopuses, eels, sea stars, and even sharks. This area is home to many marine species including the Hawaiian monk seal, green sea turtle, humpback whale and blue whales.

But there are places like Black Rock that stand out among the rest. It’s a natural formation that juts up about 30 feet above the water. And while the cliffs aren’t very high, the views are spectacular.

Black Rock is located on the north shore of Molokai and is part of Ka’anapali Beach. It’s easy to access via the Honolua Trail, which runs along the western side of the island. From here, you’ll want to head toward the west end of the trail and follow the signs to the black rock.

The hike isn’t difficult, but if you’re looking for something easier, check out our video guide to snorkeling in Hawaii.

Spot whales

The warm, sheltered ocean channel of Maui and Lana’i is known to be the preferred calving spot for humpback whale-watching. These large animals are usually seen from November to May, though you might catch sight of them earlier or later depending on weather conditions. They feed primarily during daylight hours, though some feeding activity takes place at night.

Pods of spinner dolphins often join in on the action. Black Rock makes for an ideal vantage point. If you want to view whales up close, consider taking a whale-watch sail standard or, if you prefer something a little different, try out a whale-watching kayak trip.

Stroll along the Ka’anapali Beach Walk.

The best way to explore Ka’anapali Beach is to follow the meandering Beach Walk. Connecting all resort properties, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It takes you past the beachfront hotels and down into the heart of downtown West Maui. Along the way, kids will enjoy seeing the many Hawaiian references like “Ka’anapali,” “Kaana” meaning “to see” and “poli” meaning “the people.” And adults will love the ambiance created by the tiki torches lining the walkway.

Take Surfing Lessons in Ka’anapali

Get the most out of your vacation by learning how to surf in West Maui. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer. 

The team at Mauilocalsguide.com are local experts who can help you with everything you need to know about Maui. They’re more than happy to help you plan your trip, make reservations for you, and arrange everything for your visit.

World-class Dining along the Ka’anapali Shoreline

Ka’anapali Beach is home to some of the most beautiful ocean views in the state of Hawaii. Whether you want to dine al fresco overlooking the Pacific Ocean or indoors under the stars, there is something special about every meal at the resorts here. From the casual fare at the Whaler’s Village Marketplace to fine dining in the resorts themselves, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your taste.

Try one of the local favorites such as Kula Cafe, Hale Hapa Fish Market, Roy’s Ka’anapali, or Le Meridien Resort. Or, grab lunch at one of our many beachside cafes.

Play Golf in Ka’anapali

The Hawaiian Islands are a golfer’s paradise. With more than 100 golf courses on the islands, there is no shortage of places to play. If you want to enjoy some of the best golf in the world, then look for a course that offers something special. 

Ka’anapali Golf Courses offers two of the best golf courses in Ka’anapali: The Royal Ka’anapali and the Ka’anapali Kai Course where you can enjoy stunning views for a fun round on vacation.

Shopping

If you like shopping, you won’t be disappointed. There are dozens of stores lining both sides of Ka’anapali Drive, including clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, gift shops, and souvenir stands.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Maui?

Maui is a year-round destination, but here’s what you need to know for 2025:

• Best for sunny days & beach lounging: April to October.
• Best for whale watching & hiking: November to April.
• Least crowded months: May, September, and early December.

Check out our Maui guide for more details about the weather in Maui and to plan a trip to this paradise on earth!

Where to Stay in Ka’anapali?

There are many resorts in Ka’anapali located within walking distance from each other such as Aston at The Whaler on Ka’anapali Beach a condominium resort located along the pristine Ka’anapali Beach shoreline.  Also, located in Ka’anapali Beach, you will find the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali, a contemporary beachfront resort  4-minute walk from both the Ka’anapali Golf Course Resort South and the Whalers Villa mall. 

Staying in a vacation rental

If you are looking for an affordable getaway that will give you the best experience, we invite you to check out our vacation rentals in West Maui. Whether you are looking for condos for rent, beachfront rentals, or even luxury villas, we offer some of the best vacation rentals in Maui.

When you book with us, you enjoy exclusive discounts and personalized local recommendations!