Kāʻanapali Beach at a glance
Kāʻanapali is the best-known resort stretch on West Maui. The beach runs for about three miles, with resorts lined up along the sand and Black Rock (Puʻu Keka'a) at the northern end. It is about 50 minutes by car from Kahului Airport, and it faces west, so sunsets are the main event of the day.
Visitors are welcome in West Maui. Lahaina, a few miles south, is a different story, and we cover it further down this page.
What to do in Kāʻanapali
Most days here are built around the water, with one evening plan on top.
Beach and sunset
Walk the length of the beach, swim and stay for the sunset. Take water, shade and a towel, and check the ocean conditions before you get in.
Best beaches in Maui →Snorkeling at Black Rock
The rock at the north end is the local snorkeling spot. Go with a partner, check the conditions first and read the safety notes below.
Snorkeling in Maui →Whale watching
From December to May you can often spot humpbacks from the shore at Kāʻanapali and at McGregor Point. Stay at least 100 yards (90 m) from whales in the water.
Whale watching in Maui →An evening luau
Drums of the Pacific is the luau at the Hyatt Regency Maui in Kāʻanapali. Prices differ by source and ticket level, so check the current price with the organizer before you book.
Maui luau →Tours and activities from West Maui
Snorkel cruises, whale watching, luaus and day trips across Maui, with live prices and availability.
Black Rock and the torch ceremony
Black Rock is the lava headland at the north end of the beach. At sunset the Sheraton Maui holds a torch lighting ceremony here that ends with a cliff dive. You can watch it from the beach. Sources disagree on whether it runs every evening or only on certain days, so ask the resort for the current schedule.
Treat Black Rock as an ocean spot that needs care, not a pool. There is no lifeguard tower at the rock itself, and the nearest one is at Hanakaʻōʻō (Canoe Beach). Currents can run along the north side, so snorkel with a partner and get out if the water looks rough. Look up the day's conditions on HawaiiBeachSafety.com or HIOceanSafety.com before you swim.
Keep at least 10 feet (3 m) from green sea turtles and 50 feet (15 m) from Hawaiian monk seals. Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate since 2021, so buy a reef-safe product on the island.
Weather in West Maui
NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Kapalua-West Maui Airport, the closest weather station.
| Month | Daytime high | Night low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79°F (26°C) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 in (89 mm) |
| April | 81°F (27°C) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.2 in (56 mm) |
| July | 86°F (30°C) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.6 in (40 mm) |
| October | 85°F (29°C) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.2 in (57 mm) |
The wettest months are December to March, with just under 28 inches (705 mm) of rain over the year. The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. When Hurricane Nolo passed south of the islands in late September 2026, thousands of households in West Maui and Upcountry lost power for a time. Look at the forecast a few days ahead. More in our Maui weather guide.
Getting there and parking
Most visitors rent a car at Kahului Airport (OGG) and drive to West Maui, which takes about 50 minutes. Rental cars are in high demand, so book early. See the Kahului Airport guide for the tram to the rental center and the bus options.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority lists beach parking in Kāʻanapali at $2 per 30 minutes. Rates and rules change, so read the sign on the day. If you stay in a resort, ask what parking costs there.
Lahaina in 2026
The fire of August 8, 2023 destroyed most of historic Lahaina, a few miles south of Kāʻanapali. Rebuilding is under way, and several hundred homes have been rebuilt or are under construction. Many residents are still affected, and the recovery is expected to take years.
Since August 1, 2026, Front Street is open to vehicles again. Market Street, Papelekane Street and Mokuhinia Place stay closed for work, and the Old Lahaina Courthouse and the banyan tree are still fenced. The small boat harbor has run limited commercial operations since December 2025, with dredging planned through December 2026, so check your departure point when you book a boat trip.
Visitors are welcome in West Maui. Follow the signs, stay out of closed areas and off private property, do not photograph sites affected by the fire, and spend your money with local businesses. Check current closures on MauiRecovers.org.
Plan more of your Maui trip
Other places and guides that fit a stay in West Maui.
Kāʻanapali: frequently asked questions
How long is Kāʻanapali Beach?
About three miles (5 km) of white sand, with Black Rock at the northern end and the resorts along the sand.
Is there a lifeguard at Kāʻanapali Beach?
Do not count on one. Many beaches in Kāʻanapali and Wailea have no lifeguard tower. The nearest County tower is at Hanakaʻōʻō (Canoe Beach) at the north end. Check the daily ocean conditions and ask your hotel before you swim.
Is Black Rock safe for snorkeling?
It is a popular spot, but there is no lifeguard at the rock and currents can run on the north side. Go with a partner, look at the conditions first and stay out when the sea is rough.
How far is Kāʻanapali from the airport?
About 50 minutes by car from Kahului Airport (OGG), according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Book your rental car early.
Can I visit Lahaina?
Yes. Front Street is open to vehicles again since August 1, 2026. Some streets and sites remain closed. Respect the signs, avoid private property, do not photograph fire-affected places and shop with local businesses.