20 Local-Approved Things to Do in Kihei (Skip the Tourist Traps)

Welcome to Kihei, where every day starts with sunlight on the ocean and ends with a sunset that makes strangers stop and smile. This isn’t the resort-heavy version of Maui—it’s more laid-back, more lived-in, and full of little moments that sneak into your memory long after the trip ends.

From morning snorkels in reef-lined bays to chilled-out afternoons at local food trucks and moonlit luau nights, the list of things to do in Kihei is as diverse as the people who fall in love with it. You’ll paddle outrigger canoes with locals, sip craft beers steps from the sand, hike through hardened lava fields, and spot humpback whales breaching just offshore.

It’s the kind of place where you can do everything—or nothing at all. Where the best discoveries often come from following the breeze or turning down a side street. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for more, Kihei doesn’t just show you Maui—it lets you feel it.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Kihei, one golden, ocean-kissed experience at a time.

1. Kamaole Beach Parks I, II & III

📍 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

You could spend an entire vacation bouncing between the Kamaole Beach Parks—and honestly, you wouldn’t regret it. Locals call them “Kam I, II, and III,” and each has its own easygoing rhythm, separated by just a few walkable blocks along South Kihei Road.

Kam I is the biggest and maybe the quietest. It’s got long stretches of soft, golden sand—perfect for morning walks, paddleboarding, or just parking your towel and watching the waves roll in. Families love it for the space and the gentle surf.

Kam II is the middle child with a little more bustle. You’ll find beachgoers chatting under umbrellas, snorkelers hugging the rocks on either side, and sunsets that feel like someone dialed the color saturation all the way up. It’s cozy, friendly, and never feels too crowded.

Kam III has a more playful vibe. There’s a grassy lawn perfect for picnics or tossing a frisbee, and kids love the little waves that break right near the shoreline. It’s also one of the best spots in Kihei to watch the sunset with a local food truck plate in hand.

All three parks have showers, restrooms, and lifeguards during peak hours. No entry fee. No stress. Just sun, sand, and the kind of slow, salty rhythm you came to Maui for.

2. Kihei Canoe Club Visitor Paddles

📍 Kihei Canoe Club Beach, 1280 S Kihei Rd

If you want to do something in Kihei that’s both culturally rich and genuinely fun, don’t miss the Kihei Canoe Club Visitor Paddle Program. It’s one of those rare experiences that lets you be more than just a tourist—you become part of the story, even if only for a morning.

Every Tuesday and Thursday around sunrise, visitors are welcomed to paddle traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoes alongside club members. You start on shore, getting a quick but heartfelt lesson in Hawaiian paddling traditions, ocean respect, and the importance of ohana—family and unity. Then it’s into the water, slicing across Maʻalaea Bay as the sun climbs above Haleakalā and lights up the West Maui Mountains.

You’ll glide past turtles, maybe spot a dolphin or two, and if you're visiting in winter (December through April), you just might see humpback whales breaching in the distance. But even without the wildlife, the rhythm of the paddle and the calm of the ocean create a deep kind of peace.

It’s not a tourist show. It’s a shared tradition—led by locals, powered by community, and open to anyone willing to listen and learn. Just show up with respect, a willingness to paddle, and a spirit ready for something real.

3. Kalama Beach Park

📍 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Kalama Beach Park is where locals go to live—not just visit. Set right in the heart of Kihei, across from the shops and cafés along South Kihei Road, this 36-acre beachfront park has a little bit of everything: shady trees, wide-open grass, beach volleyball courts, a skate park, and ocean views that hit different when the afternoon breeze kicks in.

It’s not a touristy beach. You’ll see local families grilling lunch under the pavilions, kids chasing each other around the jungle gym, teens hanging out by the basketball court, and paddleboarders launching from the sand. There’s almost always someone strumming a ukulele under a tree. The vibe is effortlessly chill.

Grab takeout from across the street—maybe a poke bowl or fish taco—and post up for a lazy lunch on the grass. The shoreline is great for wading, beachcombing, or just watching the surf roll in, and the sunsets from here? Pure gold.

Come for a walk, come to unwind, or just come to feel like you’re part of the neighborhood for an hour or two. It’s not polished or curated—it’s everyday Maui, and that’s what makes it so good.

4. Kihei Fourth Friday Town Party

📍 Azeka Shopping Center, 1279 S Kihei Rd

If you’re lucky enough to be in town on the fourth Friday of the month, drop everything and head to Kihei’s Fourth Friday Town Party. This isn’t just an event—it’s a Maui-style block party that blends music, food, art, and community into one warm, open-air evening that everyone seems to show up for.

