From the West Coast to the East Coast, ask any family about vacationing in Hawaii and we’re confident all will say it tops the list of trips to take. Whether it’s annual, or you’re checking it off your bucket list, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about a trip to Ka’anapali Beach, Maui! In fact the three-mile stretch of beach was just awarded the #1 beach in the United States and #10 beach in the world so we break it down by Where to Play, Where to Eat, Where to Stay and What to Bring.
Teralani Snorkling Adventure
When it comes to experiencing the beauty of Maui’s waters in true style, we turned to Teralani Charters. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or an unforgettable wildlife encounter, their exclusive offerings ensure you’ll make cherished memories. We had such a great experience last Spring on the Whale Watching catamaran that we decided to tackle the Premier Snorkel Sail!
This excursion is a 5-hour tour and we weren’t sure how it would go as for half the kids this would be their first time snorkeling, but let’s just say it exceeded all expectations. We were taken to one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui’s west coast and upon entrance to the bay we were greeted by literally hundreds of dolphins! At least 2-dozen played, jumped and escorted the boat.
Once we jumped into the water, we saw sea turtles, schools of fish, colorful coral and even an eel! We had a chef-inspired BBQ lunch on-board and relaxed on the spacious catamaran drifting in and out of sleep in the sun on the scenic sail back. It’s no wonder why Teralani is Maui’s most popular snorkeling adventure.
Island Dream Productions Photography x Terelani Charters
We highly recommend taking advantage of the photographer that is on the Terelani trip with you. Our photographer was from Island Dream Productions. She took all of the photos of us on the Terelani snorkel that you see here. As soon as your trip begins, the photographer works hard to capture posed and candid group, family and even couple photos. If you have an idea that you are going to purchase the pictures ahead of time, let the photographer know and they will keep that in mind during the trip as well. While we love taking photos and video, it was so nice to have someone else taking photos and we could just relax and enjoy the boat ride with our families. The pictures of our families snorkel especially under water make it all worth it too. While we had cases for our phones to take video, they don’t capture photos underwater and they definitely were not the same caliber of photographer as the talented photographer from Island Dream Productions was able to capture. We especially love all of the ocean life the photographer capture for us as well. Even though we saw them under water, it is so fun to be able to look back through them and reminisce with the kids about what we saw that day while snorkeling. The photos are separate from the Terelani snorkel tickets, but definitely worth it as a way to remember such an amazing day.
Maui Adventure Kayaks
One of our favorite ways to experience Maui is to get out on the ocean. Some of the better snorkeling spots on the island are hard to access by swimming out. We wanted to check out Olowalu’s famous turtle point, which is known for being a turtle cleaning station. If you are going to go snorkeling or kayaking in this area, we highly recommend Maui Adventure Tours Kayak Co. The owner, Roger has a background in Marine Sciences, is a PADI Pro DiveMaster, and has over 21 years of experience guiding kayak tours. Roger and his team also hold American Red Cross Life Guard and Hawaii Marine Naturalist certifications, and they possess many years of experience delivering memorable tours while placing an emphasis on marine conservation and education.
It is important to consider going out with a knowledgeable guide in these areas for several reasons. In Olowalu specifically, there are coral reefs that you have to navigate around. This can be challenging if you aren’t familiar with what to look for or haven’t been out in a kayak before. Additionally, the wind and weather can change without notice, which if you aren’t familiar can make it hard to paddle. We appreciated Roger and his team’s knowledge of all these things.
Roger and his team had the gear all lined up for our two families. They even offered us some local mango to start out our morning, which was a nice treat. We kayaked to two different locations to see fish and turtles. We can’t stress enough how invaluable it was going with a guide, we would not have been able to find the turtle cleaning station on our own as it is a good way out from shore. At each location, Roger and his team took care of anchoring the kayaks so we could enjoy snorkeling. Both of our families had such an enjoyable time and couldn’t believe all the amazing fish and turtles we saw.
