West Maui

As a Maui resident, I need to acknowledge the immense loss of Lahaina Town in the August 2023 wildfire. The devastation was heartbreaking for our entire community. But the spirit of West Maui lives on in the surrounding communities. I encourage you to return with aloha and support the local businesses in Kāʻanapali, Nāpili, Kahana, and Kapalua that are the backbone of our community's recovery.

Top Attractions & Activities

Kāʻanapali Beach

This is West Maui's signature beach, a stunning three-mile stretch of white sand fronting numerous resorts and condominiums. A must-see cultural event is the daily cliff diving ceremony at Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock) on the beach's northern end. Every evening at sunset, a diver lights torches along the cliff before leaping into the ocean, a reenactment of a feat by Maui's revered King Kahekili.

Whalers Village

This is the primary shopping and dining hub of Kāʻanapali. The open-air center features a mix of high-end boutiques, local shops, and excellent restaurants. It also offers free cultural activities for visitors, such as lei-making workshops and hula shows, making it a lively cultural center.

Kapalua Ziplines

For thrill-seekers, this is a top adventure activity. The course features dual-ziplines, allowing friends to ride side-by-side, and is home to Hawaii's longest and tallest suspension bridge, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Snorkeling at Honolua Bay

This is a premier snorkeling destination, protected as a Marine Life Conservation District. The experience begins with a short, enchanting walk through a lush forest to reach the rocky bay. Conditions are typically calmest and clearest during the summer months, while winter brings large surf that makes it a world-famous surf spot.

My Favorite Beaches

Nāpili Bay

From my photographer's eye, the perfect crescent of Nāpili Bay holds some of the most turquoise water on Maui. It's calmer and feels more intimate than Kāʻanapali, perfect for a relaxing swim and a great place to spot honu (turtles) feeding near the shore, especially in the early morning.

Kapalua Bay

This is my go-to recommendation for families or first-time snorkelers. The water is incredibly calm and protected by two lava rock points, and you can see colorful fish just steps from the sand. It's consistently ranked as one of America's best beaches for a reason.

My Food Picks

Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop (Olowalu)

You can't drive to or from West Maui without stopping at Leoda's. Their savory pot pies and sandwiches on fresh-baked bread are fantastic, but the real reason to go is the pie. The banana cream pie is legendary, and the chocolate macadamia nut is a close second.

Joey's Kitchen (Nāpili)

For some of the best and most authentic Filipino-fusion food, Joey's is a must. It's a casual spot in the Nāpili Marketplace that serves up incredible dishes like garlic chicken and pork belly. It's a true favorite among locals.

Monkeypod Kitchen (Whalers Village)

This is the perfect spot for a sunset dinner after a day on Kāʻanapali Beach. Their commitment to local ingredients is fantastic, but they are most famous for their mai tai, which is topped with a lilikoi (passion fruit) foam. It's a non-negotiable part of the Maui experience.

Miso Phat Sushi (Kahana)

Don't let the strip-mall location fool you. This small, unassuming spot has some of the freshest and most creative sushi in West Maui. It's a true hidden gem that locals love.