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Kaʻanapali Beach

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Home to West Maui’s liveliest beach scene, this gorgeous stretch unfurls alongside Kaʻanapali’s resort hotels, linking the Hyatt Regency Maui with the Sheraton Maui 1 mile north. Dubbed ‘Dig-Me Beach’ for all the preening, it’s a vibrant spot. Surfers, bodyboarders and parasailers rip across the water, snorkelers admire the sea life, and sailboats pull up on shore. There are no lifeguards, so check with the hotel beach huts before jumping in: water conditions vary with the season and currents are sometimes strong.

For the best snorkeling, try the underwater sights off Puʻu Kekaʻa. This lava promontory protects the beach in front of the Sheraton Maui. Novices stick to the sheltered southern side of the landmark rock – where there’s still a lot to see – but the shallow coral here has been stomped to death. If you’re a confident swimmer, the less-frequented horseshoe cove cut into the tip of the rock is the real prize, teeming with tropical fish, colorful coral and sea turtles. There’s often a current to contend with off the point, which can make getting to the cove a bit tricky, but when it’s calm you can swim right in. Puʻu Kekaʻa is also a popular shore-dive spot.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Kaʻanapali Beach Walk

0.26 MILES

This one-mile pathway between Kaʻanapali's fancy resorts and gobsmackingly beautiful beach offers a gentle stroll, with sunset and people-watching…

2. Whalers Village Museum

0.28 MILES

Lahaina was a popular restocking stop for whaling ships traveling between Japan, the Arctic and New England during the Golden Age of whaling (1825–60)…

3. Hanaka‘o‘o Beach Park

0.73 MILES

The long, sandy Hanakaʻoʻo Beach Park, extending south from Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, has a sandy bottom and water conditions that are usually safe…

4. Wahikuli Wayside Park

1.11 MILES

Just 2 miles north of the heart of Lahaina and right on the road to Ka'anapali, this multi-section county park follows the shore and is great for walking…

5. North Kaʻanapali Beach Walk

1.21 MILES

Stretching south from Kahekili Beach Park to the Sheraton Maui, this paved path is pleasant for a morning stroll, passing tropical trees, a cafe, a golf…

6. Wahikuli Wayside Park

1.3 MILES

Two miles north of Lahaina, Wahikuli Wayside Park occupies a narrow strip of beach, with three separate parking areas, flanked by the busy highway…

7. Kahekili Beach Park

1.31 MILES

This idyllic golden-sand beach at Kaʻanapali’s less-frequented northern end is a good place to lose the look-at-me crowds strutting their stuff further…

8. Lahaina Jodo Mission

2.49 MILES

A 12ft-high bronze Buddha sits serenely in the courtyard at this Buddhist mission, looking across the Pacific toward its Japanese homeland. Cast in Kyoto,…

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