The 8 Best Resorts in Kaanapali, Hawaii | Hand-Picked for 2025
We analyzed all the beachfront properties and found the best resorts in Kaanapali Hawaii that offer total relaxation and sunny indulgence in one of Maui’s most beautiful coastlines.
Located along the western shore of Maui, Kaanapali is a stunning beach communities that, for many travelers, checks nearly every box when it comes to tropical getaways.
It’s almost always sunny, ridiculously close to Lahaina’s shops and restaurants, and the waters are the kind of clear blue you might assume only exists in edited brochures.
This stretch of sand and surf is, in fact, home to some of the most highly-rated resorts in Kaanapali Maui. These properties offer panoramic views of the Pacific, with the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai visible from many balconies.
Kaanapali resorts are typically known for being highly walkable, super convenient for couples, families, and friend groups, and filled with the kind of features that make staying on property just as entertaining as exploring off it.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To compile this ranking of the best resorts Kaanapali Hawaii has to offer, we, first of all, looked at feedback across multiple reputable review platforms, including Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia.
After gathering guest scores and individual experiences, our editorial team applied a proprietary scoring formula that considers location, amenities, service consistency, beach access, family-friendliness, and overall value.
We weighted beachfront quality and pool/spa offerings especially heavily, since those tend to be what visitors come to Kaanapali for in the first place.
The 8 Best Kaanapali Resorts – 2025 Full Guide
8. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located directly at iconic Black Rock with beachfront snorkeling access
- Most rooms feature ocean views or partial ocean views
- Features a lagoon-style pool with lazy river and waterfalls
It’s almost impossible to miss Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, considering how it’s perched right next to the lava-formed Black Rock, which makes it a standout among Kaanapali beach resorts.
The vibe here is calm, spacious, and slightly upscale without feeling stuffy. The rooms and suites are, honestly, pretty generous in size, and they come with sleek furnishings and sliding glass doors that, in many cases, open right to Pacific panoramas.
If you’re the type who likes immediate beach access, this one delivers just that, as Black Rock Beach is steps away and incredibly popular for snorkeling.
Families enjoy the wide, winding pool that flows like a river and the cultural activities on-site, like lei-making or hula.
Couples often gravitate toward the cliffside dining experiences at Cliff Dive Grill, where the nightly torch-lighting and cliff jump show is a local tradition.
It’s also very close to Whalers Village, which is perfect for those who want to sneak in some shopping or grab something quick to eat off-property. It’s one of the best Kaanapali Hawaii resorts that offers a little bit of everything without trying too hard.
7. Aston At The Whaler On Kaanapali Beach – Most Affordable
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Spacious condo-style suites with full kitchens
- Directly adjacent to Whalers Village
- Two towers on 6.5 acres of manicured beachfront property
- One of the most budget-friendly resorts in Kaanapali Hawaii
For travelers looking for one of the best resorts in Kaanapali beach Maui Hawaii that won’t completely empty their wallets, Aston at The Whaler is, well, a rather smart pick.
It’s not as flashy as some of the larger resorts nearby, but it absolutely makes up for that with location, convenience, and condo-style accommodations.
Suites are roomy with separate living areas and full kitchens, which, frankly, makes this a go-to for families or longer stays. Many of the units feature private balconies with views of the beach or the golf course just across the road.
And let’s be real, being located right next to Whalers Village is a huge bonus, especially when you want sushi or shave ice at a moment’s notice.
There’s a small oceanfront pool, plus BBQ grills and a fitness center. While the resort doesn’t have multiple restaurants or a sprawling spa, the value it provides in this prime beachfront spot is kind of unbeatable.
In short, if you want something very close to the water and don’t need butler service or 5-star dining, this property might be one of the best resorts in Kaanapali Maui for you to consider.
6. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- 40 acres of lush beachfront with wildlife habitats
- Half-acre pool with a 150-foot water slide
- 7 on-site dining options, including rooftop astronomy dining
The Hyatt Regency is, clearly, one of the best Kaanapali resorts if you’re looking for action and amenities around every corner.
The property sits on a seriously generous stretch of sand and offers a tropical, resort-style atmosphere with flamingos, penguins, and parrots on-site.
The rooms are rather modern and minimalist, many with floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean or mountains, providing some of the best views among all the best resorts in Kaanapali Maui.
One of the main draws here is the massive swimming pool complex, complete with waterfalls and a sizable water slide that kids and adults both can’t seem to get enough of.
The Kamaha’o Marilyn Monroe Spa is another big benefit, as guests can book oceanfront treatments under cabanas.
You’ll also find multiple eateries, including an award-winning sushi spot and a rooftop stargazing dinner experience, which is very unique among resorts in Kaanapali Maui.
Families, honeymooners, and groups of friends all find something to do here, which, by the way, makes this place one of the more versatile Kaanapali Hawaii resorts on the list.
5. OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort – Best-Seller
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Newly renovated oceanfront resort with cultural programs
- 11-acre property directly on Kaanapali Beach
- Known for the friendliest service on the strip
OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort is where modern comfort meets classic Hawaiian hospitality, and that combo makes it one of the most popular Kaanapali beach resorts, by far.
After a recent renovation, the rooms now feel more upscale, featuring local wood finishes and private lanais that, frankly, are worth spending an entire afternoon on.
The location is stellar, right in the heart of Kaanapali Beach, and the resort’s dedication to perpetuating Hawaiian culture is obvious.
Guests are invited to experience ukulele lessons, hula sessions, and storytelling that, frankly, you don’t often get with bigger, more commercial Kaanapali resorts.
There’s one main pool, a beachfront restaurant, and easy access to the beach just steps away from most rooms.
It’s incredibly welcoming, incredibly convenient, and constantly praised for how genuinely kind the staff are. You get everything you need without paying more than you should, which is why it’s one of the most popular resorts in Kaanapali Hawaii.
4. Kaanapali Alii Resort
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Luxury condo-style accommodations up to 2-bedrooms
- Direct beachfront access and outdoor BBQ areas
- Quiet and low-key vibe for mature travelers or families
Kaanapali Alii Resort is less of a hotel and more of an upscale residential escape, which makes it one of the best resorts in Kaanapali Maui for travelers who want space, quiet, and a bit of privacy.
The accommodations are, basically, luxury apartments, with gourmet kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and laundry machines in each unit.
The vibe is calm, kind of understated, and perfectly suited for families or couples who’d rather make their own plans than rely on a concierge.
That said, there’s still a beach services crew available and the beach is literally right in front of the property.
There’s no on-site restaurant, but full kitchens mean you can whip something up on your own or take a three-minute walk to nearby dining. For those wanting peaceful beachfront mornings and low-key evenings, this is clearly one of the best Kaanapali Hawaii resorts to book.
3. Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Spacious villas with full kitchens and in-room laundry
- Children’s pool and activity programs
- Beachfront property with built-in water activity rentals
If you’re traveling with the entire family, Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach might be your ideal pick among all resorts in Kaanapali.
The villas are big, and they offer all the comforts of home in a totally tropical setting, with full kitchens, private balconies, and washers/dryers in each unit.
The property sits right on the beach, making it easy to walk from your suite to the shoreline in under a minute. You’ll find cabanas, paddleboard rentals, and snorkeling gear all available directly from the beach staff.
The pool area features separate adult and kids’ zones, which is a major win for families trying to keep everyone entertained.
The resort also offers food delivery to the rooms and a market with grab-and-go options, which is helpful if you want to stay in for a sunset dinner on your lanai.
In short, this is one of the most self-sufficient Kaanapali beach resorts on the list that is perfect for groups who want space.
2. Outrigger Honua Kai Resort & Spa – Top Value Pick
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- 38-acre resort with studio to 3-bedroom condo units
- Three massive pools with waterfalls and slides
- On-site Duke’s Beach House restaurant
Outrigger Honua Kai Resort & Spa is, honestly, hard to beat when it comes to sheer space, features, and affordability for larger groups.
You get resort-level service but with spacious suites that range from studios to full three-bedroom condos, ideal for family reunions or multi-couple vacations.
The pools are sprawling, with multiple waterfalls, bridges, hot tubs, and a water slide for the kids.
The beach is directly in front of the resort and offers one of the widest stretches in the Kaanapali area. It’s not overly crowded, and the sand is soft and clean.
The on-site Duke’s Beach House is a standout for oceanfront meals, especially breakfast. With its tropical vibe and a ton of thoughtful perks, this property is the definition of the best Kaanapali resorts for groups that want value without sacrificing fun.
1. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka’anapali – Top Overall
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Modern villas with 1 to 3 bedrooms, all with kitchens
- Oceanfront property with cultural programs and spa
- Heated lagoon pool plus separate children’s pool
The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas easily tops the list of best resorts in Kaanapali, Hawaii thanks to its refined, home-like accommodations and seriously luxurious amenities.
Each villa feels incredibly new and well-maintained, with full kitchens, spacious living rooms, dining areas, and washer-dryer combos.
The entire property is oceanfront, which means even a short stroll through the garden-style grounds puts you right on the sand.
The pools are beautiful and thoughtfully separated for adults and kids, and the Westin Heavenly Spa is, well, more than a little inviting after a day in the sun.
There’s also a cultural center on-site, with educational experiences that are surprisingly engaging, not just for kids.
Food-wise, the Mauka Makai restaurant and pool bar offer enough variety that you could stick around the property all week and still not get bored. At the end of the day, for comfort, location, and service, this one’s tough to beat among Kaanapali beach resorts.
Articles You Might Also Like
