City of Kihei Maui

Kihei History in a Nutshell

Kihei is the site where King Kamehameha and his warriors from the Big Island came ashore and successfully conquered Maui. Over one hundred and fifty years later, tourists flocked there with nearly the same fervor and built condominiums and strip malls. Now that luxury resorts have developed in neighboring Wailea, Kihei has become a calmer locale boasting some of the best of what Maui has to offer. There are also a wide variety of Kihei accommodations to choose from, for every budget and every type of traveler. 

Best Beaches on Maui

Arguably the best beach in Maui, Kamaole Beach I offers sandy bottoms and excellent snorkeling along the rocks. The remaining two parts of Kamaole feature nice swimming, great boogie boarding, and an abundance of space for beach recreational sports. Check out our article on Kamaole Beach Park for more information. 

Cove Park is a popular beach for surfing lessons and stand-up paddleboarding. Children's activities are also numerous.

Kalama Beach Park is equipped with a playground, skateboard park, inline skating park, and ball field. Keep in mind that the best times to visit the beaches in South Maui are in the morning, as the winds are blocked by Haleakala and offer more serene conditions.

Kihei Shopping

After a sun-kissed morning on the beach, many opt to shop for souvenirs or swim and snorkel equipment. Kihei Kalama Village is a covered arcade with shops offering an endless selection of Hawaiian-themed items.

Local dive shops nearby can supply you with everything needed for your next visit to the beach.

You may also choose to book a boat trip from one of the operators departing from Kihei Boat Ramp.

Kihei Dining Options

After a long day of sunbathing and shopping, tons of dining options exist along South Kihei Road to satisfy any appetite. Kihei provides a wide variety of traditional American fare as well as more cosmopolitan eats like Italian, Greek, and Indian food. Several of these restaurants are highly recognized in travel guides, so quality sacrificed for convenience should seldom be of concern.

For those interested in nightlife, the Triangle across from Kalama Beach Park is a popular location after the sun sets on another perfect day in Kihei.