Overview
Kihei is a town on Maui's South Shore. Overrun by developers in the 1970s and 80s, it's now a jumble of hotels, condos, shops and houses. While lacking charm, Kihei makes amends in its functionality and location. The central location makes it easy to get to other parts of the island and Kihei is known to be one of the hottest places to stay on Maui (temperature-wise) because it doesn't get the breezes that other parts of the island get (perfect for that winter getaway).
14 things to do · 12 places to eat · 8 bars & cafés · 15 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kihei
Huaka`i Luau
Kihei Canoe Club
Maui Canoe Club
Kelii's Kayak Tours
Maui Eco Tours
South Pacific Kayaks and Outfitters
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 67°F. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Honolulu)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- OGG Kahului International Airport, Kahului — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
- JHM Kapalua Airport, Lahaina — 20 mi away. Directions
Maui's main airport, Kahului Airport, will be the primary access to the island. From Kahului, follow the signs to Kihei, and it should lead you to Highway 311 (Mokulele Highway). Once you reach Kihei, it becomes Highway 31 (Pi'ilani Highway). It is about 10 miles (16 km) from the airport to Kihei and it will take 20-30 minutes to drive.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $90–$200 a night (typical $200), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$280, comfortable ~$370.
Options are grouped as Motels and inns, Hotels and resorts, Rentals and condos in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Kelii's Kayak Tours, Huaka`i Luau, Kai Kanani Sailing Charters
- Lunch That's a Wrap
- Afternoon Shayla Massage, Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
- Dinner Foodland
- Evening Ambrosia Martini Lounge
Day 2
- Morning Kihei Canoe Club, Maui Eco Tours, Snorkeling
- Lunch Longs Drug Store
- Afternoon Maui Massage, Maui Brewing brewery tour
- Dinner Star Markets
- Evening Dog & Duck
Day 3
- Morning Maui Canoe Club, South Pacific Kayaks and Outfitters
- Lunch Safeway
- Afternoon Swimming, Luau
- Dinner Cafe O'Lei
- Evening Joe's
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Most of Kihei's restaurants and grocery stores are strung out along South Kihei Road.
There are supermarkets and smaller food shops along South Kihei Road. Some of the supermarkets can also serve as a restaurant as they sell warm cooked food that is cheaper (and sometimes tastier) than what you find in restaurants.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Kihei does get breezes in the summer that can blow as hard as 25 mph every afternoon. This is usually during the months of April till September and early October. October is known as the season change and the temperatures will go to 80°F and slightly over during the day. Don't let anyone tell you it doesn't get windy in Kihei. Without it, it would be in the 100's during the summer.
Get in
Maui's main airport, Kahului Airport, will be the primary access to the island. From Kahului, follow the signs to Kihei, and it should lead you to Highway 311 (Mokulele Highway). Once you reach Kihei, it becomes Highway 31 (Pi'ilani Highway). It is about 10 miles (16 km) from the airport to Kihei and it will take 20-30 minutes to drive.
By bus
- Maui bus 15 from Ma'alaea takes ~25min
Get around
Kihei is a sprawly place, strung out along the coast for several miles but never more than a mile wide. The main road north-south along the ocean is South Kihei Road and it contains almost all the hotels, condos, restaurants, shops and beaches. If you are staying in the area and don't mind a bit of walking, you can probably get to most things you need without needing a car. If you do drive, the strip malls have their usual adequate free parking although individual restaurants and beaches may not.
The Pi'ilani Highway (Highway 31), about half a mile inland, runs parallel to South Kihei Road and connects with the Mokulele Highway coming down from Kahului. There are quite a few streets that connect the highway with South Kihei Road, so if you're looking to go anywhere other than Kihei, this is the road to take. When asking for directions, no locals will know what "Highway 31" is, they will know it as Pi'ilani Highway. The numbers of highways are seldom posted, and are not known by anyone on island.
Both South Kihei Road and the Pi'ilani Highway have bike lanes, so cyclists should have a bit of space on the roads.
See
- During the winter months, whales can be spotted from the shore.