Mermaid Class
Be a mermaid for a day! Our girls were all about this experience and had the most FIN-tastic time learning ocean facts, dressing up and of course slipping on the most beautiful tails! Sara, The Mindful Mermaid, comes to the pool at the Hyatt Regency Maui and offers a few different experiences based on your age, level and focus of the session.
We created a private session with our kids that was very similar to the Beginner Mermaid class but customized slightly to accommodate their ages, as they are very strong swimmers. The girls were beside themselves as they picked out mermaid tails to match their swimsuits, jewelry, crowns and other accessories. They did a photoshoot before entering the water and got a quick education about Maui ocean life. Once they got into the pool, they learned how to swim like a mermaid, specific strokes and tricks and played mermaid and pirate games — for any boys that are interested or join their sisters. Photos and videos were captured of the girls so we can forever remember this special experience. This class is about 75-minutes and also includes a keepsake gift at the end.
Other variations of the class include the Mini Mermaid option, a 45-minute program customized for children ages 4 thru 7 where kids swim one-on-one with the mermaid instructor ensuring safety and entertainment and full of fun! And if you are just wanting to create unique photos and videos for social media, there is a specific option geared for teens and adults with that focus.
Glassy Kayaks
Whether you are traveling with younger kids or have someone in the group that is a bit reluctant to get in the water we highly recommend Glassy Kayaks as a great way to experience the ocean. The clear kayaks are a unique way to get a glimpse under the beautiful ocean. Our kids love ocean animals and seeing them at the aquarium but our youngest isn’t quite confident in swimming in the open ocean yet. Glassy Kayaks was a fabulous way for her to see sea turtles and fish. She enjoyed watching them swim under her as daddy paddled the kayak. A turtle even popped up next to the boat. As a parent, I loved that she could participate in the activity and didn’t have to sit out on the shore. I also believe that giving our kids experiences like this helps them to build their confidence, which lends itself to them working towards snorkeling or exploring on their own. As a family, we enjoyed kayaking together and taking in the beautiful landscape around us and watching the sea life underneath us.
We met the Glassy Kayak team at Makena Park and Landing, which is a great spot to observe turtles. Known as Turtle Town, the area is filled with sea turtles and colorful fish. For those that are wanting to get in the water, this is also a great spot to snorkel. You can easily get in and out of the kayak and snorkel. You can bring your own equipment or rent from the Glassy Kayak team. There is parking and a sandy shore too if you want to stay and play on the beach before or after your kayaking excursion. We recommend the Glassy Kayak team because they offer safe launch and paddle areas for beginner kayakers as well as stable boats with outriggers to prevent flipping.
Tour of Stars
Early Polynesians were guided to the Hawaiian Islands with the help of the stars and now Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa invites guests to take a Tour of the Stars with their very own rooftop astronomy program! Home to Hawaii’s only recreational telescope with a 16-inch reflector, the “Great White” HD telescope, sits nine stories up on a remote site of the hotel.
With crystal-clear skies and located just 20 degrees north of the equator, Maui is the perfect place for astronomy. Exceptional views of 80 of the 88 constellations can be seen which is why CNN Travel named the it the Top Stargazing Spot in the World. The tour is led by Edward J. Mahoney, the Director of Astronomy at the hotel and a NASA Solar System Ambassador who uses a computer to select an agenda, locate and identify 1,000 objects in the sky including stars, planets, galaxies and nebulae. You’ll learn to interpret with the unaided eye, then with giant astronomy binoculars, and on to the “Great White”. It’s a cosmic experience for the entire family.
Cultural Activities
One thing we love to do whenever we take a vacation is to learn more about the culture of that place. It can be an activity or visiting a historical landmark. When you are in Maui, many of the hotels in the Kanaapali Beach area offer free or inexpensive ways to immerse yourself in Hawaiian cultural experiences. Traditions that are found nowhere else in the world and some of the unique activities are hula dancing class, kukui nut bracelet making, lei making workshops, coconut weaving class and more! Our families not only enjoyed these activities but we loved hearing the rich meaning behind each of these traditions.
