Vacationing in Sunny Kā‘anapali on Maui’s West Side

When the weather on the rest of Maui is overcast or rainy, you can always rely on Maui’s West Side for some sunny weather. Even the name of what was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, Lahaina, speaks to this reliability, translating literally as “cruel sun.”  However, the sun is not as “cruel” as one might expect. With proper sun-care, one can make great use of West Maui’s reliable sunny weather to explore both Kāʻanapali and the greater Lahaina area.

Kāʻanapali Beach. PC: K Prince / Aloha Stoked

To start, Kāʻanapali Beach provides 6.3 miles of West Maui coastline and beach access. Along this stretch of coastline, you can find a variety of activities including snorkel tours, kayak tours, stand-up paddling, whale watching, and even parasailing. A large portion of this stretch of coastline is accessible by a walking path fronted by a variety of resorts, restaurants, and shops. At the north end of Kāʻanapali beach is Black Rock or Pu‘u Keka‘a where you can find people rock jumping and snorkeling in crystal clear blue water. Each day’s sunset is accompanied by a cliff-diving ceremony performed at this very spot. Check out this video for a closer look at Kāʻanapali.

Puʻu Kekaʻa at Kāʻanapali Beach. PC: K Prince / Aloha Stoked.

Next I’d recommend Lahaina ’s Front Street and historic Lahaina town. Here, you can explore a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and support local vendors and events. My favorite is partaking in Lahaina’s unofficial Halloween festival. Grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants, become acquainted with Lahaina’s history at the nearby museum, and relax under the large banyan tree’s offer of shade just outside.

If you’re wondering about places to stay on Maui’s West Side, there are many great options to choose from. For families and larger groups, the Papakea Resort will provide you with larger rooms at walking distance to Kāʻanapali Beach. This resort is also right across the Times Market shopping center, provides many gas BBQ’s, has two pools, a couple Jacuzzis, two cabanas, tennis courts and shuffleboards. This resort provides a wide variety of amenities to facilitate quality time for families and groups after a long day out in West Maui’s sun.

An option for those who can’t get enough of the ocean is the Mahana. Situated right on Kāʻanapali Beach, every room offers ceiling-to-floor ocean views, providing you constant access to all that the West Maui ocean has to offer.

Turtle underwater off Maui. PC: K Prince / Aloha Stoked.

Finally, the The Maui Kāʻanapali Villas will provide you with more of a comprehensive yet low-key package. This resort option includes easy beach access, an on-site restaurant Cast Away Café offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with both inside and outside seating, multiple pools, spa, fitness center, and a convenience store.

Whatever you end up doing out in West Maui, you’ll be sure to get some sunshine.

Kāʻanapali Beach / Puʻu Kekaʻa. PC: Kalani Prince.