If Maui is the Valley Isle, then Kihei is its laid-back, sun-drenched candy spot — just like the pal who at all times has snacks, sunscreen, and a spontaneous snorkel plan. Tucked alongside the island’s southwestern shore, this seashore city is all golden hours and good instances, with simply sufficient native taste to maintain it actual. 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. From calm seashores to outside adventures, listed here are the highest issues to do in Kihei Maui for households trying to absorb the aloha.
Tropical Kamaole Seaside, Maui, Hawaii (Shutterstock)
Kihei: The Lowdown
Kīhei is on the southwestern coast of Maui, in an space referred to as South Maui. It’s about 25 minutes from the airport (Kahului) and tremendous near Wailea, the extra upscale resort space. The city has a brilliant 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 over board classes, plate lunches, and farmers markets. It’s an important base for actions like Molokini Crater snorkeling or street journeys to Upcountry.
Kīhei is likely one of the driest and sunniest locations on Maui, with round 276 sunny days per yr. Assume: flip-flops, seashore towels, and selfies day by day. You’ll discover a thriving meals truck scene, low-key cafés, and informal buying spots like Kalama Village, all simply steps from the seashore.
What It’s Recognized For:
-
Six miles of seashores, together with the favored Kamaole Seaside Parks I, II, and III
-
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 be nice for underwater explorations.
-
Finances-friendly condos, native eateries, and meals vans galore
-
Fast entry to Molokini Crater excursions and Upcountry Maui street journeys
-
Whale watching is big in winter (December –April) when humpback whales come to breed within the heat Maui waters.
Kihei Maui Hawaii shoreline (Shutterstock)
Finest Seashores in Kihei
Kihei is famend for its beautiful seashores, every providing a novel expertise for guests:
Kamaole Seaside III
Kamaole Seaside III is a family-friendly gem good for youths and teenagers alike. The seashore options flat, shallow waters ideally suited for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. With its calm waters and fewer crowded ambiance, it’s an important place to calm down and take in the solar. The close by park provides 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 widespread spot in Kihei, identified for its mushy white sand and crystal-clear waters. This seashore is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The constant waves make it an important spot for surfers of all ranges. The close by park supplies picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, making certain a cushty seashore day.
Wailea Seaside
Situated within the coronary heart of South Maui’s luxurious resort space, Wailea Seaside is a picturesque paradise. Recognized 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 provides beautiful views of the ocean and the luxurious 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 newcomers, and native surf colleges like Aloha Ocean Adventures provide classes.
2. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
Crystal-clear water, tons of colourful fish, and possibly even a sea turtle or two. It’s like swimming in an aquarium. One other great place for snorkeling is Turtle City close to Maluaka Seaside, identified for its calm waters and frequent turtle sightings, making it good for households and newcomers. Professional Tip: Morning tours are finest for calm waters.
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. Grasp Out at Kalama Park
Kalama Park has nice services for youths and households There’s a skate park, seashore 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 probably the greatest 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 as you cruise the Kīhei shoreline. Anybody 15 years or older can rent an e-bike, however helmets are required for riders underneath 16. E-bikes are allowed in every single place, together with bike paths.
9. Expertise a Sunset Luau
Get pleasure from 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. Strive Parasailing or Jet Snowboarding (Seasonal)
It’s 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 touristy spots, an early morning snorkel at Makena Seaside means swimming with sea turtles (don’t contact them!).
Learn right here concerning the newest laws regarding sea turtles and preserve a distance of a minimum of 10 ft.
Keawakapu Seaside
This lengthy, much less crowded seashore is nice for bodysurfing, seashore video games, or simply chilling with a speaker and sundown views.
Star Gazing at Sugar Seaside
Tremendous quiet at night time, 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-Accredited Meals Spots in Kihei
- Stewz Burgers – Native burgers with names like “The Massive Kahuna” and contemporary island toppings, they’re within the Kukui Mall in Kihei.
- Pizza Madness Maui – A chill vibe with enormous slices, and strong costs for large appetites. And sure, they ship.
- Coconuts Fish Cafe – Recognized for epic fish tacos (just like the two-hands-required type), contemporary seafood, and an informal surfy ambiance.
- Paia Fish Market – Affords scrumptious fish tacos and is widespread for its nice costs and family-friendly atmosphere.
- 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
- Play at 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 film on their 4 massive screens?
- Browse the Outlets at Kihei Kalama Village – A lined buying space with cool surf outlets, 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 vans. Strive completely different snacks and drinks at every (shave ice, poke bowls, malasadas, smoothies, and many others.).
- Chill at Kihei Public Library – A surprisingly cool spot with Hawaiian historical past books, free WiFi, and ocean views, it’s a great spot to reset or journal.
