ONE PERFECT DAY IN Kā‘anapali

by SERENE GUNNISON

hat if you had just one day to spend in paradise? What would you do? Where would you eat? Is it possible to get a proper taste of Kā‘anapali in just 12 hours?

Let’s find out.

6:30 a.m.

Beach walk + morning pick-me-up

Waking up early isn’t typically high on the vacation to-do list. But when three miles of perfect beach are at your doorstep, rising with the sun is easy.

While the rest of the resort sleeps, get your steps in at Kā‘anapali Beach. Early morning is a glorious time to hit the sand: At this hour, the beach is void of crowds, the horizon is tinged with pale pinks, and all is quiet except for the rhythmic roaring of the surf.

If you need something stronger than salty air to get you out of bed, head to Island Vintage Coffee in Whalers Village for a delicious morning pick-me-up. Go for an Island Latte with macadamia and a hint of coconut, or keep it simple with a cappuccino or cup of Kona coffee. Resist the temptation to dive into one of Island Vintage Coffee’s colorful acai bowls. You’ll need your appetite for your next endeavor: breakfast.

8:00 a.m.

Breakfast at Waicoco, Westin’s new coastal-chic eatery

After a lengthy beach walk, it’s time to fuel up for the day. Grab a table at Waicoco at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, where artful breakfast plates are served alongside views of Pu‘u Keka‘a and the neighboring island of Lāna‘i.

Dive into Waicoco’s $32 prix fixe menu, or pick and choose a la carte entrees. Healthy appetites are easily satisfied by the classic Hawaiian loco moco and mouthwatering short rib hash. If you’re craving something lighter, opt for the Waicoco grain bowl with poached eggs, brown rice, quinoa, mixed greens and corn relish. Just be sure to save room for a trio of decadent malasadas.

9:30 a.m.

Snorkel at Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock)

After breakfast, slip into the aquamarine seas near Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock), where a mesmerizing underwater world awaits. On calm days, Black Rocks’ husky lava point becomes a premier snorkeling spot and presents terrific opportunities for spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles and a plethora of tropical fish.

If you didn’t pack your snorkel gear, don’t fret. Pop into The Snorkel Store at the Fairway Shops, where complete snorkel sets are available for rent.

11:00 a.m.

Shop til ya drop at Whalers Village

Once you’re thoroughly salty and have seen enough sea turtles to satiate you until your next Maui visit, shift gears into shopping mode. Satisfy your spendthrift tendencies at Whalers Village, where high-end jewelers neighbor surf stores and locally-owned boutiques.

The fashion-forward can peruse the colorful racks at Blue Ginger or shop the chic styles at Keani Hawai‘i. Meanwhile, the souvenir-inclined will find nirvana at Totally Hawaiian, which sports the finest art and craft work by local artists.

12:30 p.m.

Lunch at Hula Grill

Trace your steps towards Kā‘anapali’s golden sands for lunch at Hula Grill, one of the most iconic restaurants on Kā‘anapali Beach. Hula Grill has long embraced Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine and farm-to-table practices.

Headed by Chef James Domingo, a graduate of Maui College’s Culinary Arts Program, Hula Grill’s menu prioritizes line-caught fish and farm-to-table ingredients. Lunchtime offerings include quintessential fish plates like fish tacos, poke and fish and chips, as well as “from the ranch” and “from the garden” options like burgers, sandwiches and salads.

Although it’s hardly happy hour, don’t pass on a libation (or two –you’re on vacation, after all!) Dig your toes into the sand at Hula Grill’s Barefoot Bar and sip on a Barefoot Brew – a honey amber ale brewed exclusively for Hula Grill by Maui Brewing Company. Or, opt for a fresh squeezed Mai Tai – Hula Grill’s signature cocktail.

No meal at Hula Grill would be complete without a heaping slice of Hula Pie, made with chocolate cookie crust, macadamia ice cream and hot fudge. Dig in and get ready to relax on your next endeavor.

Nestled just steps from the sand, Hula Grill is one of the most popular beach front restaurants on the island. Mai

Tais and Hula Pie, anyone?

Hula Grill

2:00 p.m.

Hit the spa

After a busy morning, indulge in one of Kā‘anapali’s more luxe offerings. Located at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, The Spa at Black Rock delivers relaxation in spades. This Hawaiian-inspired spa offers a range of body wraps, facials and massage therapies, including the tried-and-true lomi lomi massage.

Outdoor treatment rooms inject additional tranquility into the experience, as the soft lapping of the surf on Kā‘anapali Beach mimics the gentle, flowing strokes of lomi lomi massage. The spa’s aromatic blend of Hawaiian and CBD oils supplement the serenity, and all too soon, you find yourself rising from your repose. But don’t fret – an unforgettable sunset awaits.

4:00 p.m.

Sunset sail with Teralani

Your spa-induced calm gives way to excitement as you climb aboard the Teralani for a sunset sail. Before heading above deck, stop by the open bar for a local beer or a “Teralani Sunset Cocktail.”

As the sun sinks into the sea, the catamaran drifts over white-capped seas along the Kā‘anapali Coast, where the buzz of activity seems like a world away.

Here, you end the day as you started it – amidst the roaring surf and pastel-splashed horizon, in awe of the surrounding beauty. With Kā‘anapali spread before you, you reflect on your day: one of artful cuisine, of wonder, of tranquility and excitement, and you know that within the folds of Kā‘anapali Resort exists a world of possibilities. You can’t help but wonder what awaits you next time.