Photo: Courtesy of OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Maui is famous for its natural beauty, luring travelers with black-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, lush green jungles, and ample outdoor activities. Families looking to make the most of their time on the island should check out OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort, a Hawaii home away from home with comfortable rooms, direct beach access, and an emphasis on Hawaiian culture. Keep reading for our full review of the property.
The Look of OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Situated on 11 acres of lush beachfront, OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort has a fun, retro vibe with photos of Hula O Na Keiki competition winners in the lobby alongside wicker seats and tables to lounge at after the long scenic ride from the airport. Everything is comfortably low-key and no-frills.
There are 432 rooms at the resort, most of which have some sort of ocean view, and all have private lanais (balconies). Guest rooms feature Hawaiian-inspired artwork and sand-colored accents, which only help to emphasize the golden sand and deep blue ocean just outside the window.
The Vibe at OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Laid-back is the best way to describe the resort. Guests are often seen wearing swimsuits during the day and shorts and flip-flops at night. After a day at the beach or pool or soaking in Hawaiian culture with the many traditional activities offered, families can head to the onsite Maui Brewing Co. for live music, drinks, and locally sourced island-inspired cuisine.
Who Will Love OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Families who want a straightforward beach vacation in Hawaii will love the resort. The common spaces are very family-friendly, and the beach is just steps away from guest rooms. The pool is also a great place to catch some rays and splash around.
Who Might Not Love OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Those looking for a more luxe resort with more amenities may want to look elsewhere for accommodations.
Best Amenity at OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
The many traditional Hawaiian activities that take place throughout the week are easily the resort’s best feature: there’s everything from Hawaiian language lessons to ukulele classes. These cultural activities are offered at the Kawenaokeao Cultural Center, which also includes the Farewell Kukui Nut Lei Ceremony, where guests receive a kukui nut lei as a keepsake, symbolizing their anticipated return to the resort.
What’s Included at OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Included with your stay are daily cultural activities like lei making, use of the Kā‘anapali Trolley, which makes stops at shops, restaurants, other resorts, and golf courses in the area, Wi-Fi, reusable water bottles, in-room coffee and tea, access to the outdoor pool, beach towels, and discounts for some nearby attractions.
Extra Fees & Costs You Should Know About at OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
There’s a $35 plus tax resort fee per day, per room, which includes the previously mentioned benefits. Parking is also an additional cost: Self-parking is $20 a night, while valet is $26 a night.
How to Get a Deal at OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Check the offers tab for the latest deals at the resort, which currently include a third night free with a $100 activity credit, and 25% off rooms as part of a “welcome back” deal.
The Sweet Season
From mid-April to early June, Maui finds its balance. The winter crowds have gone, summer heat hasn’t set in, and rates ease along Kāʻanapali Beach. At the same time, the waters are calm and the trade winds light, making it an underrated (albeit ideal) time to visit.
In the Neighborhood of OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
OUTRIGGER is just steps away from the iconic Kāʻanapali Beach. Nearby, Black Rock Beach is known for snorkeling and swimming, and you can embark on a whale-watching boat cruise from there. A car ride away is Old Lāhainā Lūʻau, where you can experience a traditional luau to learn about Hawaiian culture through hospitality, food, and entertainment.
Nearest Airport to OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
The Kahului Airport (OGG) is the main airport for Maui and about 45 minutes away from the resort by car.
Nearest Public Transportation to OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
The nearest public transportation is the Keka'a Drive and Fairway Shops bus stop, which is a 10-minute walk from the resort. Alternatively, the resort has access to the Kāʻanapali Trolley, which can take guests to Whalers Village, Kāʻanapali Golf Course, and Fairway Shops.
This low-key beachfront resort is a family-friendly getaway where fun in the sun takes center stage.