Ka'anapali Beach

Ka'anapali Beach stretches for several kilometers along Maui's western shore with white sand that opens to the Pacific Ocean. The shoreline includes different sections, with Black Rock standing out as a distinctive rock formation at the southern end that shapes the landscape.

The beach was once a preferred retreat for Hawaiian royalty before transforming into a resort destination starting in the 1960s. This shift from royal sanctuary to vacation spot fundamentally changed how the area developed and was used.

The name Ka'anapali comes from Hawaiian language and reflects the island's cultural roots. At dusk, you can watch local divers leap from Black Rock, continuing a practice rooted in Hawaiian tradition.

The beach has several small public parking areas reachable through marked access points between Ka'anapali Parkway and the shoreline. The water works well for different activities, and facilities spread across different beach sections help visitors find the right spot for what they want to do.

The waters around Black Rock are notably rich with fish, allowing snorkelers to explore coral reefs and tropical species right from shore. This rock formation creates special conditions that draw marine life closer to the surface than usual.