Kaanapali vacation rentals

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Popular amenities for Kaanapali vacation rentals

Stay near Kaanapali's top sights

Whalers Village159 locals recommend
Times Supermarket154 locals recommend
Black Rock Beach56 locals recommend
Farmers Market Maui78 locals recommend
Duke's Beach House Maui78 locals recommend
Hula Grill73 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Kaanapali

  • Total rentals

    3.7K properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $20 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    36K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    1.6K properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    20 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    3.5K properties have a pool

Your guide to Kaanapali

Welcome to Kaanapali

There aren’t many beaches in the world associated with royalty, but Kaanapali’s three miles of white sand beaches were once the official playground of the Hawaiian royal family. In this storied section of Maui, royalty surfed, swam, and relaxed. Today Kaanapali remains popular for all of those aforementioned activities, but is perhaps most renowned for its cliff divers. These brave souls hurtle toward the waters below dramatically illuminated by torchlight, a reenactment of ancestral courage. While Kaanapali’s coastline is dominated by a series of resorts and two enormous championship golf courses — the intentional outcome of Hawaii’s first planned resort development — its beaches are an inviting destination for sunbathing. Here the shoreline gently fades into shallow crystalline waters where sea turtles are regularly spotted gently floating with the tide, and the songs of migrating whales miles away can be heard echoing under the surface.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Kaanapali

Maui’s year-round climate is dependably mild, with the northern end of the island where Kaanapali is located more prone to wind and rain than its South Shore neighbors. Even so, very cold or very hot weather is rare in Kaanapali, and the likelihood of rain turning into sunshine in a short amount of time is nearly guaranteed. Even the rainiest summer months only add a slight increase to the chance of precipitation on this side of Maui. Generally the most pleasant months of the year to stay in one of the area’s vacation rentals are January, February, and March, where days are warm and evenings pleasantly cool. Like most Hawaiian destinations, Kaanapali becomes more crowded with holiday vacationers after Thanksgiving.


Top things to do in Kaanapali

Take an Electric-Powered Submarine

Many visitors may boast of snorkeling or even diving beneath Maui’s vibrant waters, but how many can claim they took an undersea adventure inside a submarine? Atlantis Submarine’s small fleet of battery-powered craft delivers up to 48 passengers down to a depth of 100 feet to safely peer at the seascape and underwater wildlife populating installed artificial reefs, all from the comforts of an air-conditioned vessel.

Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a)

Located at the furthest northern end of Ka’anapali Beach, this old lava flow is Kaanapali’s most iconic landmark and legendary for its cliff divers. Traditionally believed to be the spot where the dead would leap to enter the afterlife, these days local kids and visitors still test their wits by jumping from Black Rock (and snorkeling underneath). A ceremonial leap is also staged nightly, accompanied with lit torches and a blow of a conch shell to honor the memory of King Kahekili, Maui's last independent king.

Hidden Coral Reefs

If snorkeling among tropical fish and sea turtles rates high on your list, you’ll want to seek the hidden coral reefs located between Kaanapali and Lahaina, just north of Wahikuli Beach – a “secret” spot where crowds are few, but the sea turtles are numerous.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Kaanapali?

    Kaanapali experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The average high temperature is around 85°F (29°C), and the average low is about 65°F (18°C). It's a bit cooler from December through February, ideal for winter activities. Rainfall typically occurs in the winter, with drier conditions from April to October.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Kaanapali?

    Popular activities in Kaanapali include swimming and sunbathing at the Kaanapali Beach, snorkeling at Black Rock, shopping at Whalers Village, and playing golf at the Kaanapali Golf Courses. Whale watching tours are also popular from December to April.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Kaanapali?

    Kaanapali is busiest from December to April, when humpback whales can be seen off the coast. The Maui Invitational, a popular college basketball tournament, is held in November. The Kaanapali Fresh, a three-day culinary event, is held in August.

  • What are the best places to stay in Kaanapali?

    Visitors often choose to stay near Kaanapali Beach for easy access to water activities. The areas around Whalers Village are popular for shopping and dining options. The golf course areas also make for a serene and relaxing stay.

  • What are the best places to visit in Kaanapali?

    Visitors often explore Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock for snorkeling, and Whalers Village for shopping and dining. The Kaanapali Golf Courses and the Lahaina Historic District, just 4 miles (6.4 km) away, are also popular places to visit.

  • What are some hiking trails in Kaanapali?

    Kaanapali has several beautiful hiking trails. The Kaanapali Beach Walk and the Kahekili Beach Park Coastal Trail offer stunning ocean views. The Kapalua Coastal Trail, just 6 miles (9.6 km) north, offers more challenging hikes with scenic vistas.

  • What are some family activities to do in Kaanapali?

    Families frequently enjoy activities such as swimming at Kaanapali Beach, exploring the vibrant marine life while snorkeling at Black Rock, or learning about local history and culture at the Whalers Village Museum. Kids often adore animal encounters at the Maui Ocean Center, barely 29 miles (47 km) away.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Kaanapali?

    Day trips from Kaanapali often include a drive to Hana, exploring the Iao Valley State Park, or visiting the Haleakala National Park. Molokini Crater, a popular snorkeling spot, can also be visited via boat tours.

  • What types of vacation rentals are available in Kaanapali?

    Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Kaanapali. From over 2,110 condo rentals, over 10 cottage rentals to over 60 house rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Kaanapali?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 1,940 vacation rentals in Kaanapali featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

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