The Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel is the beachfront oasis your family is looking for
Looking for an opportunity to get away, REALLY away? If the relaxed vibes of the Hawaiian islands are calling your name, we have the perfect property for your family to relax on the sand. Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel is known as “Hawai’i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel” and you can see why from the minute you arrive. The property doesn’t have the towering buildings of many other resorts along this stretch of Maui’s west coast and this translates into you being treated like family throughout your stay. The property recently renovated many of its rooms and now is the perfect time to visit as the crowds are smaller and the humpback whales are swimming right offshore.
Located just steps from the famous snorkeling spot Black Rock, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel is just a 45-minute drive from Kahului Airport. We suggest arranging a shuttle from the airport instead of booking a rental car as you’ll want to spend as much time as possible exploring the 11-acre property during your visit. The property’s size is particularly great for families as you can get down to the pool or beach in no time from any room.
When booking your rooms, you can choose from the “Premium” rooms in the renovated wings or the “Traditional” rooms in the non-renovated wing. Families will like the premium ground floor rooms that have access right to the grassy central courtyard, as well as the premium oceanview rooms with balconies. If you have a bigger family and want to book a space for you to spread out, the traditional wing has a family-sized room with ocean views. All rooms come with a mini fridge and coffee maker. The property also has laundry facilities.
Hawaiian Culture Permeates Your Stay at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel
From the minute you enter the lobby at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel, you’ll see all the opportunities to learn about Hawaiian culture. Head to the Kawenaokeao Cultural Center to sign up for classes like hula, lei kukui restringing, Hawaiian language, and traditional navigation techniques. Different classes are offered daily and they are free to property guests.
Kids should also ask for the interactive booklet that’s available for them to complete during their stay. They can complete a scavenger hunt to learn about local plants on the property, as well as learn about other important parts of Hawaiian culture and language. If they complete the booklet they can submit it for a special prize to take home with them!
Ocean Activities at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel
The sand is just steps away from your room at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel and you’ll love being able to spread out your towel and enjoy the tranquility. If you are lucky, you just might spot a sea turtle in the shallow water, or humpback whales and spinner dolphins just offshore.
Families can book a semi-private cabana for the day to have a spot to store all their gear. Head to the Moanaku’inamoku Ocean Activities booth by the beach to rent snorkeling gear, beach umbrellas, SUP boards, and more. Beach towels can also be picked up here.
We highly recommend you book a guided snorkeling tour of Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock) during your stay. This was a trip highlight and fun for kids and adults alike. Your guide will even snap underwater photos of your group so you have something to remember the event! If you are there during whale season, you just might be able to hear these majestic creatures under the water during your snorkel tour.
Dining at Kā’anapali Beach Hotel
You’re definitely going to want to dine at the new beachside restaurant Huihui while you are staying at Kā’anapali Beach Hotel. The modern Hawaiian menu includes favorites like loco moco for breakfast and fresh cod steamed in a taro leaf for dinner. The keiki menu is available for kids who are less adventurous eaters.
The relaxed, open-air atmosphere at Huihui is designed to honor the tradition of Polynesian wayfinding. Evenings offer live music and hula performances at Huihui and you can even reserve seating around the outdoor fire pits for your family. Don’t skip the banana bread ice cream sandwich for dessert—it’s a favorite!
In addition to Huihui, you can dine poolside at Welowelo where the teriyaki bowl and burger got top reviews. Hele On is your spot for grab-and-go coffee and pastries in the morning and there’s a small shop just off the lobby that has cold drinks and snacks available, along with necessities like reef-safe sunscreen and toiletries.
Nearby Activities
Whaler’s Village is located just a short walk from Kā’anapali Beach Hotel and it offers lots of dining and shopping opportunities. Here are some of our favorite things there:
- In the rear of Whaler’s Village, you’ll find this outdoor play area for kids (look for the cotton candy vending machine up the stairs nearby).
- Whaler’s Village is home to an ABC Store where you can find all the things you forgot at home like sun shirts and hats, along with snacks (try the spam musubi), Hawaiian souvenirs, and alcoholic beverages.
- If you are looking for a quick meal at Whaler’s Village, Da Nani Pirates food truck is located right near the ABC Store and it had some great fish tacos along with lots of kid-friendly options. Picnic tables nearby mean you’ll be eating fast.
Downtown Lahaini is about 10 minutes away from Kā’anapali Beach Hotel and accessible via public buses as well as Uber. Walk around town to check out the massive banyan tree in the center square and dine at one of the many restaurants offering fresh seafood, fruity beverages, and island vibes. Here you can also book excursions like the Atlantis Submarine Ride (a must-do for families with little ones), whale cruises, and snorkeling adventures.
Sunsets for days, the sound of crashing waves, and the relaxation your family needs are all waiting for you at Kā’anapali Beach Hotel.
Kā’anapali Beach Hotel
Online: kbhmaui.com
Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Kā’anapali Beach Hotel but all opinions belong to the writer.
