Walk along the three-mile stretch of Kāʻanapali Beach’s white sand and you’ll experience resorts, shops, restaurants, and Puʻu Kekaʻa—also known as Black Rock—a popular cliff-jumping and snorkeling spot for tourists and residents alike. But Kāʻanapali Beach is more than a popular spot to snorkel, swim, and sunbathe. It’s a part of Maui, like so much of our island, that is steeped in history.
As you navigate which of our beaches to explore, like Malu’aka Beach, and which activities to do, like surfing or horseback riding, don’t forget to check out Kāʻanapali Beach. Our guide here offers all of the essential information you should know to enjoy a day at Kāʻanapali Beach.
History of Kāʻanapali Beach
Long before Kāʻanapali Beach saw luxurious 5-star and family-friendly resorts with bustling crowds, it held a deep significance for Hawaiians. Polynesian settlers arrived centuries ago, bringing their customs and establishing land management practices. Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock) wasn’t just a geological feature to cliff jump off of either. It was seen as a sacred gateway to the afterlife. Chief Kahekili famously leapt from its heights, demonstrating his bravery in a traditional practice known as “lele kawa,” a splashless, feet-first dive into the water. We call it cliff jumping.
Kāʻanapali’s story is one of constant transformation and the land has served its purpose from an ancient village to agricultural ground to tourist spot. As a world-class destination today, the history of Kāʻanapali Beach is not forgotten.
Kāʻanapali Beach Activities
Water Activities
Kāʻanapali Beach offers tons of different water activities, from surfing and paddleboarding, to kayaking and canoeing, to parasailing and jet skiing. During peak whale watching season, Kāʻanapali is also a prime spot to catch (koholā) humpback whales traveling to our waters to breed. Snorkeling is one of those activities you must do when visiting Maui, enjoying our beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life, especially at Pu’u Keka’a, or Black Rock.
Cliff Diving at Pu’u Keka’a
Cliff jumping at Pu’u Keka’a, also known as Black Rock, is an amazing experience, one that combines a thrill with cultural significance. While it is a fun activity, always check below and avoid jumping if conditions look rough or if you see obstacles.
Beyond individual jumps, Black Rock is also home to a Cliff Diving Ceremony. It is quite the experience. As sunset approaches, the cliff’s edge is lit by torches and a conch shell sounds. Someone then tells the tale of Chief Kahekili who dove from the cliff in an act of bravery. It is both a spectacle but also a remembrance of history.
Whaler’s Village
Whaler’s Village is a premier oceanfront shopping and dining destination, offering the chance to shop local Hawaiian stores and try our delicious Hawaiian cuisine. The open-air shopping center is a fun way to explore the area around Kāʻanapali Beach while also grabbing a keepsake for home.
What Else to Know About Kāʻanapali Beach
Parking
As a popular destination for tourists and locals, parking at Kāʻanapali Beach can be challenging. This is especially true during peak season. While there are a few public beach access parking lots along Kāʻanapali Parkway, these can fill up very quickly. The Sheraton Maui Resort offers a small parking garage with limited free public parking, and Whaler’s Village also provides parking. You may need to show validation of shopping and dining at Whaler’s Village in order to park there. As alternative options, consider parking at nearby Hanakao’o Beach Park or Kahekili Beach Park. These may offer more availability and are a short walk to Kāʻanapali Beach.
Public Amenities
Despite so much occurring at Kāʻanapali Beach, public amenities may be limited. Public restrooms are available at Whaler’s Village and a public shower is available at the south end of the beach. Kāʻanapali Beach also has lifeguards on duty, but still exercise caution when swimming.
What to Bring
When packing your beach bag, you don’t need anything that you wouldn’t normally pack for a beach day. Hats, sunglasses, towels, and the appropriate clothes will absolutely do. One important item to bring is reef-safe sunscreen, helping to protect our beautiful coral reefs, especially if you plan on swimming and snorkeling. With Whaler’s Village being so close, you can always buy a particular item if you happen to forget something.
We always encourage a beach day when you’re here visiting Maui, but after, swing by the Maui Ocean Center and continue your Hawaiian experience. Along with our incredible exhibits, you can dine at our Seascape Restaurant and shop at our Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop. No aquarium ticket required to dine or shop!
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
