If Maui is the Valley Isle, then Kihei is its laid-back, sun-drenched candy spot — just like the pal who all the time has snacks, sunscreen, and a spontaneous snorkel plan. Tucked alongside the island’s southwestern shore, this seaside city is all golden hours and good instances, with simply sufficient native taste to maintain it actual. From calm seashores to outside adventures, listed below are the highest issues to do in Kihei Maui for households wanting to take in the aloha. Whether or not you’re snorkeling with sea turtles, chasing the right sundown, or savoring shaved ice between surf classes, Kīhei makes household enjoyable really feel easy.
Tropical Kamaole Seaside, Maui, Hawaii (Shutterstock)
Kihei: The Lowdown
Kīhei is on the southwestern coast of Maui, in an space known as South Maui. It’s about 25 minutes from the airport (Kahului) and tremendous near Wailea, the extra upscale resort space. The city has an excellent chill, native vibe that’s not almost as resort-y as Ka‘anapali or Wailea. It’s low-key surfer informal and laid-back, the place locals and guests combine and mingle over board classes, plate lunches, and farmers markets. It’s an important base for actions like Molokini Crater snorkeling or highway journeys to Upcountry.
With about 276 days of solar a 12 months, Kīhei is among the driest and sunniest locations in Maui. Assume: flip-flops, seaside towels, and selfies day by day. You’ll discover a thriving meals truck scene, low-key cafés, and purchasing spots like Kalama Village, all simply steps from the seaside.
What It’s Identified For:
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Six miles of seashores, together with the favored Kamaole Seaside Parks I, II, and III
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Snorkeling, boogie boarding, newbie browsing, and unreal sunsets. Sea turtles are sometimes seen round rocky spots like Makena Touchdown or Kamaole III. The ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve, a lava-rock coast, can also be nice for underwater explorations.
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Finances-friendly condos, native eateries, and meals vehicles galore
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Fast entry to Molokini Crater excursions and Upcountry Maui highway journeys
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Whale-watching in winter (December –April) when humpback whales come to breed within the heat Maui waters.
Kihei Maui Hawaii shoreline (Shutterstock)
Greatest Seashores in Kihei
Kihei is famend for its beautiful seashores, every providing a singular expertise for guests:
Kamaole Seaside III
Kamaole Seaside III is a family-friendly gem good for teenagers or teenagers. The seaside options flat, shallow waters splendid for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. With calm waters and a non-crowded ambiance, it’s an important place to loosen up and take in the solar. The close by park presents picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, making it handy for a full day of enjoyable. Whether or not you’re constructing sandcastles or exploring tide swimming pools, Kamaole Seaside III is a must-visit for households.
Kamaole Seaside II
Kamaole Seaside II is one other common spot in Kihei, identified for its mushy white sand and crystal-clear waters. This seaside is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The constant waves make it an important spot for surfers of all ranges. The close by park offers picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, making certain a cushty seaside day.
Wailea Seaside
Positioned within the coronary heart of South Maui’s luxurious resort space, Wailea Seaside is a picturesque paradise. Identified for its mushy white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s good for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Surrounded by upscale properties and golf programs, Wailea Seaside presents beautiful views of the ocean and the plush panorama.
Aerial view at Kamaole Sand Seaside III, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii (Shutterstock)
The High 10 Issues To Do in Kihei Maui
1. Study to Surf or Paddleboard
Cove Park or Kalama Seaside are good for rookies, and native surf faculties like Aloha Ocean Adventures provide classes.
2. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
Crystal-clear water, colourful fish, and a sea turtle or two really feel such as you’re swimming in an aquarium. One other great place for newbie snorkeling is Turtle City close to Maluaka Seaside, identified for its calm waters and frequent turtle sightings. Professional Tip: Morning tours are the most effective for calmer water.
3. Go Whale-Watching
Seeing a humpback breach proper in entrance of you is unforgettable. Many excursions depart from Maʻalaea Harbor, simply north of Kihei.
4. Hold Out at Kalama Park
Kalama Park has nice services for teenagers and households. There’s a skate park, seaside volleyball courts, basketball, and massive open areas to sit back and people-watch.
5. Have a Sundown Picnic at Kamaole Seaside Park III
It’s among the finest sunset spots in Maui with tide swimming pools to discover and a giant garden to toss the frisbee.
6. Get Shave Ice & Boba at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is the native go-to for candy treats and island flavors like lilikoi and mango.
7. Journey by Zodiac
Fast, splashy boats make snorkeling far more thrilling. Some excursions additionally discover sea caves and lava arches.
8. Seaside Hop on an E-Bike
Hit up all of the Kamaole seashores, cease for snacks, and really feel the breeze in your hair as you cruise the Kīhei coast. Anybody 15 years or older can rent an e-bike, however helmets are required for riders beneath 16. E-bikes are allowed in every single place, together with bike paths.
9. Expertise a Sunset Luau
Take pleasure in hearth dancing, rhythmic drumming, and a buffet dinner that’s each cultural and funky at Te Au Moana Lū‘au within the Wailea space.
10. Attempt Parasailing or Jet Snowboarding (Seasonal)
An adrenaline rush with unbeatable views, soar above the ocean or zip throughout the waves for an exciting perspective of the island.
Hidden Gems in Kihei: Insider Picks
Secret Turtle Spot – Makena Touchdown (Turtle City)
For a peaceable vibe that’s much less crowded than the touristy spots, an early morning snorkel at Makena Seaside means swimming with sea turtles (don’t contact them!).
Learn concerning the newest laws regarding sea turtles and hold a distance of not less than 10 toes.
Keawakapu Seaside
This lengthy, uncrowded seaside is nice for bodysurfing, seaside video games, or chilling with a speaker and sundown views.
Star Gazing at Sugar Seaside
Tremendous quiet at evening, it’s good for laying within the sand and watching the celebs or catching a meteor bathe.
Climb the Lava Rock Tide Swimming pools at Kamaole Seaside III
Put on reef-safe water footwear to discover small lava rock formations with little crabs, fish, and tiny swimming pools.
Household-Permitted Meals Spots in Kihei
- Stewz Burgers – Native burgers with names like “The Large Kahuna” and recent island toppings, they’re within the Kukui Mall in Kihei.
- Pizza Madness Maui – A chill spot with large slices, and stable costs for large appetites. And sure, they ship.
- Coconuts Fish Cafe – Identified for epic fish tacos (just like the two-hands required sort), recent seafood, and an off-the-cuff surfy ambiance.
- Paia Fish Market – Affords scrumptious fish tacos with nice costs and a family-friendly ambiance.
- Maui Gelato and Waffles – Flavors like lilikoi cheesecake and mango sorbet — plus acai bowls and waffles.
Bonus: Wet Day Issues to do in Kihei Maui
- Maui Arcade & Bowling – Traditional bowling, pool tables, arcade video games, and snacks. Good for a squad hangout in Wailuku, which is about 30 minutes from Kihei.
- Catch a Film at Regency Kihei Cinemas – Why not see a flick on their 4 large screens?
- Browse the Retailers at Kihei Kalama Village – A lined purchasing space with cool surf shops, souvenirs, jewellery, and native artwork. It’s an important place to attain distinctive finds.
- Foodie Crawl – Make it a mission to hit up 3–Four small cafes or meals vehicles. Attempt totally different snacks and drinks at every (shave ice, poke bowls, malasadas, smoothies, and so forth.).
- Chill at Kihei Public Library – A surprisingly cool spot with Hawaiian historical past books, free WiFi, and ocean views to reset or journal.