Do
Canoeing and kayaking
Water activities
Do Snorkeling
There is some nice coral around Kamaole Beach Park III or take one of the snorkel cruises that depart from the Kihei Boat Ramp. You can rent or buy snorkel gear a local shops like Snorkel Bob's and Maui Dive Shop. For info on snorkeling south of Kehei visit the Maui page.
Do Swimming
At one of the many beaches. The trio of Kamaole Beaches Kamaole Beach Park I, II and II are probably the nicest (and busiest) of the Kihei beaches. They each have their own changing rooms although parking is limited if you bring a car
Land activities
Do Luau
Luaus feature Polynesian music and dancing. Several resorts host them on various nights of the week. Most feature a buffet dinner.
Buy
Scuba shops
- Mike Severns Diving in Kihei, +1 808-879-6596.
- Ed Robinson's Diving Adventures in Kihei, +1 808-879-3584.
- Pride of Maui in Maalaea, +1 808-242-0955.
Eat
Most of Kihei's restaurants and grocery stores are strung out along South Kihei Road.
Groceries
There are supermarkets and smaller food shops along South Kihei Road. Some of the supermarkets can also serve as a restaurant as they sell warm cooked food that is cheaper (and sometimes tastier) than what you find in restaurants.
Eat Longs Drug Store
Limited groceries and a good wine selection.
Eat Star Markets
Has a good selection of cooked food to make your own meal and eat on the nearby beach.
Restaurants
Eat Cafe O'Lei
There are several Cafe O'Leis on Maui and all of them have wonderful food. The food is a high quality and prices are reasonable. The Kihei branch has lunch and dinner hours, and the one at the Dunes at Maui Lani has a breakfast menu.
Eat Coconuts Fish Cafe
Great fish tacos plus things like fish burgers cooked to order. Eat in or take out.
Eat Moose McGillyCuddy's Pub & Cafe
Restaurant on one side and bar on the other. Good to place to go if you want background noise and cheap pub-style eats. Has a three-hour happy hour every day and different special each night of the week.
Eat Spices Restaurant
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The small appetites breakfast is good value (for example - 2 eggs, toast and coffee for $4.95); dinner is more expensive.
Eat Nalu's South Shore Grill
Open daily for breakfast and brunch with some breakfast items available all day. You go up to the counter to order and find your own seat. Portions are large here.
Eat That's a Wrap (That's a Wrap Cafe)
Healthy and delicious alternatives including vegan for people on the go. Food is fresh, delicious and healthy and everything is created with Love and Aloha.
Drink
Drink Joe's
On-line reservations available.
Drink Maui Brewing Co
Brewery and tasting room with happy hour from 3-6PM and food trucks daily. Since they brew on site, there are many more beers here than are available elsewhere.
Sleep
Motels and inns
Stay Maui Oceanfront Inn
Hotels and resorts
Rentals and condos
Stay Hale Kamaole
Condos across the street from Kamaole Beach III. Units are typically rented through an agency, online or from the owner directly.
Go next
Maui isn't a large island, so you can go anywhere from Kihei as a day trip.
Nearby, heading south on the Pi'ilani Highway, is the resort community of Wailea and the beautiful beaches of Makena. Further south, with snorkeling and hiking opportunities, is Ahihi Reserve and La Perouse Bay.
Heading out of town on North Kihei Road will provide access to the old whaling town of Lahaina and the resort areas of West Maui.
Heading north on the Mokulele Highway will bring you into the central part of the island, where you can hike or catch the sunrise (or sunset) in Haleakala National Park, drive the Road to Hana, hit the beaches on Maui's north shore or head upcountry and visit Maui's only winery.
Nearby
Ma'alaea
City / town · 5 listings · 4 mi away
Wailea
City / town · 22 listings · 5 mi away
Waikapu
City / town · 3 listings · 7 mi away
Kahului
City / town · 22 listings · 8 mi away
Wailuku
City / town · 7 listings · 10 mi away
Paia
City / town · 7 listings · 11 mi away
Makawao
City / town · 6 listings · 12 mi away
Haiku
City / town · 2 listings · 14 mi away
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