5 Best Kaanapali Tours for Your Maui Trip!
If you are based in Kaanapali on your Maui trip, or plan to spend a day in Kaanapali, consider these top-rated guided Kaanapali tours to push your vacation up a notch!
There’s a lot you can do in Kaanapali on your own, such as sun-worshipping on the prettiest beach in Hawaii.
But if you like a little more variety on vacation, you’ll want to add one or two of these exciting Maui adventures to your itinerary.
From the wonders of the underwater world to the colors of a Hawaiian sunset and a peek into local food and culture, these top Kaanapali tours are great for families, couples, and solo visitors to the island.
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1. Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Up for some traditional Hawaiian entertainment?
The Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton is one of the best luaus on the island, and it’s right here in Kaanapali, so you may even be able to walk over from your Kaanapali accommodations.
The luau occurs at sunset, with tiki torches lighting up the twilight skies and the beat of the drums ringing out as the sun disappears below the horizon.
Depending on the weather, you may even be able to see the famous sunset cliff diving at Black Rock!
With a spectacular setting right on the oceanfront, this Kaanapali luau features a Polynesian dance and music show, which means you will be treated to some epic fire dancing at the end.
The feast, the other integral part of a Hawaiian luau, is an all-you-can-eat self-service buffet featuring local dishes such as kalua pig.
And you’ll witness the imu ceremony, where the pig that’s roasted in an underground oven is brought up to be served.
With a 4.5 rating on Viator based on close to 900 reviews, the Maui Nui Luau is a must-add to your Kaanapali vacation.
This is what a recent guest said:
“The food was fantastic, the entertainment was awesome!! Plus tattoos!! The fire dancers were fabulous! The luau wasn’t just dancing, it told the whole story of Hawaii. Lots of audience participation and fun. All the dancers took our breath away!“
— Nancy (read more reviews)
>> Check price and availability for the Maui Nui Luau now!
2. Sunset Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach
Few experiences on Maui are as magical as sunset at Kaanapali.
While you can simply stroll the boardwalk at Kaanapali beach and enjoy the blaze of colors in the sky as the sun disappears into the water, consider a Kaanapali sunset cruise for a relaxing evening on the ocean.
The sunset catamaran cruise departs right from Kaanapali Beach and includes an open bar and snacks.
Grab a handcrafted cocktail and some pupus as you find a spot to enjoy the cool ocean breeze and the epic views on your cruise.
The views of the offshore islands of Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe from the water are beautiful, as is looking back at Maui’s coastline.
If the weather gods cooperate, you will be treated to a lavish display of brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples in the sky as the sun sets over the ocean.
Watching Mother Nature flaunt her artistic skills is a sight that is both exhilarating and humbling at the same time.
As you cruise, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, and, in winter, for majestic humpback whales. Seeing a whale breach against the backdrop of a colorful Maui sunset sky is a sight you will never forget.
This sunset cruise has a 5-star rating on Viator with close to 900 reviews. Here’s a recent review:
“Excellent time and the crew was fantastic. Food was surprisingly good (didn’t expect it to be) and the drinks were terrific. Saw numerous whales and highly recommend this adventure! Cheers!“
— Frank (read more reviews)
>> Check price and availability for this 5-star Kaanapali sunset cruise now!
3. Half Day West Maui Snorkeling Tour from Kaanapali
The waters on the west side of Maui are renowned for the marine life they contain, from humpback whales in the winter to Hawaiian green sea turtles, dolphins, and dozens of species of colorful tropical fish.
What better way to spend half a day in Kaanapali than exploring the underwater world off shore!
On this snorkeling tour from Kaanapali Beach, your captain decides the snorkeling sites you will visit, based on the day’s conditions. You may stop at Mala Wharf, Oluwalu, Cliff House, or Honolua Bay.
The tour includes snorkeling gear, breakfast, and lunch.
En route to the snorkeling sites, keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, or humpback whales (in the winter).
At the stops, you can slip on your gear and jump into the water to look for Hawaiian green sea turtles, schools of tropical fish, and colorful coral reefs.
Photos and video captured by a staff photographer are available for purchase.
This West Maui snorkeling tour has a 5-star rating on Viator with over 700 reviews. Here’s what a recent participant had to say:
“This was worth every penny! We saw so many whales! We also had dolphins swimming and playing alongside our boat as we moved through the area. The crew on the boat were top notch! Meal was good and drinks were great! We saw some amazing sea life, including an octopus! I highly recommend buying the pics from the professional photographer that comes along on the trip. She took some INCREDIBLE pictures!!“
— Jennifer (read more reviews)
>> Check pricing and availability for this snorkeling trip from Kaanapali now!
4. 8-Line Ka’anapali Zipline Adventure on Maui
For adventure-loving visitors to Kaanapali, a zipline tour over the picturesque landscapes of the island is a memorable experience.
On this zipline adventure from Kaanapali, you will drive up into the West Maui mountains, and then traverse a number of ziplines along a scenic route for a thrilling adventure.
The ziplines are arranged over a series of valleys and ravines and forests, and offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the West Maui coastline, and the offshore islands of Kaho‘olawe, Lanai, and Molokai.
A professional guide offers insightful commentary of the island’s geology, and native flora and fauna.
For families with older kids, and couples and solo adults that love adventure, this zipline tour offers a fun-filled activity on a nice weather day.
This zipline adventure in West Maui has a 5-star rating on Viator with close to 300 reviews. Here’s what a recent participant said:
“This was our favorite excursion for our entire trip…The views of the valleys and ocean were all-encompassing, and you can see a lot of Maui from the top. The ziplines were exhilarating and thrilling, and our guides made sure we stayed safe and relaxed. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun adventure in a gorgeous place.“
— Carrie (read more reviews)
>> Check pricing and availability for this 8-line West Maui zipline adventure now!
5. Whale Watching Cruise from Kaanapali
If you are planning a winter trip to Maui, you must definitely consider a whale-watching tour!
Winter is the time when thousands of humpback whales arrive in the warm waters around the Hawaiian islands to mate and breed. The ocean channel west of Maui is considered a top whale watching spot in the winter.
This whale watching cruise departs directly from Kaanapali Beach, and includes an open bar.
You will be accompanied on the cruise by a naturalist guide as you look for pods of humpbacks. Your guide will offer insights into whales and their migratory patterns.
The catamaran offers plenty of seating, including bean bags on open nets that offer a front-seat view of the action.
As you cruise, enjoy unlimited drinks from an open bar. The family-friendly excursion also offers non-alcoholic drinks for younger passengers. Snacks are available as well.
This Kaanapali whale-watching cruise has a 5-star rating on Viator with close to 500 reviews. Here is a review from a recent tour participant:
“We had a great time!! Lots of activity with whales and spinner dolphins! The crew were friendly, efficient and fun! We would go again in a heartbeat! I highly recommend this activity!“
— Teresa (read more reviews)
>> Check pricing and availability for this Kaanapali whale watching cruise now!