Where To Stay and What To Do in West Maui

Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and known for its beautiful beaches, fresh cuisine and magnificent sunrises and sunsets. West Maui in particular is a booming tourism destination and one that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

The Ka'anapali beaches, Ka'anapali Beach and Kahekili Beach Park, are separated by Black Rock Beach and offer two unique experiences. While Kahekili Beach Park offers a calmer and quieter scene, it is common to find beachgoers playing volleyball and participating in more active water sports at Ka'anapali Beach.

Both beaches are easily accessible through the Beach Walk paved sidewalk that runs parallel to the ocean. This also helps visitors easily walk to neighboring restaurants, stores and attractions without the need to rent a car.

Known as 'Hawaii's most Hawaiian Hotel', Ka'anapali Beach Hotel provides guests with a beautiful resort, recently refurbished rooms and a cultural experience like no other. Outfitted with its own Cultural Center, the hotel is a great resource for learning more about the Hawaiian culture. Be sure not to miss the lei ceremony before checking out.

Lahaina neighbors Ka'anapali and is filled with restaurants and shops. Check out Front Street for not only a delicious meal but one with gorgeous ocean views. Eating right by the water just adds to the whole experience.

Located next to the ocean, the Myths of Maui Luau gives visitors one of the best places to watch the sunset. Pair this with authentic Hawaiian cuisine including roasted pork from an Imu and traditional Hula dances telling the stories of the Polynesian people, and you'll have a night you won't forget.

Relax in your home away from home at Maui Ka'anapali Villas. Spacious rooms with full kitchens allow for travelers to really relax. There are two pools on the property to help guests spread out, and it is located along Kahekili Beach Park where it's easy to spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the ocean.

Humpback whales have a migratory path the leads them right by Ka'anapali, and it's very common for visitors to see whales from the beach during the months of November through May. It's also normal to hear the whales singing during these months if you stick your head underwater.

Offered when the whales have moved on from Maui, UFO Parasailing gives guests a jolt of adrenaline as they are hoisted high above the blue ocean waters. It's the perfect activity that can take you out on the water and gives you a rush. It's tough to beat those views as well.

The Whaler on Ka'anapali Beach Resort is made up of two towers of condominiums. Rooms are expansive with full kitchens, separate bedrooms and more depending on your choice for accommodations. Plus each room has a private lanai or balcony. Just be sure to get up early enough to feed the fish in the koi pond which takes place daily at 8:30 am.

A shopper's paradise, Whaler's Village is filled with both beachy and high-end retail stores as well as places to grab a quick bite to eat or restaurants with sprawling patios. Nestled along the Beach Walk, it's an easy walk from any of the Ka'anapali hotels.

Offering 36 holes of world-class golf, the Ka'anapali Golf Course is built on the playground of ancient Hawaiian royalty. It features breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and West Maui mountains. No matter the level of your golf game, this course is sure to impress.

The first hotel in the area, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has 23 sprawling acres with 83 percent of the hotel's rooms having a view of the ocean. Don't miss the sunset cliff diving ceremony that takes place nightly.

This newly renovated hotel has it all - modern accommodations, lush grounds filled with gardens, it's own luau, a massive pool and separate kid area, wooden bridge, restaurants, tropical birds and even penguins.

A new feature at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, the Halona Kai Beer Garden features live music, local brews, tasty dishes and a place to watch the sunset. Enjoy outdoor games like cornhole, or just relax to the sound of the ocean.

The Hawaiian Islands are known for shaved ice - think snow cone, only better. And Ululani's is a famous chain with a location at the Hyatt Regency, making it an easy afternoon snack for anyone in Ka'anapali.

Japengo not only has stellar views of the ocean but it is known for its delicious fresh seafood with Pacific Rim flair. I highly recommend the Korean pancake pictured above.

An iconic dessert on the island, you'll need to order this decadent dessert at least once. It's a mound of ice cream on top of a cookie crust and drizzled with chocolate syrup. Both Leilani's and Hula Grill in Whaler's Village offer the signature dish.

At the Royal Lahaina Resort, travelers have the option of staying in cottages or a hotel tower with views of the ocean. Many cottages have a full kitchen or have the option to connect to another cottage room if you're traveling with a larger group. The Myths of Maui Luau is also located on the property, and it is the longest-running oceanfront luau.

If you're feeling adventurous the Nakalele Blowhole is well-worth the visit. The drive itself is scenic but a little hazardous (falling rock areas, farm animal crossings, narrow roads, and sharp turns), so be sure to give yourself enough time for the drive.

An easy stroll along the coast, the Kapalua Coastal Trail was once an old golf course, so you get to walk along the old cart path while taking in the striking ocean views. You can either park alongside the road leading up to the path if you can find a spot, or you can pay to park at The Kapalua Villas Maui.

There are numerous pools to choose from at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali, so you won't feel crowded while trying to relax. Adults-only areas and a kids splash zone make this a fun resort for both couples and families. With multiple restaurants located on property, you can easily get a taste of the local cuisine without even having to leave. There are even flamingos to welcome guests in the lobby.

West Maui has breathtaking views of the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean. At Ka'anapali, guests are treated to great vistas already, and the only way to make them better is a sunset cruise.