When you think of a beach, you automatically think of trees, sea sand, and countless waves. But how about a beach with three miles of white sand and crystal clear water. Well that’s the Kaanapali beach which was also once named America’s Best Beach located in the west shore of Maui and has become a model for resorts around the globe. Sand is just one of this beach’s many highlights. Kaanapali was also Hawaii’s first planned resort area. The waters here are very shallow, making them good for snorkeling, and whale watching has also been reported.
One of this Beach’s most famous attractions is cliff diving off the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as PuuKekaa, or Black Rock. The water around Black Rock is at about 8 feet deep at the beginning and then gradually gets to about 25 feet (ca. 8m) or more as you head around the point. Infront of Kaanapaliis the open air Whalers Village, a world-class shopping complex that has a variety of amazing shops and restaurants, a whaling museum and Hawaiian entertainment.Surfing is also popular at Kaanapali and there are a number of surfing schools that operate here. In addition to wave surfing, Kaanapali Beach is also an excellent spot to paddle board conditions when the waves are right and also for parasailing, wind surfing and jet skis.
Some of Maui’s best hotels line the shore: Sheraton Maui Resort, the Kaanapali Shores, Embassy Vacation Resort Kaanapali Beach, The Westin Maui, Kaanapali Beach Resort, and The Hyatt Regency Maui to name a few.There is parking available just south of the Whalers Village between it and the Westin.Public restrooms can be found at any of the hotels or in the shopping areas and showers are located all over the beach.
Kaanapali Beach sits just north of the town of Lahaina and can be reached by car via Route 30 by the Honoapiilani Highway. Public transportation here is fairly limited, but the No. 25 bus runs between Kaanapali and Lahaina, while the No. 30 runs between Kaanapali and Kapalua.
I would say that this is the perfect beach to escape from the city bustle. All you need to do is to decide would you rather rest on sun, sunbathing, or you will lay down your towel under the pine trees that are providing the shadow on the beach or take a long walk on this sandy beach.