Held at Azeka Shopping Center Mauka, the party kicks off around 6 p.m. with live local bands, hula performances, and a rotating mix of food trucks serving everything from garlic shrimp to fried malasadas. There are pop-up tents with local artisans selling handmade jewelry, soaps, prints, and plenty of “only-on-Maui” souvenirs you’ll actually want to keep.

Kids run wild in the keiki zone, teens hang near the skate park, and adults sip craft brews or nibble their way through the island’s flavors. The whole thing is free to attend, and the atmosphere is welcoming—like being invited to a neighbor’s backyard party, but with way better food and dancing under the stars.

If you want to meet locals, hear real island music, and soak up Kihei’s fun-loving, artsy side, this is your night. Show up hungry, bring cash for the vendors, and wear your most comfortable flip-flops—this one’s all about good vibes and easy fun.

5. Maui Brewing Company – Kihei Brewery & Tasting Room

📍 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753

This isn’t just any brewery—it’s Maui Brewing Company’s flagship, and it feels like the unofficial living room of Kihei. Set back from the coast in a sleek, solar-powered facility, this tasting room and production site is where some of Hawaii’s best-loved craft beers are born. And if you like your drinks with a view, you’re in for a treat.

The vibe? Casual, modern island hangout. Think long picnic tables, an open-air patio, and a rotating cast of locals, visitors, and off-duty surfers all sipping chilled cans of Bikini Blonde Lager, Pineapple Mana Wheat, or Coconut Hiwa Porter. Flights are the way to go if you want to taste your way through the lineup—and if you’re hungry, the on-site kitchen delivers with elevated pub food (the fish tacos and Bavarian pretzel are no joke).

Tours are available for the curious, and even non-beer drinkers will find something to love—there’s house-made root beer, kombucha, and even locally crafted spirits. Sunsets from the beer garden are next-level, especially with live music in the background and a cold pint in hand.

Come for the brews, stay for the breezy good times. It’s a perfect late afternoon stop after a day at the beach.

6. Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

📍 Mokulele Hwy, Kihei, HI 96753

Tucked quietly between Kihei and Maʻalaea, Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is one of those rare coastal spaces where time seems to stretch out—and everything slows down. It’s a peaceful wetland sanctuary, often overlooked, but rich with natural beauty and local significance.

The refuge protects over 700 acres of coastal salt marsh and habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds like the aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) and alae keʻokeʻo (coot). You don’t have to be a birder to appreciate the stillness here. The Kealia Coastal Boardwalk is an easy, stroller- and wheelchair-friendly path that stretches out over the wetlands, giving you front-row views of native birds wading through shallow pools, resting in reeds, or soaring across the mountains in the distance.

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the softest light and most bird activity. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk help tell the story of this special place, and on clear days, you can see all the way across to the West Maui Mountains.

This isn’t a high-energy stop. It’s reflective, quiet, and grounding. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need—especially in a place like Maui where every sunset feels like a show. Here, it’s just you, the wind, and the birds.

7. Sugar Beach

📍 North Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Sugar Beach isn’t flashy. No big crowds, no beach bars, no loud music pumping from Bluetooth speakers. What it does offer is over five miles of uninterrupted shoreline, soft golden sand, and some of the calmest, most peaceful vibes on the entire island. It’s the kind of beach you come to when you just want to breathe, walk, and let Maui do its thing.

Located on the north end of Kihei, Sugar Beach stretches from Maʻalaea all the way past Kihei Canoe Club. Early mornings are magic here—the sky turns soft pink and orange, the ocean stays glassy, and you’ll mostly be sharing the sand with joggers, dog walkers, and paddlers easing their canoes into the water.

The sand is a little coarser than the Kamaole beaches, but it doesn’t matter—this beach is about the feeling of space. You can walk for an hour and barely see another soul. It’s perfect for long morning strolls, shell collecting, or just stretching out with a book and a beach towel.

The water can get windy in the afternoon, so mornings are your best bet. Bring water, skip the expectations, and enjoy a quiet stretch of Maui that feels miles away from the usual tourist bustle.

8. Maui Ocean Center (near Kihei)

📍 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793

Just a 15-minute drive north of Kihei in Maʻalaea, the Maui Ocean Center is more than an aquarium—it’s a love letter to the Pacific. This isn’t just tanks and plaques. It’s storytelling, culture, and conservation all wrapped in a beautifully designed space that brings the ocean to life in a way that feels personal and deeply Hawaiian.

