Maui Town Guide

Kihei

Kihei is a sunny South Maui town known for long beaches, Kamaole parks, casual restaurants, condos, sunsets and easy drives to Wailea and Maalaea.

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Kihei, Maui

Kihei is a beach town on the south shore of Maui. It used to be called "Kamaole," which means "barren" in the Hawaiian language. The original name refers to the town's hot and dry weather conditions all year round. Kihei gets less than 13 inches (330 mm) of rain per year.

During the 1930s, efforts to establish a sugar plantation in this area did not succeed. Around that time, Kihei was home to just 350 residents. With no paved roads and only non-native kiawe growing in the area, it failed to attract visitors. Of the eleven 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 just 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 and shopping centers were built on almost every block. Today, with its miles of sandy beaches, Kihei is one of the top beach destinations in Hawaii. It is also one of the most densely populated places on Maui.

Key Features

Sunny South Maui town with many beaches and condo areas
South Kihei Road runs close to the shoreline through much of town
Kamaole I, II and III are among Kihei's best-known beach parks
Sugar Beach stretches north toward Maalaea
Casual restaurants, grocery stores, shops and beach services are easy to find
Good access to Wailea, Maalaea Harbor and central Maui roads
Mornings are often calmer along the water than breezy afternoons
Kihei has a more casual town feel than nearby Wailea
Population: 21,423 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96753

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kihei one of Maui's sunniest towns?

Kihei sits on Maui's leeward side, where Haleakala blocks much of the moisture carried by the trade winds. That is why the area is often drier and sunnier than the island's north and east shores.

How did Kihei change over time?

Kihei was once a much quieter shoreline area with fishing, ranching and dry coastal land. It grew rapidly as South Maui became a major beach, condo and visitor area.

What makes the Kamaole beaches different from each other?

Kamaole I has a long sandy stretch, Kamaole II is smaller and central, and Kamaole III has a larger park setting with grassy areas above the beach.

Why do Kihei afternoons often get windy?

Trade winds commonly build through the day along South Maui. Many beachgoers prefer mornings for calmer ocean conditions and clearer nearshore visibility.

How is Kihei different from Wailea?

Kihei has a more casual, spread-out town feel with condos, beach parks and everyday services. Wailea is more resort-focused, with landscaped roads, luxury hotels and golf courses.