Looking to get away on a food and wine adventure—minus the Mainland energy? Head to Kāʻanapali on Maui this fall for the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. With two signature events over two unforgettable days, you’ll want to extend your stay to soak up all that this resort town has to offer. We attended the festival in 2024 when the theme was Italian wine, and this year, things get even more decadent, with the addition of whisky and Wagyu beef! —Cassandra Anderton
Festival Highlights
First up: The World of Wagyu, Wine & Whiskey takes over the oceanside lawns at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, featuring celebrated guest chefs including Nancy Silverton, Carolyn Schiff, and Vancouver’s own Alex Kim from Five Sails Restaurant. Expect indulgent dishes showcasing premium Wagyu beef, all paired with fine wines and barrel-aged whiskeys.
The following day: Southern Seafood Sunday, hosted by award-winning chef Aarón Sánchez, lands at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Coastal Southern seafood classics meet Hawai‘i’s local catch in an elegant beachfront brunch, with wine and craft cocktails included.
Where to Stay in Kāʻanapali
Resort lover? Stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, a sprawling oceanfront escape with 810 rooms on 40 lush acres along Kāʻanapali Beach. There are six outdoor pools (including a lava tube waterslide), tennis courts, pickleball, a fitness center, and a luxurious spa. Dining includes the acclaimed Japengo for sushi and Pacific-Rim cuisine, Sonz Steakhouse for surf and turf lovers, and casual ʻUmalu for Hawaiian-style fare poolside. Don’t miss the rooftop stargazing or the nightly Drums of the Pacific Lūʻau.
Prefer a condo holiday? Check into the Kāʻanapali Aliʻi, a luxury villa-style property just north of the main resort strip. Spacious suites with full kitchens and private balconies offer a home-away-from-home vibe, with pools, beach access, and proximity to Black Rock and Whalers Village.
Where to Dine in Kāʻanapali
Ulu Kitchen at the Westin Maui: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Ulu Kitchen delivers locally sourced cuisine in a breezy oceanfront setting. Try the Monkeypod Mai Tai (with or without alcohol) and the signature macadamia nut–crusted catch of the day.
Japengo at the Hyatt Regency: Savor a culinary adventure with creative sushi, steaks, and seafood paired with panoramic ocean views. Go slow—this is meant to be enjoyed.
Royal Lahaina Restaurant: Located at the host hotel for Southern Seafood Sunday, this casual yet elegant spot is perfect for beachfront cocktails and fresh island fare. Start with a drink at the poolside bar before settling in for dinner.
What to Do Around Kāʻanapali
Whalers Village & Fairway Shops: Explore boutique shopping, museums, local vendors, and a variety of dining options just steps from the beach.
Wildlife & Wild Dolphin Cruise: Join Teralani Sailing Adventures for a luxury catamaran cruise along West Maui. With any luck, you’ll spot spinner and bottlenose dolphins in their natural element.
Snorkel & Scuba at Black Rock: One of Maui’s top shore diving sites, home to sea turtles, octopus, and colorful tropical fish.
Cliff Diving & Sunset Ceremonies: Witness (or dare to try!) the legendary sunset cliff dive ceremony at Black Rock—a Kāʻanapali tradition.
Beach Time: Rent paddleboards or kayaks, take a swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply lounge on the soft golden sand.
Championship Golf & Tennis: Tee off at the Kāʻanapali Golf Courses or enjoy a match on the resort’s many tennis courts.
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