Walk the Kaanapali Boardwalk
Kā’anapali is one of our favorite spots. With a three-mile stretch of beach that was just awarded the #1 beach in the United States and #10 beach in the world! We love walking and exploring along the Kaanapali boardwalk/pathway that stretches from Hyatt Regency Maui to the Sheraton at Black Rock. It’s a little more than half a mile and Whaler’s Village is along the way where you can shop, dine or play too. In the summer, we found the ocean water to be pretty warm and had fun trying to catch waves, swim and we saw plenty of snorkelers. In just about thigh-high water we saw sea turtles without all the gear and just our plain eye. Plus building sandcastles and hunting for shells were checked off out list too!
Drums of Pacific Luau
Whether it’s your first time, or you go every trip, be sure to book a Luau for the family. Drums of the Pacific Lu`au is the island’s longest-running show and has entertained more than 2 million visitors since the opening of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in 1980.
Be greeted with lei and a cocktail while settling into sounds of the conch, beating drums, and Hawaiian chants. Journey through the Polynesian islands, with a traditional imu ceremony and exotic flavors of Hawaii, complete with traditional Kalua Pork, an open bar, and dessert. As we dined we were entertained with authentic dances and music of Hawaii, Tahiti, the Tuamotus, Rarotonga, New Zealand, Tonga, and a thrilling three-man Samoan fire knife finale!
Hula Grill
Everytime we come to Maui, Hula Grill is an absolute must for dinner. We absolutely love the location with full oceanfront views and connected to the popular Whaler’s Village. The Barefoot Bar section allows for walk up and is more casual as your feet are literally in the sand!
Since we are a larger party we made reservations and sat in the main dining area which is all open-air (including the kitchen!) and provides for breathtaking views, and amazing sunsets. We were so drawn we had to put our signature Mai Tai’s down and stand at water’s edge for a family photo.
At Hula Grill you get to experience the true flavors of Maui as local fisherman and farmers deliver food daily and it inspires the chef-driven meal creations. This means local. line-caught fresh fish, Maui grown produce, all-natural meats and more… it’s a unique culinary and cultural melting pot crafted and served with true aloha spirit. We wanted to indulge on it all and opted for the seafood platter, ceviche, the chef’s special, filet, mahi and of course the staple Hula Pie.
Japengo
If you are looking for a great spot to enjoy fresh sushi and take in ocean views, Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui is a fabulous option. From sushi and premium steaks to locally sourced seafood, Japengo features a fusion of Asian and island-inspired cuisine. Situated along the Ka’anapali beachfront, our families enjoyed taking in the gorgeous views while eating some of our favorite dishes. We started with the curry-dusted calamari (don’t worry it is not spicy!) and steak bites. We love the sushi at Japengo. Our kids enjoyed avocado rolls and salmon rolls as well as some sashimi. For the adults, we always enjoy asking the server for their recommendations and we always try the Chirashi Don, which is the chef’s choice. The filet or rib eye are fabulous options too. Make sure to save room for dessert, the Ka’anapali pie and matcha cheesecake are too good to miss out on.
Duke’s Beach House
Duke’s Beach House honors renowned waterman and Hawaii’s most famous son, Duke Kahanamoku. He was an Olympic swimmer and the father of modern day surfing but he may be best known for sharing his genuine spirit of Aloha. Located at Honua Kai Resort & Spa on Kaanapali’s North Beach, you are just steps from the sand, with sweeping views of the Pacific framed by the islands of Molokai and Lanai along with a casual, nostalgic ambiance and a glimpse into the life of the restaurant’s namesake, Duke.
Of course we had to start with a round of Duke’s Signature Mai Tai, made with aloha, fresh Hawaiian juices and two types of rum. The Crispy Coconut Shrimp, Poke Tacos and Calamari are mouth-watering and shareable — we want to bottle up the guava cocktail sauce, wow! Fresh fish, lobster and filets provided the most delicious main course and we had to finish off the evening with the showstopping Hula Pie.
Duke’s beach house sources ingredients from over twenty local farms on Maui. These are highlighted throughout the menus and the commitment to “farm to fork” dining allows for guests to experience a
locally sourced meal and support local farmers and their families.
