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What to do in Kaanapali, Maui

a group of people swimming in a body of water

Kaanapali is a popular resort town in West Maui that is home to many hotels, beaches, restaurants and shops, including RideSmart Maui! Our new location makes it easy to start exploring as soon as you pick up your e-bike. Whether you’re looking for a romantic week with your partner, or a family fun day with the kids, we offer a variety of e-bike types including tandem, cargo and all-terrain e-bikes to help you make the most out of your time in Kaanapali. We also offer self-guided tours of Kaanapali, so you can simply follow our step-by-step instructions and skip the research and planning. Here are a few of our favorite local recommendations:

TRANSPORTATION IN KAANAPALI

Kaanapali is 3 miles south of the Kapalua and 4 miles north of Lahaina. You can get to our shop using Lyft/Uber, the public bus system, or the free trolley if you are staying in Kaanapali. Learn more about the transportation options Maui has to offer.
RideSmart Maui Electric Bikes is open daily from 8:30am – 5:30pm by appointment and reservation only. Before visiting our store in Kaanapali, we encourage you to book your rental or self-guided tour ahead of time to ensure we have your desired equipment available during the dates of your visit. Please feel free to contact us to set up an electric bike consultation, or to learn more about cycling in Kaanapali.

HISTORY OF KAANAPALI

Kaanapali has a strong history stretching back to ancient Hawaiian people. The area is well known for the daring feats of Chief Kahekili, who would cliff dive off Kaanapali’s Black Rock to gain respect and loyalty from other warriors. It remained mostly undeveloped until 1962 when the area was deemed an ideal place to build a resort community and the construction of the Royal Lahaina resort set the stage for a series of hotel developments. Kaanapali soon gained the attention of vacationers across the world as one of the first master planned destination resorts.

WHAT TO DO

  • Tour a coffee farm: Ride to the skyline view at the Kaanapali Coffee Farm. Secluded and still preserved with both charm and natural beauty, the farms are a beautiful agricultural community still producing coffee today! This is one of the most popular e-bike experiences, so we also offer a 2-hour self-guided tour for our customers to enjoy!
  • Go to the beach: Kaanapali Beach offers three miles of soft sandy shores adjacent to several resorts and restaurants. This is also one of the best beaches on Maui for swimming and catching the sunset. You can also visit Airport Beach, or Kahekili just North of Kaanapali Beach. This beach park offers lots of parking, grills and tables and a grassy lawn.
  • Snorkel at Black Rock: A finger of lava on the north end of Kaanapali Beach makes for a great snorkeling spot.
  • Watch the sunset cliff dive ceremony – Since the Sheraton first opened in 1963, crowds gather at sunset to watch a diver sprint down the beach, climb Black Rock and dive off into the water below.
  • Go surfing: The area offers a consistent beginner wave called “the point” and a more advanced break towards the north end of the beach called “rainbows”. If you’re new to surfing, there are a few surf schools such as Maui Surf Lessons and Kaanapali Surf Club.
  • Golf: book a tee time at one of the two 18-hole championship golf courses in Kaanapali. the Kaanapali Kai course and Kaanapali Royal course.
  • Stroll down Kaanapali Beach Walk: enjoy a beautiful walk by the ocean on this easy paved surface lined with palm trees. The path starts near the Sheraton, and runs south through Wahikuli State Park and down along the waterfront of Lahaina village.

a group of people swimming in a body of water

  • Kaanapali Skyline Eco Adventures: Adventure seekers won’t want to miss this thrilling 8-line adventure, providing unforgettable views of the coast and mountains.
  • Attend a Luau – Visitors love The Myths of Maui Luau in Kaanapali, which offers an all-inclusive Hawaiian-style buffet, stage show, and fire knife dance.
  • Shop at the quaint Whalers Village: Whaler’s Village is an oceanfront shopping center located right on the beach. Whalers Village is home to over 90 shops and restaurants including Island Vintage Coffee, Sand People, Honolua Surf Co. and Na Hoku.

WHERE TO EAT

There are so many great places to dine in Kaanapali. You should expect to spend a little more in this luxury resort community, but we also noted a few deals for those looking for more affordable options.

Roy’s Kaanapali

Upscale dining offering Asian and Hawaiian fusion fare and classy cocktails. Chef Roy Yamaguchi is a local favorite and reservations are recommended. Local Tip: They offer a budget-friendly happy hour with unbelievable Szechuan ribs. Diners also love their famous molten lava cave.
2290 Kaanapali Pkwy, Suite A

Leilani’s Beachside Grill

Award-winning oceanfront restaurant that utilizes local ingredients and sustainably caught fish. Go during Aloha Hour for food and drink specials and live music. Whalers Village

Choice Health Bar

The place to go for delicious and nutritious smoothies, acai bowls, juices and salads. They use organic and fresh plant-based ingredients to give you the fuel you need to kick off a day of adventure. Whalers Village

Castaway Cafe
Casual beachfront dining that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try their local made banana bread, or go on Tuesday for their special 2 for 1 pasta night. 45 Kai Ala Drive

a group of palm trees next to a body of water

Brunch by the water at Castaway Cafe

Cliff Dive Grill

The spot to watch the nightly Cliff Dive ceremony, hula dancers and live music. Check out their to-go lunch menu and grab some grub on your way to the beach!
2605 Kaanapali Pkwy

Monkeypod Kitchen

Chef Peter Merriman is a culinary pioneer in Hawaii and his authentic regional cuisine is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Go for the happy hour, stay for the hand-crafted pies.
Whalers Village, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy

Hula Grill Kaanapali

Kick back and relax for breakfast, lunch or dinner at this beachfront bar and open air kitchen. Enjoy live entertainment every night from 2pm – 7pm.
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Bldg P

Japengo / Ūmalu / Swan Court Breakfast / Son’z Steakhouse

The Hyatt Regency has several eateries that are worth paying a visit even if you’re not staying there. Try Japengo’s asian hawaiian fusion, grab an award winning steak from Son’z, or fuel up at the Swan Court Breakfast buffet
200 Nohea Kai Rd (The Hyatt)