Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua, Maui

There are two ways to spend your time in West Maui: Staying close to the resorts, or in the ocean. The Kapalua, Ka'anapali master-planned Resorts include excellent shops and galleries, posh restaurants, carefully crafted pools and romantic bars. But, if your vacation requires more than a memorable tan, West Maui offers snorkeling off your Hotel beach, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving on Molokini, or cruises to Lana'i. West Maui's panoramic view of the pacific is the premier vantage point to watch whales spouting and breaching in the sun.

Kaanapali extends over 500 acres lined with nearly three miles of white sand beaches. You'll also find condominiums, six hotels, two golf courses, and the famous Whalers Village Maui.

Route 30 continues past Kaanapali taking you by Napili, Honokawai, and Kahana which are somewhat hidden from the highway. Turn off the Honoapiilani to Lower Honoapiilani and you'll travel through the hearts of these small condominium lined villages. Though they are somewhat cluttered together, these are West Maui's best accommodation bargains.

Kapalua is a jewel in the end of the resort chain on the West side. A former pineapple plantation, Kapalua was transformed into a 1500-acre resort. Blanketing the gently rolling hillside from the white sand beach of Kapalua Bay to the base of the West Maui Mountains are two high-end hotels, three of the finest golf courses on Maui, and beautiful upscale villa communities. Click Here to visit The Kapalua Online Internet Store!

Dining:

Roy's Kahana Bar&Grill & Nicolina Restaurant, Maui - Pacific Rim w/asian influence 669.6999. Famed ROY YAMAGUCHI has been the recipient of innumerable awards. His delicious blending of East and West cuisines has made Roy's Kahana Bar & Grill a favorite with visitors and locals alike. There are five Roy's restaurants serving Hawaii. The management and staff are top notch. And don't forget to save room for their unbelievable desserts! Reservations are recommended.

Fish & Games - Sports Grill 4405 Hono'piilani Hwy., Maui  669.3474. Fish & Games has been so well received in Maui that they have recently expanded. Only the freshest seafood and fresh fish are served. You can even purchase seafood to prepare at home from their restaurant market case. The preparations are superb. With their expanded seating area Fish & Games has also added a micro brewery. Reservations are recommended.

Sansei - Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, 115 Bay Drive Kapalua Shops, Maui  669.6286. Sansei is Maui's best sushi bar and more. They feature all of the usual sushi, along with an array of their own creations. But Sansei is also a full-on restaurant offering inventive dishes like Chef John's Miso Garlic Prawns, Fresh Island Fish, Tempuras, slow roasted Black Tea Duck, Japanese Specialties and their "Award-Winning" Asian Rock Shrimp Cake. Late diners can enjoy their food & drink specials (after 10pm)

Maui Tacos - Napili Plaza, Napili, Maui 665.0222. Maui Tacos is fresh, healthy and inventive. If you're hungry for mexican food in a laid back, very casual dine-in or take-out setting, this is the spot. Owner Mark Ellman is also the owner/Cook of Avalon Restaurant in Lahaina. You can expect the same creative approach to cooking at Maui Tacos and the food is very affordable. Four convenient Maui locations.

Reilley's - Steak & Seafood - 2290 Ka'anapali Pkwy., Maui 667.7477. Overlooking the 18th green in the Ka'anapali Golf Course Clubhouse, Reilly's has built a strong following with their USDA Prime Steaks. This open air restaurant takes pride in what they serve. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Reilly's also features live sporting events on their two satellite TV's. Golfers love this place, but you don't need to caddy to enjoy the food.

Shopping:

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Whalers Village - Located along Route 30 (Honoapiilani Hwy.), in the Kaanapali Beach Resort 661-9155
Containing an outdoor museum, and a good number of stores.

Elephant Walk - 210 Nohea Drive, Kaanapali, Maui 667-2848. Set in the open-air lobby of the Hyatt Regency, the area is filled with rare & exotic birds. It's simply a Must-See!

The Kapalua Bay Hotel - Kapalua, Maui. Housing yet another upscale shopping area.

Napili Market - Well stocked and open from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm located at the Napili Plaza off the Honoapiilani Hwy, in Napili.

Night life:

Hula Grill - 667.6636. Live Hawaiian music & hula nightly from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

The Makai Bar - At the Maui Marriott 100 Nohea Kai Drive, Kaanapali 667-1200. Features soloists and duets performing contemporary Hawaiian music.

The Sundowner Bar - Located at The Sheraton Maui. Just before sunset you can watch the torch-lighting ceremony and cliff diving.

Beaches:

Kaanapali Resort Beaches - A beautiful white-sand beach that sprawls along for roughly three miles. Great for swimming & snorkeling. Excellent views of Lanai and Molokai. To get here take the public beach access from any of the Kaanapali resort hotels.

Honokawai Beach Park - A small beach in comparison to Kaanapali, there are picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. Swimming & snorkeling are adequate. Located on the Lower Honoapiilani Road past Kaanapali in Honokawai.

Napili Bay - Though surrounded by condominiums and often crowded, the bay offers excellent swimming & snorkeling. Good surfing for beginners. Located several miles past Kaanapali, you'll find rights-of-way to the beach from Lower Honoapiilani Road via Napili Place or Hui Drive.

Kapalua Beach - Just past Napili Bay, and just as beautiful but not nearly as developed. Great for swimming & snorkeling. Access is off the Lower Honoapiilani Road near the Napili Kai Beach Club.

Golf:

Ka'anapali North Golf Course -- Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina, 96761. (808) 661-3691. Director of Golf: Ray DeMello. Resort. Greens fee: $120 w/cart every day. Seasonal twilight rate.

Ka'anapali South Golf Course -- Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina, 96761. (808) 661-3691. Director of Golf: Ray DeMello. Resort. Greens fee: $120 w/cart every day. Seasonal twilight rate.

Kapalua Golf Club, Bay Course -- 300 Kapalua Dr., Lahaina, 96761. (808) 669-8044. Head golf Pro: Matt Mitchell, PGA. Resort. Greens fee: $140 w/cart every day. Resort guests: $95. Twilight rate (after 2:00 pm): $65

Kapalua Golf Club, Village Course -- 300 Kapalua Dr., Lahaina, 96761. (808) 669-8044. Head golf Pro: Doug Bohn. Resort. Greens fee: $140 w/cart every day. Resort guests: $95. Twilight rate (after 2:00 pm): $65

Kapalua Golf Club, Plantation Course -- 300 Kapalua Dr., Lahaina, 96761. (808) 669-8044. Head golf Pro: David Pritchett. Resort. Greens fee: $150 w/cart every day. Resort guests: $100. Twilight rate (after 2:00 pm): $70