Mala
One of our favorite discoveries on this trip was Mala Ocean Tavern. It is located in Lahaina town right on the oceanfront and serves brunch and dinner. We found it to be a fabulous stop right after we got off the plane. We took in the ocean views and sea breeze, while enjoying the yummy food and watching sea turtles bob along close by. The staff and service were amazing.
We started our meal by sharing some of the appetizers including coconut shrimp and French toast topped with Ube Ice cream. The adults enjoyed Ube Coladas, Lava Flows and Pina Coladas too. These can be made without alcohol. For our entrees, we had to check out the chef’s special which was a yummy twist on egg’s Benedict. We also enjoyed the Mala Breakfast plate with fresh fish and traditional egg’s Benedict. Our kids enjoyed spotting sea turtles while they waited for their food and we loved feeling that ocean breeze after a long flight. Make sure to check out their dinner menu too and specials.
We loved that Mala Ocean Tavern is a beacon of resilience in the Lahaina area. Read more about their story here. We found it important prior to the trip to discuss as a family the importance of not asking about the fires to the workers at the restaurants or hotel as many have lost so much. Instead, we gave the kids time to ask their questions to us and we discussed it as a family.
Monkeypod Kitchen
One of our family’s favorite spots in Maui and Oahu to eat is at Monkeypod Kitchen. The Monkeypod Mai Tais are a must have with their signature lilikoi foam on top (and yes, you can enjoy a virgin option of this too). Our families enjoyed poke tacos and a kalua pork and pineapple pizza to start out. We also enjoyed their Ahi Steak, Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Fish and Prime Ribeye Steak. Make sure to ask what the Chef’s Daily special is. On the night that we were there, we enjoyed lobster tails and ahi. Monkeypod Kitchen’s desserts feature a variety of cream pies. We tried out Banana Creme pie and Coconut Creme pie, both were a fabulous way to end the meal. The Monkeypod Kitchen in Maui is located in Whaler’s Village in Ka’anapali Beach. Take in live music while you enjoy your meal and enjoy a sunset view by the ocean too.
Umalu
Retreat to this Maui poolside eatery, bar and lounge for local favorites and an island take on American cuisine with fresh local ingredients and of course views of the ocean. We enjoyed the restaurant most days by the pool and it usually included our favorite Lava Flow and Oo-Bae-Bae ube syrup swirl blended drinks. Enjoy live music series featuring local musicians every night from 6:00pm – 9:00pm and grab a poke bowl or delicious mahi mahi tacos at Umalu!
Hyatt Maui
We’ve been to Maui for many years, it was acutally somewhat of a tradition growing up and wanted to do our best to continue that with our families. Since 2019 our family has exclusively made the Hyatt Regency Maui our vacation spot when visiting Ka’anapali.
We love the the 40-acre oceanfront oasis on world-renowned Ka‘anapali Beach. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is a AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel offering access to everything you desire for an unforgettable getaway in paradise. The half-acre pool with a dedicated water playground for keiki (kids) is a huge hit. The kids love the slide and also the lava tube slide that shoots you into 9 feet of water under the rope swing bridge. The play on the floating sea creatures anchored to the splash area for the kiddos that also has a sandbox in the middle.
The hotel offers so many free cultural activities, rooftop stargazing and the Drums of the Pacific luau is even on-site. The proximity to Whaler’s Village with the walkability of the beach boardwalk, all contribute to incredible experience provided by staying at the Hyatt.
Ka’anapali Beach Resort
Kā’anapali is one of our favorite spots. With a three-mile stretch of beach that has been touted as one of the best beaches on Maui, and even in America, there are over 30 culinary options and 11 accommodations. Friends, families and couples can choose from oceanfront hotels featuring lush gardens and waterfalls, family-friendly resorts with kid-centric programming and multiple waterslides.
- UPF Swimwear
- Vessi Waterproof shoes
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Aloha or Splashproof bag
- Aquavault
- Away suitcases
- Yeti water bottles
- Family Matching Resort Wear Kenny Flowers
