8 Best Hotels in Kaanapali and Nearby, Maui

Splashing waterfalls, swim-through grottos, a lagoon-like swimming pool, and a 150-foot waterslide "wow" guests of all ages at this bustling Kaanapali resort, and spacious standard rooms are among the other draws. Complete your vacation fantasy by strolling through the lobby past museum-quality art, brilliant parrots, and South African penguins—yes, penguins—or unwind at the oceanfront Spa Kamahao. There's no shortage of food options here, from the trendy Japengo to the traditional Son'z Steakhouse, with Ululani's Shave Ice next to the pool for daytime treats.

The Kaanapali Golf Course's fairways wrap around this fine, well-priced, two-story condo complex that has spacious studio, one-, and two-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens and access to a stocked beach cabana on a semiprivate beach. The complex itself isn't exactly on the beach—it's a quick golf-cart trip away—but when you arrive, you will have beach chairs at your disposal, as well as a full kitchen and lounge area at the cabana, Maui's only beachfront clubhouse. Back at the condo complex, the style of the privately owned units may vary, but most are tastefully decorated and offer modern appliances and spacious bathrooms. There is no elevator.

This charming beachfront hotel is full of aloha—locals say it's one of the few resorts on the island where you can get a true Hawaiian experience as the entire staff takes part in the hotel's Pookela program, which teaches guests about the history, traditions, and values of Hawaiian culture. A recent remodel offers some premium upgraded rooms, alongside "traditional" rooms; all are decorated with Hawaiian motifs, and the expansive grounds offer plenty of spots to lounge in the sun or shade, with the sand just steps away. 

Set among dense gardens on Kaanapali's best stretch of beach, the Sheraton offers a quieter, more low-key atmosphere than its neighboring resorts, and it sits near Puu Kekaa, the site of a nightly torch-lighting and cliff-diving ritual. All rooms have plenty of amenities, including 50-inch flat-screen TVs; the massive swimming pool resembles a natural lagoon, with rock waterways and wooden bridges; and the Spa at Black Rock offers oceanfront services. Dining options range from casual poolside drinks and light fare to upscale Japanese and farm-to-table cuisine. The lobby lounge bar has incredible property and ocean views. The newer Moana Oceanfront Wing sits atop Puu Kekaa and offers a more exclusive, adults-preferred resort experience.

Amenities like maid service, an activities desk, a small store with complimentary DVDs for guests to borrow, and a 24-hour front-desk service—and no pesky resort fees—make this a winning choice for families and others wanting to play house on Maui's most stunning shores. The four secluded 11-story buildings offer one- and two-bedroom units with ample space, sunken living rooms, and separate dining rooms. Amenities also include a state-of-the-art fitness center, three tennis courts, and an upgraded pool area with flat-screen TVs and cabanas. A "grill master" is on hand Friday through Tuesday nights at oceanfront gas grills to assist guests with advice and complimentary herbs, spice rubs, and other necessities or to cook your food for you.

Built in 1962, this grand property on the uncrowded, sandy shore in North Kaanapali has hosted millionaires and Hollywood stars, and today it pleases families and budget seekers as well as luxury travelers with a variety of lodging options. The decor plays off an ocean-sports theme that complements the understated furnishings, which include plush beds with Egyptian cotton linens, Hawaiian quilts, tropical wood paneling, vintage artwork, and a saltwater aquarium in the breezy lobby. The one- and two-bedroom cottage units, with modern kitchen appliances and fixtures are ideal for families and guests seeking a more private, homelike experience.

This 12-acre beachfront paradise offers a setting that is both beautiful and calming, as evidenced by the green living wall and cascading waterfall in the lobby, which gives way to an aquatic playground with five swimming pools, as well as abundant waterfalls and lagoons. Book a room in the recently refreshed Hokupaa resort within a resort to enjoy deluxe rooms and lots of other perks.

It's rare to find a resort that so thoroughly incorporates authentic Hawaiian cultural symbols and traditions into its design, but this deluxe beachfront property in North Kaanapali carries this commitment into its native landscaping and its Puuhonua O Nanea cultural center, which offers displays of artifacts, as well as activities and talks. More home than hotel, the one- to three-bedroom "villas" have full kitchens, washer/dryers, and master bathroom perks such as free-standing soaking tubs and double-sink vanities.