Kihei

Kihei is a sunny South Maui beach town known for Kamaole Beach Park, Charley Young Beach, Kalama Park, vacation rentals, casual dining and ocean activities.

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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

South Maui setting: Sunny coastal town north of Wailea
Beach access: Close to Kamaole Beach Park and Charley Young Beach
Dry climate: Warm, sunny weather with less rainfall than windward Maui
Local services: Restaurants, grocery stores, beach shops, food trucks and casual markets
Kalama Park: Large oceanfront recreation area with courts, fields, skate features and events
Activity fit: Good area for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and seasonal whale watching
Visitor planning: Check surf, wind, currents, lifeguard status and parking before beach days
Population: 21,423 at the 2020 Census
Zip code: 96753

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kihei on Maui?

Kihei is on Maui's sunny south shore, north of Wailea and along a long coastal strip with beaches, condos, restaurants, shops and parks.

What is Kihei known for?

Kihei is known for warm dry weather, Kamaole Beach Park, Charley Young Beach, Kalama Park, vacation rentals, casual dining and South Maui ocean activities.

Is Kamaole Beach Park good for swimming?

Kamaole Beach Park can be good for swimming when conditions are calm and lifeguards are on duty, but visitors should still check surf, currents and posted warnings.

Is Kihei a good place to stay?

Yes. Kihei works well for visitors who want beach access, many vacation rentals, casual restaurants, grocery stores and a less formal South Maui base than Wailea.

What activities are popular in Kihei?

Popular activities include snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, seasonal whale watching, beach walks, sunset viewing and boat trips from nearby South Maui areas.