You'll walk through exhibits featuring everything from glowing jellyfish to honu (sea turtles) and reef sharks, all native to Hawaiian waters. But the real showstopper is the Open Ocean Tunnel, where you stand beneath a living reef dome while rays and sharks cruise silently overhead. It’s both humbling and strangely calming.

What sets this place apart, though, is how it blends Hawaiian culture with marine science. The exhibits honor traditional navigation, native legends, and the spiritual relationship Hawaiians have always had with the sea. If you’re visiting during whale season, don’t miss the Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi 3D film—it’s immersive, emotional, and genuinely moving.

Perfect for families, ocean lovers, or anyone who wants to understand Maui beyond the shoreline, the Maui Ocean Center is an ideal cloudy day or post-beach stop that’ll leave you inspired—and maybe a little more in love with the ocean than before.

9. Surf Lessons at Cove Park

📍 Near Kalama Beach Park, Kihei

If you’ve ever said, “I’ve always wanted to try surfing,” Cove Park in Kihei is where you finally do it. This mellow little beach isn’t about big-wave bravado—it’s about gentle rollers, soft landings, and instructors who actually want you to succeed. It’s the most beginner-friendly surf spot on the island, and the vibe matches: patient, positive, and totally judgment-free.

Surf schools line the road nearby, with boards strapped to Jeeps and laid-back instructors who somehow balance decades of experience with the friendliness of your favorite camp counselor. Lessons usually start with a quick land demo, a few safety tips, and then—it’s go time. You’ll paddle out, catch small, forgiving waves, and if the ocean’s feeling kind, stand up and ride your first wave before you’ve even had lunch.

The water is shallow, warm, and protected by reefs, making it one of the safest places on Maui to learn. And if you’re not surfing? It’s still a great spot to hang out, people-watch, or cheer someone on from the shore.

Trying to surf here isn’t about being perfect—it’s about laughing, wiping out, standing up again, and realizing you just did something unforgettable in the heart of paradise.

10. Snorkeling at Ulua Beach (Wailea)

📍 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

Just south of Kihei, tucked between resort paths and palm trees, Ulua Beach is a snorkeling spot that locals know, and travelers are lucky to find. It’s technically in Wailea, but only a short drive from Kihei—and it’s absolutely worth the detour.

The beach itself is lovely: soft sand, clear water, and just enough space to feel peaceful but not isolated. But what really makes Ulua special is the reef that hugs the right side of the bay. Slip into the water, and you’re instantly in a different world—schools of neon-colored fish dart between coral heads, sea urchins nestle into the rocks, and if you’re lucky, a honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle) might glide past like it owns the place (because it kind of does).

Visibility is best in the morning before the wind picks up, and conditions are usually calm and beginner-friendly. Bring your own gear or rent from one of the shops nearby. Even on your first snorkel here, it feels like something out of a nature documentary—just you, the reef, and the gentle sway of the sea.

Don’t rush it. Float, explore, and let the island reveal what lives just beneath the surface. This is Maui magic, no boat required.

11. Shop & Dine at Kihei Kalama Village

📍 1941 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

If Kamaole Beach is Kihei’s front porch, Kihei Kalama Village is its living room—lively, colorful, and full of local flavor. Located right across from Kalama Beach Park, this open-air market-meets-dining-strip is the perfect place to roam after a day in the sun.

There’s a little bit of everything here: surf shops, tiki bars, food trucks, souvenir stands, tattoo studios, and casual cafés that smell like garlic butter and tropical fruit. Wander through the maze of vendor stalls selling handmade jewelry, aloha shirts, soaps, sarongs, and all the island-themed knick-knacks you’ll want to bring home (plus some you didn’t know you needed). It’s laid-back, budget-friendly, and much less commercial than big resort shopping centers.

When the sun starts to dip, things liven up. Live music spills out from bars like Three’s Bar & Grill or Dog & Duck Irish Pub, and the happy hour crowd rolls in. Want fish tacos? Craft cocktails? Thai takeout? You’ll find it here, often with a view of the water just across the street.

12. Explore Lava Fields at La Perouse Bay

📍 End of Makena Alanui Rd, about 30 mins south of Kihei

If Maui has an edge—both literally and emotionally—it’s found at La Perouse Bay. Just past the resorts of Wailea, where the paved road gives way to rugged coastline, you’ll hit the end of the road. And that’s where things get wild.

