Kaanapali stretches along nearly four miles of seductive white-sand beaches and blinding seascapes. Resorts here offer golf and gourmet for those in Maui for easy luxury; if you're at the beach to log your snorkelling hours, the depths around Kaanapali are alive with a colourful and active fish communities. Puu Kekaa, or 'Black Rock' at the northern end of Kaanapali Beach is the spot where ancient Hawaiians believed spirits jumped off this world. Whether or not you think it's true, Puu Kekaa is a good jumping off point for exploration of the other-world of water.
Relatively calm seas along this stretch appeal to swimmers, sailboarders and lifeguards, while would-be surfers find the break here more manageable than the famous house-high waves at 'Jaws', east of Kahului. Take scuba lessons, get paddling with an instructor in a sea kayak, test the wind on a sail-board or just get your toes nibbled by resident schools of fish—the lesson is in relaxation.
Head to beaches just beyond Kaanapali for smaller crowds, though be forewarned that there is more coral and more rocky outcroppings here, so pick your swimming hole carefully.
Ka'anapali is the next stop north on Route 30 from Lahaina.
