Kaanapali

In ancient times, Kaanapali was known for its bountiful fishing and its seaside cliffs. Pu‘u Keka‘a, known today as "Black Rock," was the site of many a heroic warrior's leap. But times change, and the sleepy fishing village was washed away by the wave of Hawai‘i's new economy: tourism. Clever marketers built this sunny shoreline into a playground for the world's vacationers. The theatrical look of Hawai‘i tourism—planned resort communities where luxury homes mix with high-rise hotels, fantasy swimming pools, and a theme-park landscape—all began right here. Three miles of uninterrupted white beach and placid water form the front yard for this artificial utopia, with its 40 tennis courts and two championship golf courses. At the charming town of Lahaina, to the south, you can board boats for snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, whale-watching, parasailing, and sunset cocktail adventures.