Vibe
Torch lighting, conch shell calls, and nightly cliff dives from Black Rock anchor this classic beachfront resort on Kaanapali Beach.
“Black Rock beachfront outpost”
A meandering 142-yard lagoon pool, beachfront lawn luaus, and direct access to Black Rock snorkeling grounds.
A sunset cliff diving ceremony honoring Chief Kahekili has taken place nightly since the 1963 opening.
Nightly torch lighting and conch shell calls reenact sacred Hawaiian leaps from atop Puʻu Kekaʻa.
Set across oceanfront grounds on Kaʻanapali Beach by Black Rock, with Lahaina town a short drive south.
Rooms
Most guestrooms open onto private lanais looking toward Lanai and Molokai, finished with island tones and generous bathrooms.
Wellness
A 142-yard freshwater lagoon pool winds under arched wooden bridges through tropical gardens, flanked by whirlpool hot tubs.
Backstory
Opened in 1963 as Kaanapali Beach's first resort, the property even served as a filming backdrop for Elvis Presley.
Eat & drink
Sip cocktails on The Sandbar's wraparound lanai, or grab fish tacos at Cliff Dive Grill before the sunset ritual.
The neighborhood
Direct beach access leads straight to the coral reefs and sea turtles circling the volcanic promontory of Black Rock.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.