Ka'anapali

PARKING:   Nice paved parking lots.  The earlier you get there, the more chance there is of free parking.  See our free parking map.

ACCESS:  Very easy access from parking lot. 

BEACH:  Very long and sandy.  The further South, the more secluded.  Virtually the whole beach is sandy.  There are no shady areas.  Note the below photos how few people are on the beach at times.

SWIMMING:   This is one of my favorite swimming beaches.  Most of the beach is great for swimming.  Of course be careful when there is shore break.  The very South side of the beach has coral right off shore so isn't conducive to swimming.  From the Ka'anapali Ali on the south to the Royal Lahaina resort most of the entrance into the water is sandy.  That describes an area roughly a block South of Whaler's village going North past Black Rock (of course not including in front of Black Rock) almost all the way to Kahekili Beach Park (Airport Beach).    

SNORKELING:  Black Rock and Kahekili Beach Park (Airport Beach) are excellent snorkeling areas.  Turtles are common at both locations.  Access to both places can be somewhat difficult when there is surf.

Black Rock:  As one travels straight out past Black rock, along the left side, the water gets fairly deep (20+ feet) and is normally quite clear.  Snorkeling past the point is best left to more experienced snorkelers.

Airport Beach:   Across from the Sugar Cane Train North depot.  There are showers and plenty of parking.  Snorkel is good about 50 yards left and for a long ways to the right.  It can be tricky getting in when there is a surge.  Be careful not to skin your knees on the coral which is just a few feet from where you'll enter if there is a surge.  Just don't kick deep when going over the coral in and out and you should be fine.

SURFING:  Surfing can be good especially with a South swell at the point in front of Ka'anapali Ali.   When the surf is higher boogie boarding can be done on several portions of the beach South of Black Rock.