This is ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve, home to some of the youngest lava flows on Maui. The landscape here looks almost otherworldly: black, jagged rock stretching toward the sea, with windswept brush and tide pools tucked between frozen waves of volcanic stone. There’s no lush greenery or beach umbrellas—just raw, untouched beauty that humbles you.

You can hike parts of the King’s Highway, an ancient lava-rock trail that once linked Hawaiian communities. The terrain is rough and sunbaked, so bring sturdy shoes, water, and sun protection. Along the way, you might spot wild goats, crashing surf, and tide pools teeming with life.

This isn’t a swim spot, but it’s unforgettable in its own way. Sunrise and early mornings are ideal—cooler, quieter, and deeply serene. The energy here feels ancient, sacred, and strangely peaceful. It’s not just a place you see—it’s a place you feel.

Come here to unplug from the beach crowds and stand at the edge of something real.

13. Kihei Regional Park

📍 1501 Liloa Dr, Kihei, HI 96753

When you want to get off the beach but not out of the breeze, Kihei Regional Park is your spot. Tucked inland just a bit from the coast, this massive open-space park is where locals go to play, relax, and burn off some energy (especially the keiki—kids).

It’s not the kind of place that makes the glossy travel brochures, but that’s exactly why it’s so worth visiting. You’ll find baseball fields, soccer matches, walking trails, picnic tables, and tons of shady spots to chill out beneath palm trees. If you’ve got little ones with you, the playground here is a hit—big enough to wear them out, small enough that you can keep an eye on them while sipping a smoothie from your cooler.

Even better? The views. Look one way and you’ve got Haleakalā looming in the distance. Look the other, and the ocean shimmers between rooftops. Sunset here is surprisingly gorgeous—fewer crowds than the beach, and a better chance of snagging a peaceful moment.

It’s a great place to reset, get your steps in, or just take a break from the sand while still soaking up that warm Maui air.

14. Scuba Dive Molokini Crater (Boat Tours from Kihei Boat Ramp)

📍 2800 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Molokini Crater isn’t just a dive—it’s the dive. Rising like a crescent moon from the sea off the coast of Kihei, this partially submerged volcanic crater is home to some of the clearest water and most vibrant marine life in all of Hawaii. If you’ve got your PADI card, this is your chance to see what 150 feet of underwater visibility actually feels like.

Tours leave early from the Kihei Boat Ramp, often just as the sun peeks over Haleakalā. The ride out is short—about 20–30 minutes—but it feels like entering another world. Below the surface, Molokini delivers: coral gardens teeming with butterflyfish, moray eels, triggerfish, parrotfish, and sometimes reef sharks or eagle rays cruising through like they own the place.

Advanced divers can drop along the crater’s outer wall, a dramatic vertical reef that plunges deep into the blue and makes you feel small in the best way. Beginners are welcome too—many dive companies offer intro dives and snorkelers are welcome on most boats as well.

The visibility here is world-class, and the crater’s protected status means it’s teeming with life. It’s an unforgettable experience, equal parts serenity and thrill, and easily one of the best things to do in Kihei if you’re ready to take the plunge.

15. Rent a Bike or Moped and Cruise Kihei

📍 Multiple rental shops along S Kihei Rd

You haven’t really felt Kihei until you’ve coasted through it with the wind in your hair and the scent of plumeria floating past your nose. Renting a bike or moped is one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to explore this beach town, and it gives you the freedom to cruise at your own rhythm—slow, salty, and totally unhurried.

There are plenty of local rental shops along South Kihei Road that’ll get you geared up in minutes. For short distances and casual exploring, a beach cruiser is perfect. You can ride from beach to beach, stop at food trucks, hit the farmer’s market, or just wander with no real plan—which is kind of the point.

Want more speed? Mopeds and scooters are easy to handle and open up even more of South Maui. Ride past Kamaole Beach Parks, head toward Wailea, or take the upper roads for views of the coastline and Haleakalā rising in the distance.

No traffic stress. No parking headaches. Just you, the breeze, and a front-row seat to the island’s everyday beauty. And yeah—you’ll probably end up stopping every five minutes to take a picture. That’s how you know you’re doing it right.

16. Whale Watching (Dec–April)

📍 Departures from Maalaea Harbor or Kihei Boat Ramp

If you’re visiting Maui between December and April, drop everything and make room for this: whale watching off the coast of Kihei. This stretch of ocean is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and every winter, thousands of humpbacks migrate here to mate, give birth, and raise their calves in the warm, protected waters.

