Kaanapali Beach Kaanapali Open Water Swimming

Kaanapali Beach is a long white sand beach with shallow water.

Access via Kaanapali Parkway with parking at Whaler’s Village ($6/hour) or nearby resorts. Bike-friendly with dedicated bike racks at Whaler’s Village and along beachfront walkway. Beach walk provides excellent cycling access from Lahaina (4 miles). Public restrooms and showers available at multiple locations.

The long white sand beach offers excellent distance swimming parallel to shore. Popular training route follows the beach from Black Rock to Hanakao’o Beach Park (1.5 miles). Finishing site of the Maui Channel Swim, a 9.85 mile (15.85 km) ocean swimming relay race between the islands of Lanai and Maui.

Best swimming before 8AM to avoid snorkel boats and afternoon winds. Lifeguards present 8AM-5PM. Watch for boat traffic at channel entrances and occasional strong currents. Water quality monitoring through Hawaii Department of Health.