History of Ka’anapali

While most visitors think of Ka’anapali as a premier modern vacation destination, many would be surprised to know that Ka’anapali has a history that stretches back to ancient Hawaiian people.

Ka’anapali has always been a place where families enjoyed living. Over centuries, Polynesian voyagers from the South Pacific settled on the various islands bringing to Hawai’i the customs and beliefs of their homeland. The Polynesian society that eventually overlaid the islands grew long with the natural environment, developing a sophisticated system of stewardship and unmatched levels of culture and artistry.

Many legends and historical events took place just a stones throw away from the modern shops and restaurants that now line one of Hawaii's longest beaches. Maui's most famous chiefs Chief Kahekili, made history among his people at Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock at Ka’anapali). Kahekili excelled in the game of lele kawa, or cliff diving. Kahekili wanted the respect and loyalty from the other warriors who also excelled at cliff diving. So, he climbed the large peninsula and leaped into the sea below. The other warriors did not dare follow. Today every evening at sunset, a diver from the Sheraton Maui recreates this leap of bravery by gracefully diving from the top of the rock into the ocean.

Horse racing was a favorite sport of the Hawaiian royalty as well as eventual plantation owners and workers. The racetrack on the south side of Black Rock was a popular attraction until the end of World War I. During World War II, many of the shipping operations off Ka’anapali were moved to other areas of the island. As a result for two decades, Ka’anapali became home to wetland brush.

In the early 1960s a company called AMFAC chose Ka’anapali as a perfect place to build a resort community. Visitors could experience the sun, sand and surf of Maui, play golf, tennis and other leisurely activities. A small airport was built on the north beach area of Ka’anapali. Two championship golf courses, the Royal Kaanapali and the Kaanapali Kai, were built.

Today the Ka’anapali area is acknowledged as one of the first master-planned resort communities in the world and has become a model for resorts around the globe. There are 3 miles of white beaches and crystal clear water that attracts people from around the globe.  Five hotels and six condominium villages face this renowned beach. The open air Whalers Village is a world-class shopping complex that features a variety of exceptional shops and restaurants, a renowned whaling museum and free Hawaiian entertainment.

A spectacular three bedroom, three and a half bath home in the Summit at Kaanapali. Enter your dream home through beautiful 11-foot tall custom wooden doors. This single level home has a large ocean view master suite with sizable walk in closet and, two additional spacious suites each with their own Lanai. High-end finishes throughout include African mahogany ceilings, Imperial plaster, travertine, and granite. The kitchen is a dream with granite counter tops, Viking appliances, and custom cabinetry. Pocket doors in the living room open up to an expansive lanai and pool area to maximize indoor/outdoor living.

A beautiful fully-renovated upstairs corner Suite, this 2 bed/ 2 bath overlooks the 13th fairway of the Royal Kaanapali Golf Course and boasts beautiful panoramic ocean and island views. The high-end kitchen has granite counter-tops, new cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. There are African Mahagoney wood floors throughout and an open master dressing room with a walk-in closet. Located in the exclusive luxury gated community of The Masters with four tennis courts, two swimming pools and two hot tubs.