You can spot them from shore—breaching, tail-slapping, or spouting offshore like giant, living geysers—but getting out on the water? That’s next-level. Boats leave daily from the Kihei Boat Ramp and Maʻalaea Harbor, ranging from quiet sailboats to lively catamarans with naturalists on board.

And when you see your first breach—a 40-ton whale launching itself skyward and crashing down in a curtain of spray—you’ll understand why people come back year after year. It’s awe. It’s grace. It’s wild, humbling joy.

Many tours use hydrophones, so you can even hear the whales singing beneath the surface. And with luck, you might see a mother and calf cruising side-by-side, or a rowdy male putting on a show.

It’s more than a wildlife sighting—it’s one of those rare, perfect travel moments that leaves you quiet for a while after. Don’t skip it. This is Maui at its most magical.

17. Attend a Luau (Wailea area)

📍 Wailea Beach Resort or Andaz Maui, ~15 mins from Kihei

You can’t come to Maui and skip the luau. It’s more than dinner and a show—it’s a celebration of Hawaiian history, dance, food, and family. And in the Wailea area just south of Kihei, you’ll find some of the most memorable luau experiences on the island.

The big names like Te Au Moana and ʻAhaʻaina Wailea are right on the ocean, with sweeping sunset views, torchlit stages, and that unmistakable smell of roasted kalua pig wafting from the imu (underground oven). You’ll start the evening with lei greetings, tropical cocktails, and hands-on cultural demos—think hula basics, kapa (bark cloth) making, or traditional games. Then the buffet opens, and it’s a feast: poi, lomi-lomi salmon, poke, teriyaki chicken, and enough tropical desserts to justify a second (or third) plate.

And the performance? Goosebumps. Dancers move through legends of Polynesia, from Tahitian drums to the powerful, flame-filled Samoan fire knife finale. It's storytelling in motion, and even the most jaded traveler ends up smiling wide.

Is it touristy? Sure. But it’s also deeply moving and genuinely fun. Don’t overthink it—just lean in, enjoy the rhythm, and raise your mai tai to the islands.

18. Kihei Farmers Market

📍 61 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

If you want to get a taste of local life—literally—set your alarm and head to the Kihei Farmers Market. It’s small, super casual, and tucked along the roadside near North Kihei, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in freshness and flavor.

Open most weekdays in the morning (typically 8 a.m. to noon), this roadside stop is where locals and in-the-know visitors grab everything from just-picked papayas and buttery avocados to fresh banana bread, coconut candy, and jars of lilikoʻi (passion fruit) jelly that taste like sunshine in a spoon.

You’ll also find locally made crafts, skincare products infused with Hawaiian botanicals, fresh smoothies, and even kombucha on tap. The vendors are warm, chatty, and happy to offer samples or tell you how to ripen a breadfruit properly (it’s trickier than you’d think).

It’s not a big tourist market with rows of souvenirs—it’s a spot that’s still grounded in the real, everyday rhythm of Maui life. Come hungry, bring cash, and grab a reusable bag. You’ll walk away with more than fruit—you’ll carry a little piece of the island’s flavor home with you.

19. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center

📍 726 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Overlooking the ocean in North Kihei, this small but mighty visitor center is one of those under-the-radar spots that quietly leaves a mark. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center is where science meets storytelling—dedicated to protecting the thousands of humpbacks that return to Maui’s waters every winter.

Step inside and you’ll find interactive exhibits, models, short films, and tons of fascinating facts about these gentle giants—how they navigate thousands of miles from Alaska, why they sing, and how local researchers track them through the seasons. It’s approachable, family-friendly, and free (donations welcomed).

But here’s the real magic: the view. Walk out back and you’re standing on a bluff that overlooks the sanctuary waters. In whale season (December to April), you might spot spouts, breaches, or tails from shore—no binoculars required. Even outside of peak months, it’s a peaceful place to sit, reflect, and listen to the waves.

If you’ve taken a whale-watching tour, this place deepens the experience. If you haven’t yet, it’ll get you excited to book one. Either way, it’s a quiet, educational gem that adds heart and meaning to your time in Kihei.

20. Watch the Sunset at Kamaole III or Secret Beach

📍 Secret Beach: Paako Cove, Makena Rd (Hidden gem!)

There are sunsets—and then there are Maui sunsets.

If there’s one non-negotiable “thing to do in Kihei,” it’s grabbing a spot on the sand and watching the sky do its nightly transformation. Locals will tell you Kamaole Beach Park III is one of the best places to catch it. The grassy hill above the sand fills with people tossing frisbees, sipping kombucha, or quietly sitting on beach towels, just waiting. The ocean turns molten gold, the clouds go lavender and peach, and then—just before it slips beneath the horizon—the sun turns fiery orange and time stands still.

