Kīhei, Maui
A six-mile beach town on Maui's leeward South Shore, anchored by the three Kamaʻole beach parks and 300-plus sunny days a year.
Kīhei is a six-mile beach town on the leeward southwest coast of Maui, the central hub of the South Maui visitor region. It is known for its consistent sunshine (about 300 sunny days per year and only ten to thirteen inches of annual rainfall), the three Kamaʻole beach parks, winter whale watching from shore between November and May, and direct beachfront condominium stays. The town sits about 16 miles south of Kahului Airport, a 25-minute drive. The Hale Pau Hana, at 2480 South Kīhei Road, fronts Kamaʻole Beach Park II directly and has been operating as an oceanfront condominium since 1970.
- Kīhei runs roughly six miles north to south along Maui's leeward South Shore, with three sub-corridors: North Kīhei, central Kīhei, and South Kīhei.
- The climate is desert-dry by Hawaii standards, with about ten to thirteen inches of annual rainfall and average daytime temperatures of 81 °F in January and 88 °F in July and August.
- Kīhei has more public-access beaches than any other South Maui town: the three Kamaʻole beach parks, Charley Young Beach, Keawakapu Beach, Kalama Beach Park, and Kalepolepo Beach Park.
- The town is built around South Kīhei Road, the main coastal corridor with most restaurants, beaches, and lodging.
- The Hale Pau Hana, on the southern end of central Kīhei, is the only condominium property fronting Kamaʻole Beach Park II directly.
Where is Kīhei on Maui?
Kīhei is on the southwest coast of Maui, on the leeward, drier side of Haleakalā. The town starts at North Kīhei near Māʻalaea Bay and continues south for roughly six miles to the boundary of Wailea. The main coastal road, South Kīhei Road, runs the full length of the town. The slightly inland route, Piʻilani Highway, parallels it and carries through-traffic. Driving from Kahului Airport (OGG) to central Kīhei takes about 25 minutes for a 16-mile drive.
Where is Kīhei in relation to other Maui towns?
| From Kīhei to | Direction | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului Airport (OGG) | North | about 16 miles | about 25 minutes |
| Wailea | South | 3 miles | 8 minutes |
| Lāhainā | Northwest | 25 miles | 45 minutes |
| Haleakalā summit | Northeast | 38 miles | 90 minutes |
| Hāna (Road to Hāna start) | North via Kahului | 65 miles | 2 h 30 min |
| Mākena (south end of South Maui) | South | 6 miles | 15 minutes |
What is Kīhei known for?
Kīhei is known for four things, in roughly the order travelers usually mention them.
- Beaches. The three Kamaʻole beach parks anchor the town. Kamaʻole Beach Park II, in front of The Hale Pau Hana, is the calmest and clearest of the three.
- Weather. Kīhei sits in the rain shadow of Haleakalā and gets the least rain on Maui. Locals call it "sunny Kīhei." Visitors used to Hawaii's wetter east-side weather are often surprised.
- Whale watching. From late November through early May, North Pacific humpback whales migrate to the channel between Maui, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe. They are visible from any oceanfront balcony on South Kīhei Road, including HPH lanais.
- Direct beachfront condos. Kīhei's lodging mix is heavily weighted toward condominium properties. Many are oceanfront, but only one, The Hale Pau Hana, fronts Kamaʻole Beach II directly.
What is the weather like in Kīhei?
Kīhei is the driest, sunniest area in Maui's main visitor zones. The town receives about 10 to 13 inches of rain per year, almost all of it in the winter months, and averages over 300 sunny days per year. Daytime temperatures sit in the low 80s in January and climb to the high 80s in July and August, with evening lows in the 60s in winter and high 60s in summer. The trade winds usually come up in the afternoon, which cools the beach without cooling the water.
| Season | Day high | Night low | Rainfall | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec to Feb) | 80 to 82 °F | 62 to 65 °F | Most of annual rain, short showers | Whale watching, holidays |
| Spring (Mar to May) | 82 to 85 °F | 64 to 68 °F | Light, occasional showers | Shoulder rates, fewer crowds |
| Summer (Jun to Aug) | 86 to 88 °F | 68 to 70 °F | Very dry, trade winds afternoons | Calmest mornings, families |
| Fall (Sep to Nov) | 85 to 87 °F | 67 to 69 °F | Dry until late November | Best snorkeling visibility |
What are the best beaches in Kīhei?
