Kihei Photos
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Kihei, Maui
Kihei is a beach town on the southwestern shore of Maui. Located at 7 feet above sea level, Kihei is bordered by S. Kihei Road on one side and Piilani Highway on the other. Originally, Kihei was called “Kamaole,” which means “barren” in the Hawaiian language. This refers to the town’s dry and hot weather conditions all year round; annually, it gets less than 13 inches (330 mm) of rain.
During the 1930s, efforts to establish a sugar plantation here did not succeed. Around that period also, Kihei had only 350 residents. With no paved roads and only non-native kiawe growing in the area, it failed to attract visitors. Of the 11 beach lots put up for sale by the government, only six were sold. In the 1950s, farm lots could be purchased for only $225 per acre, and residential lots for only 5 cents per square foot.
It wasn’t until around the 1960s, when water was piped from central and west Maui, that Kihei saw the start of a commercial boom. Developers took interest in Kihei and soon condominiums, shopping centers and malls were built on almost every block. Today, with its miles of white sandy beaches, Kihei is one of the top beach destinations in Hawaii. With more than 60 condominiums, hotels and other rental properties, Kihei has turned into one of Hawaii’s busiest beaches. It is one of the most heavily populated places on Maui.
According to the 2000 census, 16,749 people of diverse races consider Kihei their home. Among the groups who make a significant representation include Caucasians (47.76%), Asians (24.72%), Native Hawaiians (7.85%) and Hispanics (7.52%).
Kihei’s zip code is 96753.
Kihei Overview
- One of the most heavily populated places on Maui
- Beach town with more than 60 condominiums, hotels and other rental properties
- One of the top beach destinations in Hawaii
Location: Southwestern shore of Maui
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