Matt Rott profile picture
Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert

Last Modified: January 8, 2026

Ka'anapali map

Ka'anapali Neighborhood Overview

Black Rock Dives, Resort-Fee Tan Lines.

🧭Geographically defined by: Along the island's west Pacific coast, including Hanakaoo Beach Park and Ka'anapali Beach to Pu'u Keka'a Black Rock. South of Honokowai. West of Honoapiilani Highway and Puukolii Road, including Kaanapali Golf Courses and Hillside. North of Wahikuli State Wayside and the Lahaina edge.

📌Widely recognized as the place for: Legendary beach, Black Rock jumps, Whalers Village splurges.

👕You can spot a Kaanapali local by: Golf cart tan lines and unreasonably strong snorkel opinions.

👍Locals live here because: Mornings on Kahekili, dinners at Leilani's, no shoes no problem.

👎Don't say we didn't warn you about: Tour buses, resort pricing, traffic when whales throw parties.

The general vibe is: Resorty, sunny, showy, ocean glitter.

Sunburnt CEOs and paddle-out proposal planners.

Snappy Scout logo

Moving to Ka'anapali - Make Sense Of Your Next Move

Whether you're new to Maui or deciding which part of the island fits you best, Snappy Scout cuts through the noise and shows you what living here is really like. If you're still finding your way, start with our Moving to Maui guide for the big-picture view — or compare Ka'anapali against other parts of the island in our Maui neighborhood guide.