Kihei at a Glance
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 in Bullet Points
- 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
Kihei Location
Southwestern shore of Maui
Kihei Map (top)
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Kihei Weather (top)
Now
63°F
Windchill:
63°F
Mostly Cloudy
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Location: Kihei, HI, US
Wind: 5 mph SW
Humidity: 84%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.08 in rising
Sunrise: 6:33 am
Sunset: 6:35 pm
|
Tue
Hi: 81°F
Low: 61°F
Scattered Showers
|
Wed
Hi: 81°F
Low: 63°F
Partly Cloudy
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Kihei Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Kihei Reviews and Comments (top)
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