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The Best Resorts in Kaanapali Maui

Are you planning a Maui vacation and looking for the best resorts in Kaanapali?

The best resorts in Kaanapali

Here are the best resorts in Kaanapali. Listed in no particular order, other than I started with some of my favorites. 

Hint, you should always choose a resort in Kaanapali or nearby in the winter! This is one of the best places to see whales from the beautiful beaches. You may even spot a whale (or ten) from your own private lanai.

Check out The Ultimate Guide to Maui Whale Watching to learn more. Lastly, make sure to check out the 40 best places to eat in Maui – many of which are in the Kaanapali area.

Now, let’s get to the best resorts in Kaanapali, on the west side of Maui.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

This Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is one of the best Maui resorts. It is located directly on Ka’anapali Beach. You can easily take a short walk to the beach at any time of the day. The resort is situated on a thinner stretch of beach, but it’s a short walk to where the beach gets much wider with room to spread out. 

As a Hawaii Travel Agent, I book this resort more than any other resort in Hawaii. Why? It’s just such an excellent fit for almost anyone! It’s on a fantastic beach, great for couples but also great for families; plus, there are resident penguins! 

You can choose to stay in one of the more than 700 newly updated rooms. Or if you need extra space, there are 31 suites available. If you want the best of the best, I recommend the 2,300 square feet in the Presidential Suite. It offers seven lanais for the ultimate in relaxation.

Outside of your room, you’ll find the outdoor water park, infinity pool, whirlpool spa, and an adults-only pool. The adults-only pool is the perfect oasis for honeymoons or those celebrating an anniversary.

If you do head to the water park, take the time to go down the lava tube water slides. It’s an experience you will never forget.

As for dining, I recommend ordering room service for breakfast or heading to Swan Court, where you can eat as the swans float in the nearby lagoon. Contact me to see if you can find a great rate with breakfast at the Swan Court included! 

At night, stick to the on-site restaurants for a leisurely dinner. You might even choose to attend the resort’s luau, “Drums of the Pacific,” one night.

Westin Maui Resort & Spa

When you are searching for the best luxury hotels in Kaanapali for your vacation, Westin Maui Resort should be at the top of your list. This resort recently had lots of renovations. It looks brand new!

This resort is near the Kapalua Airport, although you’ll likely fly into Kahului (OGG), which is Maui’s main airport.

All the rooms and suites at this resort in Kaanapali are located within towers. Ocean views are best seen from the rooms at Hokupa’a Tower. Staying in that tower will also grant you access to The Lanai. It is an upscale gathering spot that offers a complimentary breakfast.

Five pools will be waiting for you when you want to go swimming. Those pools include waterfalls, a swim-through grotto, and a giant waterslide.

You can easily relax with a few treatments at the spa. However, you can also learn how to make a lei or take hula dancing lessons. Don’t forget to attend the Polynesian luau one night during your stay.

Mealtimes are simple with all the on-site restaurants. Although, Whaler’s Village is within walking distance of this resort in Kaanapali. So, you may decide to head there for a meal at some point.

This is a family-friendly resort in Kaanapali. Keep that in mind while planning your trip.

Honua Kai Resort & Spa

Honua Kai Resort & Spa in Kaanapali offers a unique spin on resort vacations. Your accommodations here are condos but with resort amenities. These condo rentals will allow you to enjoy a fully equipped kitchen.

If you book the three-bedroom suites, you will have all the comforts of home. As a Hawaii Travel Agent, I book this condo resort most often for larger families and extended families. It’s my second most booked resort on Maui, after the Hyatt! 

Don’t worry that this is a condo resort; you still get concierge service and can access the full-service spa.

During a family vacation, your time will be spent by connecting swimming pools. However, adult vacations will be geared more towards relaxing in a cabana by the adults-only pool.

Oh, and while you may have a full kitchen, you don’t need to use it. Instead, you can easily head to Duke’s beachfront restaurant for a bite to eat.

Ka’anapali Beach Hotel

Kaanapali Beach Hotel is considered Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel. You will find this resort tucked away amongst the tropical gardens between the Whaler and the Sheraton.

One of your favorite things to do here will be walking to Whaler’s Village. It is only 3 minutes away!

The best things to do right at the resort are all the Hawaiian culture lessons. A few of the cultural activities include learning some Hawaiian words, making a lei, or playing the ukulele.

I do recommend signing up for one of the outrigger canoe paddling tours. Your guide will share a lot of history with you. You will also learn about the culture of the locals. You must arrange for your tour well in advance. They book quickly!

Royal Lahaina Resort

The Royal Lahaina Resort is located just a few minutes from Whalers Village. It is the perfect place to stay if you want the action close by but not too close.

The popular Myths of Maui luau is also located at the Royal Lahaina Resort.

You will find this oceanfront resort directly on North Ka’anapali Beach, just to the north of Black Rock. This beach is also called Kahekili Beach by the locals.

The rooms and suites at this resort offers all the amenities you need while on vacation. However, if you desire a little more space, I recommend staying in one of the beach cottage buildings. Those buildings are tucked away in acres of tropical gardens. Lots of peace and quiet!

This resort has two swimming pools, a pool bar, and two hot tubs. There are 11 tennis courts to keep you busy and fit. Although, you may prefer to eat at the resort’s ice cream parlor.

The best thing about staying at this resort in Kaanapali is there is no resort fee.

Westin Nanea Ocean Villas

One, two, and three-bedroom suites are available at this resort in Kaanapali. This makes it one of the best places for any type of vacation, including family vacations.

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas guest rooms offer an open living space, private balconies, and internet access.

