In 2003, the resort community of Kaanapali earned recognition as “America’s Best Beach” by the noted coastal research expert known as “Dr. Beach.” The judging criteria included water quality, sand quality, water temperature and cleanliness.
He wrote, “Over three miles long, (Kaanapali Beach) is located on the dry, sunny side of Maui. White coral sand bathed by clear, emerald green water is just one of the factors that contributed to Kaanapali Beach’s number one ranking. In addition, Kaanapali maintains a critical balance between nature and the built environment.”
Of course, regular visitors to Kaanapali are already familiar with this beautiful stretch of beach. Some of Maui’s best snorkeling is found in the waters surrounding Kekaa (also known as “Black Rock”) at the northern end of the beach. According to legend, when a person died, his spirit went to this old volcano Kekaa, and from there his soul departed.
The beach activities here are virtually limitless: Enjoy a professional massage in a beachside tent, play beach volleyball, bask under the Hawaiian sun or simply laze the day away in a hammock. A convenient walkway hugs the beach, allowing early risers a place to jog or walk. It is also a great vantage point for whale watching, a popular pastime in Kaanapali.
Of course, there’s more to Kaanapali than the beach. Once the playground of Hawaiian royalty, in the 1960s Kaanapali (“rolling cliffs”) became the site of Hawaii’s first-ever master planned resort area.
Today, Kaanapali offers an appealing variety of accommodations, activities, shopping and dining. The resort features six major award-winning hotels, four popular condominium resorts, two 18-hole championship courses, an open-air shopping complex, more than 40 restaurants, 30 tennis courts, free shuttle service within the resort, and the famous “Sugar Cane Train,” Hawaii’s only steam-operated railroad system that connects Kaanapali to Lahaina.
Photo Credits:Photo1: to 2: Copyright Kaanapali Beach Resort Assn. 2004 ©2003-2004 Media-HI, Inc. All rights reserved. |
