The lively resort town of Kaanapali is located on the western side of Maui and has been developed from fields of sugarcane into a well-liked tourist destination in Hawaii. This place provides visitors with a mix of white-sand beaches, warm waters, green forests, a rich inheritance and cordial Hawaiian hospitality. Leisure activities abound in Kaanapali such as surfing, parasailing and whale-watching.
While Kaanapali’s major attractions are the island’s spectacular sea and mountain views, the town also features several historical sites and museums such as the Whalers Village Museum. Kaanapali comes to life especially between December and April when visitors arrive in droves to observe the migration of more than 2,000 humpback whales to home waters.
Interested visitors can go for a ride on the open-air Sugar Cane Train and experience Maui’s railroading past. The Old Lahaina Luau presents music, hula dancing, a feast and further glances into Hawaii’s traditional culture. The town offers hotels and condominium resorts next to the private beach and the trendy seafront shopping district of Whaler’s Village. The waterfront boardwalk runs across the whole town, featuring numerous restaurants, cafés, bars and stores as well as one of the two championship golf courses.
Highlights
Whalers Village Museum: famous for its 40-foot sperm whale skeleton, this museum also exhibits the reconstructed foredeck of a whaling ship and numerous artifacts made from whales.
Kaanapali Beach: one of Maui’s most frequented beaches presents tourists and local surfers an overabundance of activities including snorkeling, fishing, parasailing and whale-watching.
Puu Kekaa: or ‘Black Rock’ is situated north of Kaanapali Beach and is the site where ancient locals thought spirits jumped off this world.
Old Lahaina Luau: guests will be greeted with a tropical cocktail and enjoy traditional Hawaiian gastronomy, music, cultural dances and local crafts.
Haleakala National Park: home to the globe’s largest dormant volcano, this area features more than 27,000 acres of protected wilderness, subtropical beaches and rainforest.