Kaanapali Beach on Maui was recognized as among the best beaches in the world (ranked 10th out of 25) and the only beach in the United States to be given that award. It also scored another honor as being chosen first place on the list of the top 25 beaches in the United States. That list also included these beaches in Hawaii:
- Kannapali, Maui – 1st place
- Hanalei, Kauai – 4th place
- Ho’okpa, Maui – 5th place
- Lanikai, Oahu – 15th place
- Poipu, Kauai – 16th place
- Napili, Maui – 17th place
- Kailua, Oahu – 21st place
- Hapuna, Big Island – 24th place
Both awards are from TripAdvisor and their 2023 Travelers’ Choice Awards. “Travelers’ Choice winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, as well as an additional editorial process,” said TripAdvisor.
Would You Pick Kaanapali to be the Only USA Beach on World’s Best List?
Kaanapali is three miles of beautiful white sand that begins 4 miles above Lahaina on West Maui. It is spectacular, even though some of the beach has suffered significant erosion.
Since its beginnings as an ancient Hawaiian village, Kāʻanapali has been a spiritual and recreational home for generations of Hawaiians. In 1962, it became the first master resort in Hawaii. Now over 4,800 hotel rooms, condominium suites, and villas now clog those three exquisite miles.
From surfing lessons, scuba diving, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters that define Kāʻanapali Beach, the beach boardwalk (partly destroyed and in reconstruction) is a popular spot for walks. Whalers Village is within walking distance and has everything you need regarding facilities.
You can snorkel at Black Rock (also known as Puu Kekaa) and then return later in the day to watch a cliff diver lighting torches before jumping into the Pacific Ocean during the daily sunset-cliff diving ceremony. Enjoy parasailing, then dine at any of the great Kaanapali restaurants and food trucks.
Water sports abound with plenty of options. You can also take a cruise on a local boat and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes while you watch humpback whales in season until May.
Kaanapali Beach History
Kaanapali is steeped in Maui’s history. The Kaanapali Historical Trail offers a glimpse into Kaanapali’s unique history and legends and highlights many points of particular interest.
A self-guided walking tour begins at the Kaanapali Airstrip, Windsock Lounge, and ends near the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. The tour then takes you to nine additional marked sites, including an ancient Hawaiian temple or heiau and the Koko O Na Moku Race Track.
Where to Park at Kaanapali Beach.
A few small parking lots are available between the beach and Kaanapali Parkway. Beach access signs are easy to spot. You can also pay for parking at Whaler’s Village, where validation is required.
Where to stay at Kaanapali Beach.
The choices are clearly vast, and we’ll list just a few. They include Maui Kai, Honua Kai Resort, Sheraton Maui Resort, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Royal Lahaina Resort, Hyatt Regency Maui, and more.
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Ho’okpa???? Do you mean Ho’okipa?
Love too go! Always wanted too go too Hawaii! I’m sure it’s beautiful! Hopefully one day I will get there!!
Aka Moana Beach Park is a beautiful, clean easily accessible beach. 4 Life Guard stations, clean restrooms and plenty of parking. Should be listed.
While I understand the disappointment of limited space and permits for visitors to spend time on our lovely beaches, it has purpose.
Here on Kauai during a massive mud slide closing North Shore above Hanalei, and then covid, when our entire island was in quarantine, our snorkeling and aquatic wildlife nurseries thrived, increased by the hundreds, grew large.
What you now enjoy is limited, but when you can get there, the experience is thrilling beyond anything experienced in years.
Mahalo for understanding.
Thank God they haven’t discovered W. or B. on O’ahu.
Nice list, and of course there’s going to be a variety of opinions. However I personally wouldn’t put Kaanapali Beach at the top. I haven’t been to Hapuna in about 5 years, but that was definitely one of my favourites. Lanikai beach is beautiful (hard to find parking). I’m surprised Hanauma Bay isn’t on this list because the beach is also really nice! As far as other US beaches, all those on Hawaii would rank higher than any I’ve personally seen in the lower 48. Actually my favourite in Hawaii is the small Mauna Lani Beach just south of Hapuna (admittedly, watch the sharp lava rock getting into the water!)…but not a beach many will think to go to.
No give favorite beaches on internet so tourists can ruin it.
So yes, Ka’anapali no ka ‘oi.
As with most everything, it’s in the eye of the beholder. I love the long walk on Kaanapali at sunset and the water is warm for swimming. However, it’s a bit murky for snorkeling. Maybe my favorite is the beach in front of the Beach House on Kauai.
To bad the beach is eroding away
Kailua Beach is not in Maui, it’s on Oahu. The TripAdvisor post has a picture of Kailua Beach Park on Oahu. I think you made a mistake.
