Glorious weather? Check. 

Views for days? Check.

Snorkeling at Black Rock? Check.

One of the best golden sandy beaches on Maui? Check. 

When you’re trying to decide where to stay on your Maui vacation, Ka’anapali Beach has a lot going for it. 

But I think there’s one BIG thing that pushes it over the top in terms of making it the perfect vacation playground…being able to walk straight from the sand to coffee, shopping, cocktails, and dinner without ever getting in your car.

And that is, what I think, makes Whalers Village the top reason you should stay on Ka’anapali Beach. 

I just spent a week staying at the Westin on Ka’anapali Beach, and Whalers Village quickly became an integral part of my daily vacation routine. 

Whether I was popping in for a latte first thing to take on my working stroll down the beach walk, grabbing an açaí bowl to take back to the pool, or ending the night with a mai tai, it just made vacation easy. And honestly? That’s the vibe I want when I’m on Maui.

So after spending a LOT of time shopping and dining at Whalers Village, let me walk you though my favorites:

Insiders Guide to Whalers Village on Ka’anapali Beach

While I have been frequenting this spot for YEARS, this post was sponsored by Whalers Village. As always, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make HulaLand possible.

Whalers Village is a beachfront open-air shopping and dining center located right on Ka’anapali Beach on Maui’s west side. It sits along the Ka’anapali Beach Walk and is surrounded by some of the island’s most popular resorts (like the Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, and Marriott Vacation Club), which means if you’re staying nearby, you can literally walk over whenever you feel like it.

 

The property itself is beautifully landscaped, easy to navigate, and has that relaxed, upscale-but-not-fussy Maui feel. Think palm trees, ocean views, and shops and restaurants that feel like vacation. 

My Favorite Places to Shop at Whalers Village

ALOHA Collection

If there’s one store I never skip, it’s ALOHA Collection. They have ALL of the bags…totes, pouches, backpacks, beach bags…you name it. 

They’re lightweight, water-resistant, and perfect for travel. 

I somehow convince myself I need a new one (or two or three) every trip. This is my FAVORITE Hawaii souvenir. 

ABC Stores

Yes, ABC Stores are everywhere in Hawaii, and for good reason! 

I stop here for essentials, snacks, sunscreen, and most importantly…Hello Kitty merch. 

Checking out the Hello Kitty section is basically a hobby at this point.

Tori Richard

 

Classic aloha wear done right. Tori Richard always has polished, stylish pieces that feel perfect for dinners, luaus, or just looking effortlessly put together on vacation.

Reyn Spooner

Another aloha wear staple. Reyn Spooner is iconic for a reason—great quality, timeless prints, and pieces that actually last. 

Perfect if you want something traditional but still cool. They also have a lot of matching family pieces. 

OluKai

Hands down my favorite place for island footwear. Their sandals are comfortable, stylish, and basically made for Maui life. I live in these on every trip.

Cinnamon Girl

 

This is my go-to for gifts and cute outfits. Fun, colorful, and very Maui. I always find something here I didn’t know I needed.

Mahina

 

If you love cute clothes and accessories, Mahina is a must. Everything feels beachy, feminine, and easy to wear…perfect vacation vibes.

Lululemon

 

The Hawaii-exclusive line gets me every time.

Sephora

 

Because somehow I always forget something at home. Sephora is perfect for grabbing makeup, skincare, or sunscreen emergencies.

SoHa Living

 

One of my favorite spots for gifts and home goods. Everything here feels cozy, beachy, and very “take a little Maui home with you.”

My Favorite Places to Eat at Whalers Village

Okay, now let’s talk about the real reason I’m here: food and drinks.

Island Vintage Coffee

 

This is where my mornings usually start. Their “Island Latte” is my favorite, plus I think they make one of the best acai bowls. 

Choice Health Bar

 

Another favorite for smoothies and açaí bowls. It’s great for a quick, healthy bite you can take back to the beach or pool.

Leilani’s on the Beach

 

Home of the legendary Hula Pie. I love coming here for lunch, drinks, or a post-snorkeling treat. Cocktails + dessert? Always yes.

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman

 

This is my favorite spot on Maui. Don’t miss happy hour (and in my opinion, the best mai tais in Hawaii). It’s lively, fun, and feels like a party every night.

Hula Grill

 

Feet in the sand, ocean views, and sunset dinner. It doesn’t get more Maui than this. Ideal for a relaxed but memorable evening.

Island Vintage Shave Ice

 

Fluffy ice, local toppings, and the perfect afternoon or post-dinner treat. So refreshing. And I LOVE their fresh mochi!

Ono Gelato

 

My go-to for a post-dinner sweet treat. Because gelato on vacation just hits different.

At the end of the day, Whalers Village is a huge reason why staying on Ka’anapali Beach always feels so effortless. 

Having shops, restaurants, coffee, desserts, and cocktails all right there on the beach means you can truly relax and enjoy your vacation without planning every little detail.

I love that I can wake up, grab coffee, stroll the beach, shop a little, eat something amazing, watch the sunset, and do it all again the next day. Whether you’re staying next door or just visiting for the afternoon, Whalers Village makes Maui feel like vacation.