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Kihei

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City
—°7
Kihei (United States)
ℹ️

Practical info — Kihei

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the beaches early in the morning for calm water and good snorkeling; strong trade winds usually pick up by noon.
  • The Kamaole Beach Parks (Kam I, II, and III) are excellent spots to watch the sunset, with Kam III offering a large grassy area.
  • Traffic on South Kihei Road can move slowly; plan extra time to travel and watch out for pedestrians crossing.
  • During winter months (December to April), bring binoculars to the shoreline to easily spot migrating humpback whales.
  • Rent snorkel gear from a local dive shop for the week; it's much cheaper than renting daily at the boat docks.

🍽 Food

🍽
Poke Bowls

Get a massive, fresh portion of raw marinated ahi tuna over rice at a local supermarket deli or poke shop.

🍽
Shave Ice

Cool down with Hawaiian shave ice, topped with condensed milk or macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom.

🍽
Plate Lunch

Try a classic Hawaiian plate lunch with kalua pork, two scoops of rice, and macaroni salad from a local joint.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Kihei Kalama Village

An open-air market packed with small vendors selling souvenirs, beachwear, and local crafts.

🛍
Local Surf Shops

Pick up rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen, and quality swimwear from independent surf stores along the main road.

🧘
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

A tranquil wetland boardwalk trail where you can observe endangered Hawaiian waterbirds.

🧘
Waipuilani Park

A less crowded, grassy park along the ocean great for a quiet morning walk away from the main tourist beaches.

Kihei stretches along Maui's southwest coast and is renowned for its dry, sunny climate. The town has an impressive selection of beach parks, including Kamaole I Beach, which is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Sugar Beach in the north is handy for long sunrise walks, while Mai Poina Beach Park and Kalepolepo Beach Park are popular spots for windsurfers and families. In contrast to the large resorts in Wailea, Kihei provides a more down-to-earth experience with numerous vacation rentals, local markets, and food trucks. 'Kihei Kalama Village' is a lively hub with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. During the winter months, the bay off Kihei is one of the best places globally to watch humpback whales directly from the shore or on a boat tour. Accessibility from Kahului Airport is just about 20 minutes. Besides water sports, Kihei provides access to the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge for nature lovers. Gastronomy ranges from fresh poke bowls to upscale fusion cuisine. Kihei is the well-suited base for exploring the entire island of Maui while enjoying the authentic 'Aloha' spirit.

Geography

Population
20,881 (2017)
Coordinates
20.74763, -156.45499

Facts

  • Sunniest location on Maui
  • Hub for humpback whale watching
  • Over 6 miles of sandy beaches
  • Views of Molokini and Lanai
  • Home to Humpback Whale Sanctuary
  • Famous for great food truck scene
  • Excellent snorkeling conditions
  • Kealia Pond Wildlife Refuge

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Kihei (7)

Captain George Vancouver Monument🏺 historical

The Captain George Vancouver Monument commemorates the explorer's arrival in Kihei.

Maui Wave Riders📍 landmark

Maui Wave Riders is an attraction in Kihei offering surfing lessons and equipment.

Kamaole I Beach🎡 recreation

A popular beach in Kihei known for its clear waters and golden sand.

Mai Poina Beach Park🎡 recreation

A coastal beach park in Kihei offering scenic views and recreational space.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary🏛 museum

An educational center and museum dedicated to the protection of humpback whales.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-14:30

Kalepolepo Beach Park🎡 recreation

A quiet beach park in Kihei, handy for sunset viewing and relaxing.

Whale Statue🏺 historical

A prominent monument in Kihei celebrating the local marine life.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Kihei special?
The sunny beaches like Kamaole Parks and the laid-back atmosphere.
Can you watch whales there?
Yes, from December to April is the peak whale-watching season.
Is snorkeling good in Kihei?
Yes, especially in the early morning the water is clear at Kamaole Beach.
Where can I eat locally?
Try fish tacos at the many food trucks along South Kihei Road.
Is there nightlife in Kihei?
The 'Bermuda Triangle' area features several bars and pubs for evening entertainment.
Kihei: where is it located?
Kihei is located in United States.
Kihei: what is there to see?
Highlights include Captain George Vancouver Monument, Maui Wave Riders, Kamaole I Beach.
Kihei: why is it worth visiting?
Kihei stretches along Maui's southwest coast and is renowned for its dry, sunny climate.
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