Kāʻanapali Beach Walk

Kāʻanapali Beach Walk is an easy, near-level 5.3-mile out-and-back from Kahekili Beach Park to the public path at Hanakaoʻo Park and back. It follows the shoreline past sandy coves, resort frontage and Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock); allow about 2½ hours with stops. Do the whole walk if you want an easy coast day and don’t mind the hotel strip.

Start at Kahekili Beach Park and follow the path south. Black Rock is the main landmark on the way; keep going past it to reach the south end at Hanakaoʻo Park, then return on the same corridor. If you want a shorter stroll, turn around at Black Rock instead of committing to the full park-to-park walk.

This is a beachside promenade, not a backcountry trail. The surface changes between paved path, compacted dirt and boardwalk, and the route stays close to sea level. There’s little shade, so the exposed shoreline can feel hot in the middle of the day. The full distance is the main effort; there’s very little climbing.

The north end around Kahekili is quieter; the south stretch gets busier around the resorts and beach activity. Whalers Village sits right on the route, with cafés and restaurants for a useful meal or coffee stop. Its beachfront dining fills up in the evening.

Puʻu Kekaʻa, better known as Black Rock, is the dark lava point that divides the north and south beach sections. Near sunset, look back along the palms and shoreline with the water beyond; it’s the walk’s best view to linger over and photograph.