10 Things to Know About Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort

Are you considering staying at Maui’s OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort? Here’s what to expect at this Hawaii oceanfront hotel. 

Kaanapali is the ultimate Hawaii destination. Here, a long stretch of soft sand glistens beside the Pacific Ocean. It’s lively and scenic. The rows of resorts and condos loom over the shoreline, and families flock here to enjoy the water and sand. 

For vacationers, Kaanapali is an easy choice. Located on the western coast of Maui, this resort area has everything: upscale restaurants and local fare. Lush golf courses and boutique shopping. Kid-friendly activities and romantic excursions. 

And it’s all near some of the best sightseeing in all of Hawaii. 

But there’s one tougher choice: which hotel should you stay at in Kaanapali?

Kaanapali resorts come in a range of price points, and amenities vary. One worth checking out: Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort.

This 3-star hotel is newly renovated and located right in the prime area of Kaanapali. Could it be right for your Maui vacation? Let’s take a look at 10 things to know about Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort. 

1. It’s Formerly the Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Maui residents are familiar with the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, which claimed to be “Hawaii’s most Hawaiian hotel.” It was a popular spot for Kamaaina, along with vacationers wanting a simple yet comfortable stay. 

In 2023, OUTRIGGER acquired the Kaanapali Beach Hotel and renamed it the OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort. The hotel now joins about 25 other Hawaii properties under OUTRIGGER management. 

So now, if you’re searching for rooms at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, you’ll need to book at the OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort. Same hotel (with some recent improvements), new name. 

2. It Dates Back to Maui’s Early Tourism History

Did you know that Ka’anapali was the first resort destination area in Hawaii? After World War II, tourism was booming in Waikiki, but Maui saw just a small fraction of those visitors (and their money). 

Maui’s business and political leaders saw an opportunity to bring new jobs and income to the island – and a 3-mile stretch of oceanfront property in Ka’anapali was the perfect place to bring their plan to life. 

Ka’anapali Beach Hotel (now OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort) was one of the first few hotels built in Ka’anapali. And its history as one of Maui’s earliest hotels shines through in its thoughtful details. 

3. The 2020s Brought New Updates

The name change to OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort wasn’t the only big update – the hotel has also made some big improvements to its guest rooms. 

The resort made the most out of the COVID-era tourism dip by completing $75 million worth of improvements. And now, a $65 million renovation is in the works, with shimmering, modern rooms available on the resort’s website. 

4. You Can Choose Between a 2025 Room or a 2021 Room

When you book a room at the Ka’anapali Outrigger Resort, you can choose between two room options: Premium and Signature. 

Premium rooms were remodeled in 2021, while Signature rooms were remodeled in 2025. So, you’re essentially choosing how modern you want your room to be. Once you’ve chosen a Premium vs. Signature room, you’ll be able to select if you’d like a garden or ocean view – or an oceanfront room for the most direct view of the Pacific Ocean. 

Both room classes also have a Junior Suite option for anyone wanting more space. 

5. You Can Enjoy Maui Brewing Company Onsite

Outrigger Ka’anapali  Resort’s cornerstone restaurant is Maui Brewing Company – yep the same Maui Brewing that draws beer enthusiasts to its Kihei hillside location. Now Ka’anapali vacationers don’t have to trek to South Maui to get a taste of this popular restaurant. 

Maui Brewing Company is more than beer – they’ve got a fantastic wine and cocktail menu to go along with their island-fresh brews. And their food menu is delicious – staples like Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi and Braised Short Ribs are my top picks. 

And don’t miss out on their daily happy hour. Staying at the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort makes it even more convenient to get a 4 pm cocktail and small bite between a busy afternoon activity and a relaxed sunset stroll on the beach. 

The Kaanapali Beach Resort’s other food options include a poolside bar & grill, and a coffee-breakfast counter. 

6. What Kind of Pool is at the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort?

So here’s the deal with the pool at the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort. It’s a classic, old-school swimming pool that’s perfect for taking a dip or relaxing in a lounger. 

The pool was not updated with either of the resort’s recent renovations. It’s definitely a big undertaking, though a sleek pool does elevate an entire resort (in my opinion). 

Still, there are perks to the Outrigger Kaanapali’s simple, whale-shaped pool. First of all, a visit to their pool will not feel like a competitive sport. Walk down, find a lounger, and enjoy. When we went, there were no wristbands, no crowds, and no multi-row lounge chair set up that puts you so far back that you end up closer to a stranger’s lanai than the actual pool. Nope, none of that at the Ka’anapali Beach Resort. 

So, if you’re a pool person (or a pool family) – keep all that in mind when you book a stay at this West Maui hotel. 

7. It’s Got a Good Location

I really like the location of the Ka’anapali Beach Resort. It’s tucked away in the golf course, so you’re away from the busy street traffic – it feels like you’re in a resort bubble. But you don’t feel isolated either. 

Next door is the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. You can go over there for dinner or a massage. And definitely head out to the beach for my favorite part of the day: the sunset cliff dive off of black rock. 

A beach path connects the rows of resorts on this side of Black Rock – so you can take a stroll and check out the shops and restaurants nearby. 

Best of all: you’re walking distance to Whaler’s Village shopping mall – a big win for anyone who likes perusing stores and dining beachfront. 

8. The Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort is Kid Friendly

If you’re planning a family vacation to Maui, you’ll want to pick a place to stay that’s great for kids. The Ka’anapali Outrigger checks a lot of these boxes, but not all of them. So read on to decide if it’s right for your family. 

First of all, it’s got a pool – that’s always a plus for families with little ones. But, like we mentioned, it doesn’t have a big, waterpark-style pool complex. 

And being right by the beach is definitely a perk for families – plus you can easily walk to nearby shops and restaurants. 

Rooms are 425 square feet, and these are traditional hotel rooms without kitchens and sitting areas. 

The Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort welcomes children and offers kid-friendly cultural programming.

9. Get Married by Kaanapali Beach

Weddings aren’t allowed right on Ka’anapali Beach, but the Outrigger resort gets you about as close as you can get. Their beachfront lawn can accommodate 30 guests, so it’s perfect for small Hawaiian weddings and vow renewals. 

There is also a larger lawn, plus areas for private dinners and receptions. 

10. We Can Help You Book Your Stay at the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort

Planning a Hawaii vacation? You don’t have to do it alone. Get help from local experts who know the ins-and-outs of our islands. We can help pinpoint the best island, area, and resort for you to stay in and help get it all reserved. Vacation planning just got a lot easier for you!

This includes Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort. This fantastic Maui hotel is perfect for couples, families, and groups who want a modern resort in a great location. 

Have questions about how we can help elevate your entire vacation experience? Get in touch with Hawaii Aloha Travel today!