Kīhei has the most public-access shoreline of any South Maui town. The headline beaches, north to south:
- Kalepolepo Beach Park, calm, protected by an ancient Hawaiian fishpond wall, good for tide-pooling.
- Kalama Beach Park, large grassy park, skate park, surf break popular with locals.
- Charley Young Beach, sheltered cove at the north end of Kamaʻole I, less crowded.
- Kamaʻole Beach Park I, long, flat, golden sand, walking and swimming.
- Kamaʻole Beach Park II, the clearest water of the three Kamaʻoles, fronted by The Hale Pau Hana, family-friendly snorkeling at both points.
- Kamaʻole Beach Park III, smallest beach, largest park, best boogie-boarding.
- Keawakapu Beach, long stretch with soft sand running into Wailea, excellent late-afternoon snorkeling at the south end.
Where should I stay in Kīhei?
Kīhei lodging breaks into three groups: oceanfront condominiums that physically front the beach (The Hale Pau Hana is the only one on Kamaʻole Beach Park II); across-the-road condominiums; and inland condos or short-term rentals. Kīhei offers a relaxed beachfront vibe, with restaurants, shops, and beaches within easy walking distance, compared with the larger Wailea resorts three miles south, where most activities and dining are contained within the resort grounds. Travelers who want that self-contained resort experience usually choose Wailea; those who want a self-catering condo on the sand with the town at their doorstep usually choose Kīhei.
Planning your stay? Compare family-friendly condos in Kīhei, check walking distances from The Hale Pau Hana, and explore restaurants within walking distance.
Frequently asked questions about Kīhei
Is Kīhei a good area to stay in Maui?
Yes, Kīhei is one of the two most popular visitor regions on Maui. It has the largest concentration of beachfront condominiums on the island, more sun than any other major area, and direct ocean access at most properties. It is best for travelers who want self-catering accommodations on or near the sand, with a casual, beach-town atmosphere.
Is Kīhei walkable?
Parts of Kīhei are very walkable, especially the central corridor along South Kīhei Road between Kalama Beach Park and Kamaʻole Beach Park III. Within that stretch you can walk to the three Kamaʻole beaches, multiple restaurants, Kihei Kalama Village, and the farmers market. The full six-mile span is too long to walk end-to-end.
How far is Kīhei from Kahului Airport?
Kahului Airport (OGG) is about 16 miles north of central Kīhei. The drive takes about 25 minutes via Mokulele Highway and Piʻilani Highway. There is no train or shuttle. Most visitors rent a car at the airport.
Do I need a car in Kīhei?
For a beach-only stay at a property like The Hale Pau Hana, with restaurants and beaches within walking distance, a car is optional. For day trips to Haleakalā, the Road to Hāna, Lāhainā, ʻĪao Valley, or upcountry farms, a car is essential because Maui has limited public transit.
When is the best time to visit Kīhei?
Kīhei is a year-round destination. Whale-watching season runs from late November through early May. The driest, calmest ocean conditions are May through October. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) typically have the best balance of weather, prices, and lower crowds.
Is Kīhei or Wailea better?
Kīhei and Wailea are different products, not better or worse. Kīhei is condominium-driven, casual, less expensive, and has more public beach access points. Wailea is resort-driven, higher-end, with manicured grounds, golf courses, and luxury restaurants. Many guests visit both since they sit three miles apart along the same coast.
What is the closest grocery store to The Hale Pau Hana?
The closest full-size grocery is Foodland at 1881 South Kīhei Road, about 2 minutes north by car. Safeway in central Kīhei is about 7 minutes north by car at the Piʻilani Village Shopping Center. Several smaller markets on South Kīhei Road sit within walking distance of The Hale Pau Hana.
Stay where Kīhei begins and ends with the beach
The Hale Pau Hana is the only condominium fronting Kamaʻole Beach Park II directly. Every unit oceanfront, every lanai facing the channel.
Check availability →THE HALE PAU HANA
2480 SOUTH KIHEI ROAD
KIHEI, HI 96753
