In ancient times, Kaanapali was a royal retreat for the rulers of Maui, who delighted in the perfect three-mile stretch of white sand beach, the gentle waves, warm sunny days and the majestic West Maui Mountains. Maui royalty surfed, raced their outrigger canoes, feasted at luaus that lasted for weeks, and where the Kaanapali Golf Course now blankets the land, they played ulu maika, a form of lawn bowling with heavy lava balls.
Kaanapali, which means "rolling cliffs" in Hawaiian, was Hawaii's first planned resort area. Today, with more than 30 years of meticulous preparation and building, Kaanapali has become a model for resorts around the globe. With over 600 of the resorts 1,200 acres developed, Kaanapali still maintains a peaceful, lush, garden-like atmosphere. This ideal setting, coupled with the resorts's countless amenities, has established Kaanapali as one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Perhaps Kaanapali's strongest lure is its diversity of style, substance and what if offers to see and do. It is a place as rich in spirit as it is in beauty. It is casual and carefree, elegant and sophisticated, steeped in historical and cultural significance.
Kaanapali's unique diversity is showcased by its impressive roster of hotels and condominium sites, which offer a variety of experience, from soaring marble lobbies to private bungalows. All are situated amidst lush gardens along beach and golf courses, each so private they appear solitary.