Kihei

 

 

Kihei is a popular vacation rental community in Maui. Located on the island's warm southern coast, Kihei is home to numerous hotels, condominium complexes, residential neighborhoods, shopping areas and restaurants. This vibrant beach town attracts many vacationers thanks to its proximity to some of the island's best white-sand beaches and its generally dry, sunny climate. Once a popular vacation spot for Hawaiian nobility, Kihei has six miles of beaches with spectacular views of islands Kaho'olawe, Molokini, Lana'i, and West Maui.

Kihei's northernmost section runs from Maalaea Beach down the coast to Alaqua Place. Wailua flows naturally into the southern part of town, where the resorts, neighborhoods, small businesses, and upscale retailers continue. Whether you're looking for a single-family home or a vacation rental condo by the beach, you'll find plenty of action in this town. There is a wonderful variety of restaurants, casual cafes, stores, strip malls and bars to be discovered in Kihei.

Although some parts of Kihei can feel touristy, the town is mostly populated by locals, so you can expect to mingle with them daily. Kihei is laid-back and provides residents and tourists with an active lifestyle. You can swim, surf, stand-up paddle, snorkel, and kayak here.

 

Azeka Shopping Center is a great place to go shopping in Kihei. With more than 50 restaurants, boutiques, and services, the mall provides a one-of-a-kind experience for shoppers, diners, and spectators. Kihei Kalama Village is filled with a variety of gift shops.

There are also several excellent dining and drinking establishments in the area, including the Koiso Sushi Bar, Maui Brewing Company, Coconuts Tacos, Cafe Ole, Nalu’s South Shore Grill, and Nutcharee’s Authentic Thai Food. Nalu's South Shore Grill blends traditional Hawaiian cuisine with a breezy, balmy atmosphere located on the water. This restaurant and grill creates innovative dishes that have customers returning for more. For authentic Japanese cuisine in an unassuming space, look no further than Koiso Sushi Bar. Patrons rave about the restaurant’s creative sushi combinations and concoctions, solidifying this beloved Kihei staple as one of the best places to dine on the island.

Nutcharee's Authentic Thai Food impresses customers with its pad thai and crispy Opakapaka created with fresh ingredients. Not far from Nutcharee’s Authentic Thai Food is Café O'Lei Kihei, whose Pacific Rim fare is as delightful as its easygoing, casual dining space.

Spending the day at any one of Kihei’s pristine, peaceful, and scenic beaches is sure to provide a wealth of relaxation and excitement. Beach parks are popular gathering spots for people of all ages, who flock to its pristine waters for lifeguarded swimming and its soft sands for sandcastle building. Kihei’s beach parks are located close to each other, providing ample opportunities for visitors to hop between parks all day. Kamaole Beach Park I offers offers immediate access to the beach and a state-of-the-art playground ideal for young children. Popular for its public tennis courts, outdoor roller skating rink, and beach volleyball courts, Kamaole Beach Park I is filled with action. Just down the shoreline from Kamaole Beach Park I is Kamaole Beach Park II, whose 2.2-mile stretch of unspoiled shoreline is not only home to calm, glistening waters but picnic tables and grill sites as well. Directly beside Kamaole Beach Park II is Kamaole Beach Park III. This beloved park’s ample tree-lined green space is perfect for viewing sunsets and beachfront picnics. Watch a golden sunrise at Sugar Beach. This picturesque stretch of shoreline in North Kihei is the longest on the whole island and features many amenities, from wading to shelling to incredible views of Kaho’olawe, Molokini, and Lanai. During winter, this beach becomes a hotspot for whale watchers.

Every year, the Pacific Whale Foundation hosts the annual Maui Whale Festival, a multi-day event geared toward whale conservation and relief efforts. There is something for everyone during this beloved festival, from a parade to a 14.2-mile run or walk from Pacific Whale Foundation’s headquarters in Ma’alaea to Lahaina Ocean Store.

 

Kihei is home to an incredible range of educational opportunities. Top-rated schools in the area include: