Deborah Chan
Dreaming of a honeymoon in Kaanapali, Hawaii? You're in luck! Kaanapali is known for its natural beauty, culture, and adventure. With swaying palm trees, volcanic landscapes, and delicious cuisine, it's the perfect place for a romantic and memorable honeymoon. Here, you can enjoy the beach life, watch Hula dancing, sip on Mai Tais, and witness breathtaking sunsets. Kaanapali offers a range of accommodation options, from mid-range hotels to luxurious resorts, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect honeymoon in Kaanapali, from the best places to stay and eat to the most exciting activities and experiences. So, get ready to pack your bags and embark on the honeymoon of your dreams!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii |
| Attractions | Snorkelling, swimming with sea turtles and coral reefs, whale-watching, hiking, waterfalls, beaches, shopping, restaurants, bars |
| Resorts | Sheraton Maui, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, The Westin Maui Resort, Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Four Seasons, Andaz Maui, Royal Lahaina Resort, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, Aston Kaanapali Shores, Aston at The Whaler, Kaanapali Beach Hotel |
| Food | Kalua pig, poi, Merriman's Kapalua |
| Entertainment | Live music, hula performances, Myths of Maui, Old Lahaina Luau |
| Other | Car hire is recommended for more freedom to explore the island |
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What You'll Learn
Where to stay in Kaanapali
Kaanapali, a former playground for Hawaiian royalty, is a magical spot to visit. There are plenty of accommodation options in the area, from oceanfront resorts with spas, lush gardens, pools, and waterfalls, to Hawaiian-style cottages and beachfront condos.
If you're looking for a hotel with a private lanai and an ocean view, consider the Mahana, which is located at the end of the beach boardwalk. The Whaler, located on Kaanapali Beach, is another great option with friendly staff, spacious rooms, and mesmerizing sunsets. The Aston Kaanapali Shores offers beautiful grounds, pools, and a well-stocked kitchen, while the Honua Kai Resort & Spa provides gorgeous views and excellent service.
For those seeking a quiet location, the Montage is located north of Kaanapali Beach, and the Sheraton Maui is also a good choice, offering rooms with stunning views of Black Rock. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, and the Royal Lahaina Resort are also popular options, with the latter two being within walking distance of Whaler's Village, which offers shops and restaurants.
If you're looking for an adult-only resort, the Hotel Wailea is a great choice, with incredible amenities, a restaurant, and a beautiful view. For a more active honeymoon, the Four Seasons is recommended, with boat trips leaving from nearby Kihei and various activities to choose from.
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Things to do in Kaanapali
Kaanapali is a popular town in West Maui, known for its beautiful resorts, restaurants, and boutique shops. Here are some of the best things to do in Kaanapali for a memorable honeymoon:
Beach Activities
Kaanapali Beach is a must-visit destination, offering a 3-mile stretch of golden sand and clear waters. It is one of the best beaches in Maui for swimming, with a gradual decline making it easy to get in and out of the water. You can also enjoy snorkelling, whale watching, and parasailing. Black Rock Beach is another popular spot, known for its daily cultural ceremonies and cliff diving by a sacred rock.
Adventure Activities
For those seeking adventure, Kaanapali offers zip-lining, with the Kapalua Zip Lines providing the largest dual zip line course in Maui. Helicopter tours are also a thrilling way to experience the beauty of West Maui from above. An off-roading adventure in West Maui is another exciting option.
Resort Relaxation
Kaanapali is known for its luxurious resorts, many of which are ideal for honeymooners. Spend your days sipping cocktails by the pool, taking dips in the ocean, and working on your tan. Some of the highly recommended resorts include The Whaler, Royal Lahaina Resort, Hyatt, Sheraton, and the Westin.
Shopping and Dining
Whaler's Village is an oceanfront retail centre with high-end boutique shops and a variety of dining options, ranging from fast food to full-service ocean-view restaurants. You can also find surf schools in Kaanapali, where you can learn to ride the waves or improve your skills.
Sunset Views
Watching the sunset is a free and romantic activity in Kaanapali. Depending on the time of year, you can witness the sun setting between Lanai and Molokai. On clear days, keep an eye out for the green flash, a split-second phenomenon where the sun shines through the ocean as it sets, creating a green flash of light.