Looking for something quieter? Just south of Wailea, down a steep little footpath, Secret Beach (Paʻako Cove) feels like a hidden painting. It’s tiny, flanked by lava rocks and palms, and often nearly empty. It’s a favorite for wedding photos, quiet reflection, or just sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with someone you love while the sky puts on its show.

You don’t need a plan or a reservation. Just show up barefoot, camera in hand or not, and let the day close with color, warmth, and wonder. In Kihei, sunset isn’t just a time—it’s a ritual.

Conclusion

Kihei may not be the loudest town on Maui—but that’s exactly its charm. It whispers instead of shouts. It invites you in slowly, through soft sand underfoot, warm trade winds, and those quiet, salty moments that remind you how sweet simplicity can be.

From its iconic beach parks and reef-filled waters to its food carts, farmers markets, and whale-song mornings, the things to do in Kihei aren’t about ticking off a list—they’re about tuning into the rhythm of the island. You come here for the sun, sure. But what stays with you? The feeling. The kindness. The everyday aloha.

So go ahead—rent that board, catch that sunset, toast that local brew. This town isn’t just a stop on your Maui itinerary. It’s the kind of place that slows you down just enough to realize: you don’t always need more. Sometimes, you just need Kihei.

Planning to visit Kihei? Karta has some amazing deals on Kihei Vacation Rentals for you.

FAQ

1. What is Kihei known for?

Kihei is known for its laid-back vibe, golden beaches, and consistent sunshine—it’s one of the driest and sunniest spots on the island of Maui. Travelers love it for its easy access to beaches like Kamaole I, II, and III, great snorkeling spots, and close-knit local community. Unlike some of Maui’s more resort-heavy towns, Kihei feels grounded, with a mix of food trucks, small shops, and everyday life. It's the perfect home base for exploring South Maui while still soaking in authentic Hawaiian atmosphere.

2. Is Kihei worth visiting compared to other parts of Maui?

Absolutely. Kihei offers a different kind of Maui experience—more casual, more affordable, and more local. You’re just minutes from luxury resorts in Wailea and snorkeling at Molokini, but Kihei itself gives you access to uncrowded beaches, delicious local food, and the feeling of actually being in Hawaii, not just vacationing in it. The list of things to do in Kihei ranges from paddling with a canoe club to whale watching, hiking lava fields, and catching some of the best sunsets on the island—all without the resort prices.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Kihei?

Kihei is beautiful year-round, but many travelers prefer the months between April and October for the warmest, driest weather. If you’re hoping to go whale watching, visit between December and April when humpbacks return to the waters around Maui. Summer offers perfect beach days, while winter brings slightly cooler mornings and the excitement of whale season. Regardless of when you go, the weather in Kihei is consistently sunny, making it a reliable destination for outdoor adventures and exploring the best things to do in South Maui.

4. What are the best beaches in Kihei for families?

The Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III are hands-down the best family-friendly beaches in Kihei. They each have lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and gentle waves perfect for kids. Kamaole III also has a large grassy park with picnic tables and a playground, making it great for families with young children. Sugar Beach, further north, is ideal for long walks and peaceful picnics. With calm mornings, soft sand, and safe swimming conditions, Kihei’s beaches are perfect for a relaxing family day under the sun.

5. Can you snorkel in Kihei?

Yes—snorkeling is one of the top things to do in Kihei! Several beaches offer easy reef access right from shore, including Ulua Beach (technically in Wailea but minutes away), Kamaole I and II, and spots near Keawakapu Beach. You’ll find tropical fish, coral heads, and often sea turtles just a short swim out. For more advanced snorkeling, book a boat tour to Molokini Crater—a partially submerged volcanic caldera with crystal-clear water and a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Snorkel gear is easy to rent from shops all over Kihei.

6. How far is Kihei from the airport and other Maui attractions?

Kihei is just about a 25-minute drive from Kahului Airport (OGG), making it a super convenient place to land after a long flight. From Kihei, it’s only 10 minutes to Wailea, 30 minutes to Lahaina, and about an hour to Haleakalā National Park. The central location makes it easy to explore the island without changing accommodations every few days. Whether you're headed out to snorkel Molokini or hike the lava fields at La Perouse Bay, most of the best things to do in Kihei and beyond are just a short drive away.

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