Kihei

Kihei is a town on Maui's south shore, stretching several miles along the coast but never more than a mile wide. Overrun by developers in the 1970s and 80s, it is now a dense mix of hotels, condos, shops, and houses. While Kihei lacks the charm of other Maui towns, it makes up for it in functionality and location — its central position makes it easy to access other parts of the island, and it is known as one of the hottest places to stay on Maui (temperature-wise) because it doesn't get the breezes that other parts of the island receive.

The climate in Kihei is warm and dry, with temperatures frequently in the 80s°F (27–32°C) during the day. Summer months (April through September) bring afternoon breezes that can blow as hard as 25 mph (40 km/h), providing welcome relief from the heat. October marks the season change, with temperatures settling around 80°F (27°C). Without the afternoon breezes, summer temperatures would be in the 100s.

Kihei's development centers around South Kihei Road, the main north-south artery along the ocean, which contains almost all the hotels, condos, restaurants, shops, and beaches. The Pi'ilani Highway (Highway 31) runs parallel about half a mile inland and connects with the Mokulele Highway coming down from Kahului.

By Plane

Kahului Airport (OGG), Maui's main airport, is the primary access point. From Kahului, follow signs to Kihei via Highway 311 (Mokulele Highway), which becomes Highway 31 (Pi'ilani Highway) in Kihei. The drive is about 10 miles (16 km) and takes 20–30 minutes.

By Car / Road

From Kahului Airport: Take Highway 311 south, which becomes Pi'ilani Highway (Highway 31) in Kihei. South Kihei Road runs parallel to the ocean and is the main commercial strip. Both South Kihei Road and Pi'ilani Highway have bike lanes.

Kihei is sprawled along the coast, but most things are within a mile of South Kihei Road. Walking is feasible for most needs if you don't mind some distance. Rental cars are recommended for exploring the rest of Maui. Strip malls have adequate free parking, though individual restaurants and beaches may not. Maui Bus 15 runs from Ma'alaea to Kihei (approximately 25 minutes).

• Whale Watching — During winter months (December through April), humpback whales can be spotted from shore along Kihei's beaches.

• Kamaole Beach Parks — The trio of Kamaole Beaches I, II, and III are the nicest (and busiest) Kihei beaches, each with changing rooms and excellent swimming and snorkeling.

• Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge — A good place to observe Hawaii's endangered wetland birds, along with feathered visitors from Alaska, Canada, and Asia. Best in winter mornings.

• Water Activities

  • Canoeing and Kayaking — Kihei Canoe Club (S Kihei Rd, ☏ +1 808-879-5505) and Maui Canoe Club (N Kihei Rd) offer guided experiences. Kelii's Kayak Tours (1215 S Kihei Rd #420, ☏ +1 808 874-7652) and Maui Eco Tours (Kihei, ☏ +1 808 270-5015) also available.
  • Snorkeling — Nice coral around Kamaole Beach Park III. Snorkel cruises depart from the Kihei Boat Ramp. Gear available at Snorkel Bob's and Maui Dive Shop.
  • Swimming — At Kamaole Beaches I, II, and III.
  • Sailing — Kai Kanani Sailing Charters (34 Wailea Gateway Pl, ☏ +1 808 879-7218).

• Land Activities

  • Maui Brewing Brewery Tour, 605 Lipoa Pkwy (30-minute walk from Kihei Center), ☏ +1 808 213-3002. 11AM–10PM. Six tours a day (fill up fast), includes souvenir glass, 4-beer tasting, and a pint. $15.
  • Luaus — Several resorts host Polynesian music and dancing luaus with buffet dinners. Huaka'i Luau at Seascape Restaurant at Ma'alaea Bay ($140 adult, $80 child 6–12).

Most restaurants are along South Kihei Road. Groceries and prepared foods available at Foodland (Kihei Town Center, ☏ +1 808 879-9350), Star Markets (1310 S Kihei Rd, ☏ +1 808 442-4750), and Safeway (277 Piikea Ave, ☏ +1 808 891-9120).

• Cafe O'Lei, 2439 S Kihei Rd #201A, ☏ +1 808 891-1368. 10:30 AM–3 PM, 5 PM–9 PM. High quality food at reasonable prices. Moderate.

• Coconuts Fish Cafe, 1279 S Kihei Rd, ☏ +1 808 875-9979. Great fish tacos and fish burgers cooked to order. Budget to moderate.

• Nalu's South Shore Grill, 1280 S Kihei Rd, ☏ +1 808 891-8650. 8AM–10 PM. Breakfast and brunch with large portions. Counter service.

• Spices Restaurant, 2259 S Kihei Rd, ☏ +1 808 891-8860. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Small appetites breakfast (2 eggs, toast, coffee) for $4.95.

• Moose McGillyCuddy's Pub & Cafe, 2511 S Kihei Rd, ☏ +1 808 891-8600. Restaurant and bar with three-hour happy hour daily. Budget-friendly.

• Fat Daddy's Smokehouse & BBQ, 1913 S Kihei Rd, ☏ +1 808 879-8711. BBQ and smoked meats. Moderate.

• Maui Brewing Company (605 Lipoa Pkwy) — Taproom and brewery with craft beer. Try the Coconut Hiwa Porter or Big Swell IPA.
• Moose McGillyCuddy's — Bar with tropical drinks and pub fare. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Kihei.

• Budget: Vacation rentals and condos in Kihei offer affordable rates, often $100–200/night, especially for weekly stays. Many include kitchens.

• Mid-range: Kihei Kai Oceanfront Resort and other condo resorts along South Kihei Road offer ocean-view rooms from $150–350/night.

• Upscale / heritage: For luxury, head south to Wailea (5 mi) where the Fairmont Kea Lani, Four Seasons Resort, and Grand Wailea offer world-class accommodations from $400–1,000+/night.

• Scuba Shops — Mike Severns Diving (Kihei, +1 808-879-6596), Ed Robinson's Diving Adventures (Kihei, +1 808-879-3584), Pride of Maui (Maalaea, +1 808-242-0955).

• Wailea (5 mi / 10 min) — Upscale resort area with luxury hotels, golf courses, and fine dining.
• Kahului (10 mi / 20 min) — Maui's main commercial center and airport hub.
• Haleakala National Park (30 mi / 45 min) — Spectacular volcanic crater and summit with sunrise viewing.
• Lahaina (25 mi / 40 min) — Historic whaling town with galleries, shopping, and Front Street dining.
• Hana (60 mi / 2.5 hr) — Remote town on Maui's northeast coast, reached via the famous Road to Hana.