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Where to eat in Kaanapali
Kaanapali in Maui is a foodie's paradise, with beachfront dining, cute cafes, and exceptional food trucks. The prices are what you would expect from a resort, and the restaurants are usually crowded, but the crowds add to the festive, tropical atmosphere. Here are some great options for where to eat in Kaanapali:
Breakfast and Brunch
For a quirky beachfront restaurant with a long-serving, charming server, head to Gazebo in Napili, just north of Kaanapali. Be prepared to wait, but the Macadamia Nut Pancakes with Coconut Sauce are worth it.
Lunch and Dinner
For lunch or dinner, try Monkey Pod Kitchen in Whalers Village for excellent fish tacos and Mai Tai cocktails. It's a great spot for happy hour, and parking validation is available.
For a fun, varied dinner option, try the Hoopiilani Food Truck Park, open every night from 4 pm to 9 pm. There's something for everyone, from poke bowls to fish tacos, Vietnamese, Thai, and burgers.
For Hawaiian regional specialties, try the Hawaiian plate lunch, similar to a buffet, with dishes like teriyaki chicken, chili, and the classic loco moco—a combination of Asian and Western flavors with fried egg, hamburger patty, and sticky rice.
For Italian cuisine, Longhi's Kaanapali is a family-owned restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an in-house bakery for all your dessert needs.
For sushi, Sansei and Miso Phat in or near Kapalua are great options, or try Maui's premium sushi haven, Takumi.
Other recommended restaurants in Kaanapali include Leilani's, Duke's Beach House Maui, Aloha Braised, Hula Grill, Maui Brewing Co., Ulu Kitchen by Merriman, and Monkeypod Kitchen.
Whatever you're craving, from tacos to tempura, Kaanapali has something to offer!
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How to get to Kaanapali
Kaanapali is located on the west shore of Maui, Hawaii. The nearest airport is Kapalua (JHM) Airport, which is 2.7 miles away. Other nearby airports include Kahului (OGG) Airport (16.5 miles away) and Lanai (LNY) Airport (19.3 miles) away.
By Air
If you are flying into Maui, you will most likely be flying into Kahului Airport. From there, you can get to Kaanapali by bus, car, or taxi.
By Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Kahului Airport to Kaanapali, costing around $4 for a day pass. However, it is also the slowest option, taking around 2 hours and 31 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the waiting times. You will need to take multiple buses, and the journey includes transfers. The County of Maui operates buses from the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center to Whalers Village hourly, and tickets for this route cost $2.
By Car
If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car at the airport. The drive from Kahului Airport to Kaanapali takes around 43 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. The route is straightforward, and you will mainly be heading south and then west.
By Taxi
Taking a taxi from Kahului Airport to Kaanapali is the fastest option, with a travel time of around 43 minutes to 1 hour. However, it is also the most expensive option, with fares ranging from $100 to $120 USD.
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What to pack for Kaanapali
When packing for your honeymoon in Kaanapali, it's important to consider the warm and humid climate of this beautiful Hawaiian destination. The average temperature in January is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so lightweight and breathable clothing is a must. Opt for comfortable and practical attire made from breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. Don't forget to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Hawaiian sun. As for footwear, sandals or flip-flops are perfect for walking on the beach and exploring the town.
For beach activities, a swimsuit and cover-up are essential. If you plan on snorkelling, swimming, or paddleboarding, consider packing a rash guard and water shoes for rocky shorelines. Don't forget to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, as temperatures can drop slightly at night. When entering temples or other religious sites, dress modestly and respectfully by covering up with longer pants or a sundress.
Additionally, bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes for sightseeing and hiking adventures. If you plan on hiking, pack sturdy shoes and lightweight, quick-drying clothing. As you explore Kaanapali, you'll find tasty restaurants, boutique shops, and surf schools, so you may want to pack outfits for a night out or a surfing lesson.
Other packing essentials include sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle for any outdoor activities. If you're visiting during whale-watching season, which peaks from late November to April, bring binoculars or a small telescope to get a closer look at the humpback whales.
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Frequently asked questions
Some great hotel options for honeymooners in Kaanapali include the Sheraton Maui Resort, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, the Westin Maui Resort, the Kaanapali Alii, and the Whaler.
Honeymooners can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, and bike riding in Kaanapali. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars in the area, including Whaler's Village.
Kaanapali is known for its beautiful beaches and ocean views. It offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options for honeymooners, including easy access to Lahaina town and the Road to Hana.