#24 Hapuna Beach is on Hawaii , not Maui.
Love this local Beach! Yes, parts can get crowded but early or late in the day you may have it mostly to yourself :)…Please Note: the Board Walk is Broken !….a pretty big part of the boardwalk in front of the Ka’anapali Alii Resort was wiped out with storm surges & there are only boardwalk signs to walk onto the sand & go around the missing pieces…Hello Ka’anapali Resort Association ??? Why cannot you help the Alii Resort to Restore the area? Everyone aka All Resorts/Visitors/Locals benefits by a Complete Un-broken Walk…You collect Monie$ from all Ka’anapali Resorts…please fix, repair, replace & maybe someday widen the Very narrow boardwalk path…Mahalo BOH
Hapuna is on the Big Island, not Maui. It has usually ranked in the top 10 worldwide or at least nationwide
The lack of water to Hapuna – estimated to be 2024 before repairs – might lead to a lower rating.
We visited Hapuna last week, unfortunately. I think it pathetic that the state has the audacity to charge $30 for 4 people in a car yet provides no change facilities and nowhere to even wash one’s hands. Every bathroom is locked and surrounded by orange construction fencing, as is every outdoor shower. There are a few porta-potties, but no wash stations or hand sanitizers provided. I get that the plumbing needs replacing, but not until the “last quarter of 2024” (according to a lifeguard), and not with some alternate facilities provided? Shameful management, or lack thereof. Hapuna is far removed from being a world class beach destination.
Try Mauna Kea Beach or Kikaua Point. The best. Ran by private not the government so are kept up. Free parking. Just need to be early or mid day because access is limited to 25 or so cars. Another plus less people.
Beautiful
For me, it was the “Unexploded Ordnance” sign at Hapuna that turned me away.
Yeah, that would do it for me, too.
Hapuna, especially after the hotel prince wedged its way into the north end is awful. Garbage overflowing, bathrooms dirty. Now no fresh water, and won’t be any until at the earliest the end of 2024! The hotel should be ashamed to have let it get so bad. The state/county is to blame for worst than 3rd world conditions.
Ka’anapali Beach was pristine when the only hotel was the Sheraton. For me, the prettiest beach is Manini’owali on the Big Island.
Aka Tidy bowl beach…I totally agree with the black rocks…white sands .. gorgeous favorite beach of mine, as well!
When we honeymooned there in 1978 the 3-story Sheraton was the tallest hotel there and two Mai Tais and one Yellow Bird cost $10. Oh, for a time machine.
Oh course, $10 in 1978 money is about $48 in todays money!
With the beach erosion Kaanapali has and is experiencing the extremely high expense involved to fix it for good, I don’t see how this beach can be rated #1 much longer. I do realize the worst erosion is only in one place, the whole beach is slowly eroding sadly enough. I love Kaanapali Beach and hate seeing what is happening.
It’s not unusual for Maui to get the high awards from TripAdvisor. Most tourists equal most votes. Kauai has many beautiful beaches that most tourists never see.
I’ve been to all of the beaches on that list, many of them several times. No way is Ka’anapali Beach at the top. The beach that does deserves the top position is on the list but I’m not saying which it is. It’s not on Maui…
What I found most interesting is the Island with the most visitors only had highly rated beach in all of the USA.
So, why do the tourists jeep coming?
I didn’t know they’re was a Kailua Beach on Maui. Oahu, yes, as I grew up there in the late 1960s. Go Surfriders! 🤙😎
Kaanapali Beach isn’t the quality depicted…all of this is a marketing thing. The water there is not that clear, board walk is way over crowded, too many high rise hotels side by side, traffic is congested, and Maui has begun increasing taxation on tourists, and targeting special fees on the tourist activities. Unfortunately, most of the other islands will follow their example. Its unfortunate, but after 40 years of visiting the islands, the future state is troubling.
Went to Kannapali a long time ago 1998. It was beautiful and maybe number one in Hawaii, but for the US, I think Siesta Beach in Sarasota, FL is number one. Would love to spend time at either of them!
Hapuna is on the Big Island, Hawaii. Great list!
It’s a dump! And no showers or bathrooms!
Hapuna on the BI is my personal favorite, but I wouldn’t say no to a Ka’anapali visit. 🌴
Heres a tip. Most of the problems discussed here is caused by overcrowding. Traffic jam, too many people at the beaches, and unfriendly locals. I go to the Big Island to avoid all of the above.
Currently Waikola area is very windy but we went north to Mauna Kea and today south to 2 step and all gorgeous weather.