Lahaina Strong: Relax & Explore in Kaanapali, Maui

Take a stroll on the Kaanapali Boardwalk: Kaanapali Beach runs over 2.5 miles, and there is a boardwalk that runs for most of it. It’s a great, mostly flat walk that meanders by all of the resorts on the beach. If you are adventurous and are willing to navigate through one of the hotels, the boardwalk also leads all the way up to North Kaanapali.

Whaler’s Village: This small outdoor shopping mall is a great place to grab a good cup of Hawaiian-grown coffee, a souvenir for your friends back home or a drink at the end of the day. Leilaini’s and Hula Grill have live music most afternoons, and with ocean-facing seating, they're great places to grab a drink and watch the sunset.

Snorkel at Black Rock: It’s rated as one of the best snorkeling places in the world, but honestly, it can get a bit crowded during peak times, so plan accordingly. If you’re adventurous, grab some water shoes, climb up the rock and then jump into the ocean below.

Attend a luau: For those interested in learning about some indigenous island culture, going to a luau is a great introduction. Lots of the hotels on Kaanapali beach have a luau, so they are convenient no matter where you stay.

Take in a round of golf: There are some award-winning golf courses on the west side of Maui, including two courses at the Kaanapali Resort area. Tee times can book up quickly, so don’t wait till the last minute!

Go whale watching: The humpback whales migrate to Maui from December to May. If you are in Maui during those months, you don’t want to miss the awe-inspiring activity of seeing these enormous whales up close from a Zodiac raft.

Go on a catamaran snorkel: The Trilogy family has been running snorkeling / whale watching trips for the past 50 years! They run a number of different sails throughout the day, including their famous morning Discover West Maui trip that departs right from Kaanapali Beach. No car needed. It’s one of my favorite days on the island each year.

Go scuba diving: Even if you aren’t PADI certified, you can go scuba diving with the pros at Maui Dive Shop. They have multiple dives a day, ranging from one-tank shore dives for beginners to two-tank dives in the Lanai cathedrals (which includes a high-speed boat ride across the channel to the island of Lanai, lunch and the two-tank dive).

Scuba with sharks: For a truly unique experience, check out the Maui aquarium — you can scuba dive in the aquarium’s shark tank! Learn about the ocean’s ecosystem and the importance of sharks in Hawai'ian culture, and then dive with about 20 different species of sharks in the aquarium’s “open ocean” exhibit.

Learn to surf: With CPR-certified instructors, you'll be safe learning how to surf. Start by perfecting your technique on land before heading to the water. Before the lesson’s end, you’ll be hanging 10!

Go parasailing: When it’s not whale season, get a bird’s-eye view of the beach from high above the ocean.

Explore other areas of the island: From Kapalua to Wailea and Kihei to Paia, each Maui town has its own vibe and history, and they are all worth exploring.

Road to Hana: Plan on leaving early from Kaanapali and spending the whole day exploring the beaches, waterfalls and hikes on the way to Hana. Stop and grab some coconut candy from the woman on the side of the road, and be sure to get some banana bread for the drive home. It’s a long and winding road (literally), so be sure to plan accordingly.

Nakalele Blowhole: Drive north past Kapalua until you see the sign for the blowhole, pull off the side of the road and be careful as you hike down to the natural wonder. It’s slippery and wet, but it's super cool.

Backside of West Maui: Drive north past Kapalua and keep driving. The road is precarious, winding through the mountains on the side of a cliff. There are a few cute places to stop — tidepools, the blowhole (see above), the village where you can get some banana bread or ice cream, a hike or two and some amazing views. Honestly, it’s a “mini Hana” and you won’t have to drive 60 minutes to get to the “start” of the journey.

Leilani’s: It’s all about the people-watching at this place. Grab lunch or a piña colada on the umbrella-covered, ocean-facing patio and enjoy the view!

Miso Phat: Some of the best sushi I’ve ever had!

The Gazebo: Fun breakfast spot a bit north of Kaanapali.

FOND: Delicious food and laidback atmosphere in a family-run eatery.

Ono Gelato: This is the outpost that survived the fires and is a small space in Whaler’s Village. Regardless of the small space, it’s still some of the best gelato outside of Rome.

Merriman’s: This is one of the most expensive places on the west side of Maui, and with good reason. But if you’re not a foodie, check out the daily sunset time and head to Merriman’s for a drink at sunset. Watching the sunset over the ocean from this angle is amazing.

Sansei: It’s now a Hawai'i chain, but Sansei used to be the OG sushi place on Maui. It features a ton of fancy rolls and fresh sashimi. If you’re not into raw fish, don’t worry — the filet here is actually one of the best things on the menu.

Coconut Tacos (multiple locations): Some of the best fish tacos you’ll ever have!

Cinnamon Roll Place (Kihei): Expect lines.

Paia Fish Market: There’s one in Kihei and one in Paia. You can typically expect lines after 5:30 pm at both locations, but it’s worth it.

That’s a Wrap Cafe (Kihei): Small sandwich shack that makes delicious sandwiches and smoothies. This is a great place to grab something to eat before your flight or for a day of hiking.