The roughly three-mile stretch of pristine, sandy paradise at Kaanapali Beach is what visitors come to experience (and expect) on Maui?and they?re never disappointed.

As Hawaii?s first master-planned destination resort, Kaanapali still serves as a model for resorts around the world. Fringed in coconut palms, soft sand, gentle waves, and the emerald-coated West Maui Mountains, it?s not hard to see why.

From one end to the other, Kaanapali is a sun-soaker?s, spa-seeker?s, and island-dreamer?s paradise!

Sand and sea, up high, and down below, you?ll find action and attractions for every age and inclination.

On the north end of Kaanapali is the sacred site of Black Rock, believed to be the jumping off point for spirits entering the after life.

And the tradition continues with countless daredevil divers and nightly sunset ceremonies.

Just steps from the beach, you can explore a world-class shopping village with over 60 retailers and restaurants, an historical whaling museum, two championship golf courses, tennis courts for day and night play, free, live entertainment, and an oceanfront beach walk that connects them all!

And overlooking this Westside wonder is an astounding selection of major, award-winning resorts and luxury resort condominiums.

Starting from the South end of Kaanapali, is the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. This lush, beachfront property features expertly manicured gardens and a unique collection of art and wildlife. But perhaps its most refreshing feature is the half-acre swimming pool divided by a set of waterfalls and a grotto cave.

Next door is the Marriott Maui Ocean Club. With immaculately manicured gardens and beautiful waterfalls, this resort offers elegance and comfort in an ideal beachside location. Its spectacular 3 and a half-acre ?Super Pool? includes plenty of slides and a kid?s shipwreck play area that?s perfect for the family.

Continue down the path, and you?ll pass by one of the finest, most luxurious resort condos on Maui?The Kaanapali Alii. ?Alii? in Hawaiian means royalty and the four oceanfront towers at this resort certainly live up to the name, with spacious suites, private lanais, and fabulous amenities.

Just about half-way down the beach is the Westin Maui Resort and Spa. A heavenly oasis of swimming pools, tranquil waterfalls, hidden gardens, and private cabanas, the Westin combines lavish accommodations with breathtaking views of the Pacific and neighbor islands of Lanai and Molokai.

Next, you?ll come to the two towers of The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach. Though it?s right in the heart of bustling Kaanapali, this resort still maintains a secluded, private feel, while offering generous condominium suites, tranquil garden landscapes, and a beachside pool that gives you a front row seat to all the action.

The next stop on the scenic walking path is Kaanapali Beach Hotel, often called one of the most Hawaiian of all the resorts. This beautiful, seaside property truly embraces the Hawaiian spirit with on-site cultural activities and crafts, plus daily hula performances that are open to the public.

And on the very north end of Kaanapali, perched right on top of Black Rock, is the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, the first luxury hotel built on Maui. Boasting lush tropical gardens and an immense oceanfront swimming lagoon that meanders throughout the grounds, this resort is the perfect finish to South Kaanapali?s luxury hotel line-up.

Kaanapali?perhaps the best beach, on the best island, in the world!

When we get back, we?ll explore beyond Black Rock to the quiet side of Kaanapali.