Our favorite days are spent snorkeling at Black Rock, hiking in Iao Valley, or just relaxing on Kaanapali Beach. Don't miss a sunset cruise or exploring the beautiful Kaanapali area. And if you're here in winter, whale watching is a must!
๐ Whale Watching (Seasonal: November-May)
Peak Whale Watching Season
December - April: General whale watching season
January - March: Peak activity with highest whale population
February: Often the best month for whale sightings
๐ From Your Maui Kai 806 Lanai
Yes, you really can see humpback whales from your Maui Kai 806 lanai! Many guests report their best whale sightings right from this private balcony. Experience the magic of whale watching from your own oceanfront paradise.
๐ Book Your Whale Watching Stay
Ultimate Whale Watch
๐
(808) 667-5678
We love their rigid hull inflatable rafts that can reach 50 mph. You're so close to the water you can put your feet in the oceanโyou can't get whale encounters any closer than that!
Pacific Whale Foundation
๐
(808) 249-8811 | ๐
pacificwhale.org
Great for early season whale watching. We had amazing sightings in early December with whales going directly under our catamaran!
Trilogy Ocean Adventures
๐
(808) 874-5649 | ๐
sailtrilogy.com
Offers whale watches, snorkel, sail, and scuba tours. We highly recommend them!
โต Sunset Sails
SailingMaui.com
๐
(808) 665-0344 | ๐
sailingmaui.com
Luxury 65-foot catamaran Hula Girl. We regularly see them sail past Maui Kai! Professional chefs, top-shelf bar, and amazing sunsets. We even spotted early season whales!
๐ Snorkeling & Beaches
Art's Top Snorkeling Picks (2024):
1. Honolua Bay
2. Kapalua Bay
3. Airport Beach (Kahekili Beach Park)
4. In front of Maui Kai 806
5. Black Rock
6. Mile Marker 14 (Olowalu)
7. South Maui Kama'ole beach areas
Maui Kai 806 Snorkeling
Decent snorkeling directly in front of the Maui Kai! Swim about 100 feet over the shallow reef until it gets deeper. We've spotted giant sea turtles in the reef north of Maui Kai (near the pink hotel next door).
Black Rock
World-famous snorkeling just south of us. Can be crowded but excellent for seeing marine life.
Kapalua Bay
Just a 5-minute drive away. Parking is limited but worth the wait. Great for beginners.
Mile Marker 14
Good beginner's area. Pull off the road and park directly in front of the beach. Shallow, clean, and warm water.
โ ๏ธ Safety Tip: Always have a snorkel buddy and remember conditions can vary greatlyโeven hour to hour!
๐๏ธ Sightseeing & Hiking
Kapalua Trails
Short drive north. Free hiking along an old golf course and into the mountains. Great scenic views. Also offers zip line park, golf, and pineapple tour.
Iao Valley State Park
๐ End of 'Iao Valley Road (Highway 32), Wailuku
Free walking trails with waterfalls. Very lovely and peaceful.
Haleakala Volcano National Park
๐
nps.gov/hale
$25 per car entrance fee (valid for 3 days). 2.5 hours from Kaanapali to the peak. Bring warm clothesโyou're 10,000 feet up! Sunrise visits require reservations.
Nakalele Point & Blowhole
About 12 miles north of Maui Kai. Jets can reach 50 feet high during high surf. Enjoyable drive along the north shore. Watch from the top for great photos!
๐ฏ Adventure Activities
Piiholo Ranch Zipline
๐
1-800-374-7050 | ๐
piiholozipline.com
5-line tour over 6,455 ft. of side-by-side zipping. Tandem line over half a mile long, 600 feet high! Located upcountry on Haleakala slopes.
Kahoma Ranch ATV
Pick-up just minutes from Maui Kai in Lahaina. 2.5-hour tour includes mountain trails, fresh pineapple, and breathtaking coastal vistas from 1,800 feet up!
Kayak Olowalu
Guided kayak tour at Maui's Olowalu Reef. See tropical fish, sea turtles, and monk seals. Whale encounters possible December-April. Great for beginners!
๐๏ธ Nearby Beaches
Kaanapali Area Beaches
Rated as some of the best in Maui! World-famous Kaanapali Beach hotel strip is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk south along the beach from Maui Kai.
Airport Beach (Kahekili Beach Park)
Only 10-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Maui Kai. Amazing beach with showers, public washrooms, shaded cabana area, and lots of free parking.
Boardwalk Access
Use the access gate across from the Maui Kai parking lot entrance. Bring cat treats and you may meet our west Maui feral cat colony!
๐ Insider Tip: For a quiet morning swim, visit Airport Beach before 9amโcrystal clear water and fewer crowds!
๐ Free Airport Guides: Pick up these free guides at the airport: Maui Drive Guide, Maui This Week, 101 Things to Do in Maui.
