Directions, Map, Parking, Facilities
- Location: Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Directions: Highway 30 (Honoapiilani Hwy) to Kaanapali Parkway
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Amenities: Outdoor showers, restrooms, beachwalk, rentals, shopping
- Dining: Many excellent restaurant options at Kaanapali Beach
- Parking: Limited free parking at beachside resorts, beach parks
Directions to Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach, backed by a beautiful, planned resort community, is a well-developed beach, flush with amenities to make life easy for a luxurious family beach day.
As with any Hawaiian beach, you don’t have to stay at the ritzy and expensive resorts lining the beach to enjoy the beach!
If you’re driving up from Lahaina or any of the other tourist hotspots on Maui, take Highway 30, Honoapiilani Highway, to Kaanapali Parkway or your preferred parking area (see the parking section below).
Kaanapali Beach Map
The Kaanapali Beach map below shows the different sections of the beach, parking options, and the many attractions described in this website.
Parking for Kaanapali Beach
Obviously, if you are staying at one of the resorts next to Ka’anapali Beach, you won’t need beach parking. A handy beachwalk connects everything.
Free Resort Parking
Your best option is to come early, about 07:30 – 08:00 am. By law, resorts lining the beach have to provide free public parking, but they usually limit the number of spots.
I’ve come in early to snorkel at Black Rock, and have had no trouble finding a free spot at the Sheraton, located right next to this prime snorkeling spot. But then, I was there at 07:30 am, because I like to snorkel early morning.
If you’re early and the Sheraton is full, just head to another resort. Most likely you’ll find a spot.
Free Ka’anapali Beach Parking
Between all the resorts, a couple of free Ka’anapali Beach parking lots are wedged in, with a few paltry spots, woefully inadequate for the visitors to the beach.
You’ll find one between the Sheraton and the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach resorts, with a public access trail from the parking lot to the beachwalk and the beach beyond.
You’ll find another, with about 10 free spots, near the tennis courts, off and at the end of Nohea Kai Drive.
Free Parking at Hanakao’o Beach Park or Kahekili Beach Park
While there are other free parking options shown in the map, the two other best parking areas are the extreme ends of Ka’anapali Beach: Hanakao’o Beach Park and Kahekili Beach Park.
What I usually do is drop off family and any gear at a location near the Whaler’s Village (centrally located), and then park at one of the above two extremes.
Parking here is usually available anytime during the week, but weekends get busy.
The walk to Whalers Village is about 15 minutes along the Ka’anapali Beachwalk.
Whalers Village Paid Parking
The open air beach mall, Whalers Village, offers paid parking, meant primarily for their shopping patrons.
If you have booked a tour, check with them. Some tours offer validated parking at Whalers Village.
You may also get partial validation (typically 3 hours) if you shop or eat at Whalers Village.
If you’re planning to park for the day, parking at Whalers Village can get expensive. As of this writing, the rates are $8 / hour to a maximum of $50.
Facilities at Ka’anapali Beach
With so many resorts lining the beach, there is no shortage of facilities!
Outdoor showers are available near most of the resorts, and you can use them to rinse off the sand before heading in.
You can use the restrooms at the resort where you are based, or at Whalers Village. Public toilets are also provided at the two ends of Kaanapali Beach: Hanakao’o Beach Park and the Kahekili Beach Park
For the longest time, Ka’anapali Beach had lifeguards only at the southern tip, Hanakao’o Beach Park.
Starting 2024, a lifeguard station has been planned for the Black Rock part of Ka’anapali Beach, centrally located, next to the Sheraton Resort.
A nicely paved walkway, Kaanapali Beachwalk, stretches along Ka’anapali Beach, excellent for a shaded stroll in picturesque surroundings.
Rental stores offering all kinds of gear for water activities and a comfortable beach experience are located in the resorts or near the beach.
Many have booths beachside, so you can rent directly at the beach, through a concierge service. Saves you the trouble of lugging the gear from your car or the store.
Feeling hungry? Check our detailed guide to the best dining options at Ka’anapali Beach.