Tip: The best snorkeling is around Black Rock towards the middle of the beach.
With golden sands and pristine water, Kaanapali Resort is home to one of Maui’s most beautiful and enjoyable beaches.
Stretching for more than four miles along Maui’s western coast, Kaanapali Beach fronts several large resorts, but this popular beach can handle the crowd.
Kaanapali Beach is one of the best snorkeling areas in all of Maui.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are excellent in the area around Black Rock, the huge rock in the ocean fronting the Sheraton hotel in the middle of the beach. The waters around this rock are abundant with exotic tropical fish that shimmer with colors in the clear, calm water.
Great For: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, people watching, fantastic sunsets.
Highlights
During the summer Kaanapali Beach is one of the finest swimming beaches on Maui. The paved beach walk that lines the beach from Black Rock to the Hyatt provides access to restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and the Whalers Village Shopping Center. The waters around Black Rock are alive with fish, sea turtles, octopi, and other marine life, which makes for terrific snorkeling and scuba diving.
Need to Know
Use caution when snorkeling around the point at Black Rock as there are sometimes very strong currents. Seasonal high surf can make the ocean unsuitable for swimming and snorkeling. Obey all posted signs and stay out of the water during times of high surf and rough seas.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers.
Lifeguard: Yes
Access: Off Honoapiilani Hwy. north of Lahaina.