There are two on-site restaurants at this resort. Plus, most of the standard hotel rooms here have a kitchen area.

The list of on-site amenities isn’t as long as some of the other best resorts in Kaanapali. However, you will find plenty to fill your days. Whether you head to the beach, the pool, or the spa.

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Another one of the best Maui hotels for families is the Sheraton Maui Resort. This is another resort located on North Kaanapali Beach. 

All the rooms at this resort have a Hawaiian theme. I recommend choosing a room with one of the private lanais, as well as views of the beach.

Your visit will be full of scuba diving lessons, hula lessons, and swims in the lazy-river pool. Add in the tennis courts, fitness center, and massages by the ocean, and you may never want to leave.

Escape the resort for a day and head to nearby Black Rock. It is an excellent place to snorkel with green sea turtles. If you need something a little more adventurous, go cliff diving at Black Rock.

I also recommend the luau, Maui Nui Luau.

Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club

Out of all the resorts in this resort area, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club always comes in at the top. This is one of the best hotels if you want a standard hotel room or one of the newer vacation condos. Those condos come with either a full kitchen or a kitchenette.

The best part about staying at this resort is you have easy access to the beach. Plus, there is a large outdoor pool area, spa, and fitness center. People of all ages will love hanging out in the game room.

You can order food to be delivered to the pool or get takeout in your room.

Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is not one of the best resorts in Kaanapali, but it’s one of the best resorts near Kaanapali. Located in West Maui north of Kaanapali, the Ritz-Carton Kapalua is perfect for golfers and those who want the best of the best in a 5-star luxury resort.

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is more isolated than many resorts, making it perfect for those who want a quieter getaway. 

While the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is beachfront, the hiking and trails are also incredible. It’s also the closest resort to the West Maui Loop, which I mention in my 50 things to do in Maui post. 

All 466 rooms and suites are modern. They are filled with island decor and special touches. The six restaurants will have you savoring every bite of your meals, especially if you try authentic Hawaiian cuisine.

Aston Kaanapali Shores

One of the best areas on the Hawaiian Islands is West Maui. The good news is you can stay at one of the best resorts on that side of the island. Aston Kaanapali Shores beachfront resort offers everything you need for this time away from home.

You will have direct access to the best beaches in Maui. In addition, the whaling town of Lahaina is only 5 miles away. This means plenty of whale-watching opportunities if you plan your vacation right.

Many of the rooms and suites offer fully-equipped kitchens. In addition, there is an on-site restaurant to dine at. Plus, the Hula Grill isn’t too far away in Lahaina.

You can get a workout in at any time of the day at the fitness center. Two pools are heated for swimming. Add in shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, and pickleball courts, and you will be busy from morning until night.

Montage Kapalua Bay

Staying at the Montage Kapalua Bay will have you enjoying the sights and sounds of Kapalua Bay. The rooms at this resort overlook both the bay and ocean, as well as the tropical gardens.

The on-site restaurants use local ingredients to prepare many different Hawaiian dishes.

The Montage also happens to be one of the best golf resorts in the world. So if you plan on playing on the Kaanapali golf courses, this resort should be at the top of your list. Just keep in mind this is a bit north of Kaanapali.

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

The Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas is another one of the condo rentals available on the island. These condos are located within lush tropical gardens. You can easily wander along the footpath through those gardens to Kahekili Beach.

Your days may also be spent at the pool, fitness center, or spa. The Kaanapali Trolley will be waiting to take you to nearby shopping destinations.

If you don’t want to leave this resort for mealtime, head over to the Castaway Cafe. It is the perfect place to dine on Hawaiian cuisine while enjoying the views.

The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas

One of the best resorts in Kaanapali is The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas. This resort is the perfect place to stay with young kids, older kids, and just adults.

You can choose a room with the space you need, whether in a studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom villa. Many of the rooms have a private balcony and partial ocean views.

The pool area offers plenty of fun that includes waterfalls. In addition, you can go sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and whale watching just steps away from the resort.

There are three restaurants on-site. If you get hungry after dinner one night, head to the general store. There are two stores to choose from, and they carry everything you may be craving.

The best part of your stay will be the views of the West Maui mountains.

Kaanapali Alii Beach Rentals

These are another group of condo rentals directly on Kaanapali Beach. The condos are spread out among four towers. Each condo offers air conditioning, living rooms, dining areas, and a private lanai.

Everyone will love the swimming pool, whirlpool spa, and beach cabanas. There isn’t an on-site restaurant. However, there is a general store, and you can have groceries delivered to your room.

Bonus, one resort in Wailea:

Although this resort is not located in Kaanapali, it’s a favorite, so I’ll share it here. You’ll find more alternatives in Wailea in my post: the 15 best resorts in Maui for families and the 10 best honeymoon hotels in Maui.

The good thing about Wailea is that it’s more central and closer to things like the Road to Hana. However, I love the Kaanapali area, especially in the winter! 

Fairmont Kea Lani

Fairmont Kea Lani is a resort in South Maui that has just recently received a few upgrades and renovations. You will find this hotel only a half hour away from the Kahului Airport.

There are more than 400 one-bedroom suites and 37 two-bedroom villas. The villas have their own barbecue grills, private plunge pool, and living room.

Your days will be full since you have easy beach access. Although, your favorite place might be the spa.

You will find plenty of on-site dining options at this resort. There are six restaurants to choose from, as well as 4 bars.

The best resorts in Kaanapali

I hope this list of the best resorts in Kaanapali helps you find the best resort in Kaanapali for you. Did your favorite Kaanapali resort make this list? If not, share it with me in the comments below.